Collecting Idols?

drich0150 · #1 22nd June 2008, 01:10 AM

Just by the nature of collecting (assigning meaning or value to an object or series of objects) Does anyone else fear this is a form of Idolatry?

I find myself scouring eBay and other places trying to complete collections or sets , and can't help, but wonder where the line is, and exactly how long ago i passed it.

pegatha · #2 16th July 2008, 08:54 PM

Wow, this is an excellent question!

You indicated that you feel you've already crossed over the line. That's between you and God, of course, but if you think you're doing something wrong, you can always ask Him to change your heart and your priorities.

I don't believe collecting per se is wrong. I know Christians who have delightful collections of various sorts, but they own their things. Their things don't own them.

If you're spending beyond your means so you can continue to collect--if you're keeping your new purchases secret from your spouse--if you buy things you don't have room for--if your collection has become a burden rather than an innocent source of pleasure--then your collection probably has become your idol.

A few years ago, I got to this point with one of my collections. Eventually, God gave me the grace to see that I was in over my head, and to see that I was using my collection as a way to distract myself from the real problems in my life. By that point, I wasn't enjoying my collection any more. Maintenance and storage were becoming a problem, and I felt guilt instead of pleasure when I bought a new item. Also, I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace class about that time, and realized that I wanted a healthy savings account more than I wanted any new collectibles. I'm presently selling off some of my items, though I plan to keep the most meaningful pieces.

Anyway, these are my thoughts.

NostalgicGranny · #3 17th July 2008, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by pegatha

Wow, this is an excellent question!

You indicated that you feel you've already crossed over the line. That's between you and God, of course, but if you think you're doing something wrong, you can always ask Him to change your heart and your priorities.

I don't believe collecting per se is wrong. I know Christians who have delightful collections of various sorts, but they own their things. Their things don't own them.

If you're spending beyond your means so you can continue to collect--if you're keeping your new purchases secret from your spouse--if you buy things you don't have room for--if your collection has become a burden rather than an innocent source of pleasure--then your collection probably has become your idol.

A few years ago, I got to this point with one of my collections. Eventually, God gave me the grace to see that I was in over my head, and to see that I was using my collection as a way to distract myself from the real problems in my life. By that point, I wasn't enjoying my collection any more. Maintenance and storage were becoming a problem, and I felt guilt instead of pleasure when I bought a new item. Also, I took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace class about that time, and realized that I wanted a healthy savings account more than I wanted any new collectibles. I'm presently selling off some of my items, though I plan to keep the most meaningful pieces.

Anyway, these are my thoughts.

I whole heartedly agree with this. In fact one of my study guides suggests that if maintenance and storage becomes a problem with your collections that maybe the "thing" is owning you instead of you owning it, and it has become a sort of idol. I too am getting rid of some of my collections.

drich0150 · #4 18th July 2008, 02:06 AM

Thanks for your comments! My personal collections have all but stopped in the last few years, but I like to inspire thought among others.. Does anyone else have any other views?

JDawggS316 · #5 8th July 2009, 01:39 AM

I collect old vintage Batman comic books and have never considered myself overtaken by them to the point where my relationship with God has been hindered.

I do, however, feel as with anything, that if taken to an extreme extant of obsession, there needs to be some moderating.

I too have scoured the internet (and definitely eBay

) looking for older issues etc. And yes, I have had to hold back and give it rest once I realized how much money was being spent.

If your money isn't going towards God's Kingdom at all, then I would say collecting has taken His place.

My two cents.

agapedragon · #6 17th February 2010, 07:15 PM

You have a good point. I have a problem with finding room for my dolls. I collect porcelain and Barbie dolls, also paper dolls. Thing is, I use to make my own paper dolls, but I have become very picky about my own artwork and it seems to be there is always something wrong with the dolls I draw. So I end up printing dolls from online for free, or buying them. But I really did enjoy making my own designs of paper dolls, I realize I am being to hard on my own artwork. I also collect figurines of angels, fairies, unicorn s and dragons. I have like pretty fantasy figures, not ugly or witchy looking ones. The cheap ones don't look that good. I am rapidly running out of room for more. SO perhaps I should not get anymore. I also have a lot of movie dvds, and books.

genestealerbroodlord · #7 18th February 2010, 11:25 AM

I started a Wargaming hobby about 20 years ago and it really did start taking over. 2 rooms in my flat were completely taken over by it. About 6 months ago, I just gathered up everything that I really wasn't ever going to use and dumped it. Although I still have a few things, it's no longer such a big part of my life.

I suppose in a way, it did become a bit of an idol. I did a 12 step addictions class with my church about a year ago and suspect that had something to do with my dumping all that stuff. It felt like I was cleaning out, not just my closet, But myself too, so I think that tells me something.

I just started collecting Action Man/GI Joe and intend them to be a display for my living room. This way, I know when im done, as I intend to only get one display case and put a couple figures on each shelf. I have 5 figures and am getting a couple more to complete it.