Are the first and second commandments morally distinguishable?

It’s a bit of a trick question when I ask it.

So you think educated Westerners don’t believe in pagan monism?

Heh. Ain’t that cute.

Are pictures of Jesus idolatry? Part 2: what were ancient people thinking?

Thinking so is an understandably venerable Reformed tradition which strikes me as naive and legalistic on several levels. Here, I look at why ancient peoples created idols to worship, and how this radically affects our understanding of the second commandment.

Are pictures of Jesus idolatry? Part 1: exegesis

Thinking so is an understandably venerable Reformed tradition which strikes me as naive and legalistic on several levels. Here, I look at the context of the second commandment to exegete the limitations of its meaning.