Even from his mother’s womb [quote]

Idolatry, Quotes

From John Calvin’s Commentary Upon the Acts of the Apostles

Let us learn by this how ready the world is to fall to superstition.  Yea, this wickedness is in a manner born with us, to be desirous to adorn creatures with that which we take from God.  Wherefore, no marvel if new errors have come abroad in all ages, seeing every one of us is, even from his mother’s womb, expert in inventing idols.  But lest men excuse themselves therewithal, this history doth witness that this is the fountain of superstitions, because men are unthankful to God, and do give his glory to some other.

Or as a newer translation of Calvin’s words puts it

Let us also learn from this how ready the world is to become superstitious.  We seem to be born with the desire to adorn created things with what belongs only to God.  It is not surprising, then, that new errors have spread in every age, since every one of us is expert in inventing idols.  But this story show that the source of superstitions is our ingratitude to God and giving his glory to someone else.

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