Interesting—iphone and idol begin with “i”.
Does that tell us something of a connection ?
Perhaps we should consider what makes an idol, and see if the iphone, or any cell phone, qualifies as an idol.
(1) — An idol can be a statue or carved image that a person gives homage or special attention, with expectation of protection and blessings in return, acknowledging supernatural qualities with the idol.
(2) — An idol can be a person with so much power that he demands worship as a god.
(3) — An idol can be an unknown and unapproachable deity that makes followers perform unimaginable acts and rituals in hopes of pleasing it and appeasing its anger.
(4) — An idol can be an intangible entity that calls for, and consumes, a priority of our time and attention.
(5) — An idol can be something that we ‘can’t live without’ (we could, but painfully).
(6) — An idol can be identified and measured by what we do, or feel, or say when we lose it (do we ‘lose it’ when we lose it ?)
(7) — An idol can be what we treasure most or work hardest to acquire.
(8) — An idol can be another person, or ourself, or what we are capable of, or what we have accomplished.
(9) — An idol can be something we would not give up, or give away, to help someone less fortunate.
(10) — An idol can be any priority we pursue, with sacrifices over the top.
We might conclude that the above examples of idols don’t apply to us, and can’t possibly have any connection with our cell phones.
Maybe so, but we’re not done analyzing what idols have in common—and how people respond to their idols.
— Idols have power over us, voluntary on our part, or involuntary.
— Idols call for, and get, a significant portion of our time or energy or money, or all three.
— Idols entice us (however innocently), and we get accustomed to dependence and allegiance.
— Idols can be like drugs, with godlike control over us.
— Idols take priority over relationships, and come between us and those we love (loved).
Can the reader scrutinize each item above, with your cell phone in front of you ?
Re-read slowly, one at a time.
I leave the application to you, to make any changes necessary.
(I hope this has been a word for thought for someone.)