Chapter XI of Calvin’s Institutes is comprised of a very lengthy treatment about the nature of idolatry and constructing images in the form of God. In this chapter Calvin makes many solid Scriptural arguments against the depiction of God in the form of any images, whether it be carved statues, paintings, etc. He then takes some of the leaders of the church at the time, including the Pope, to task about their worship of idolatrous images and complete disregard for what Scripture says on the matter.
A few quotes that stood out in this section from Calvin are as follows:
“God’s glory is corrupted by an impious falsehood whenever any form is attached to him.” (1.11.1, pg. 100)
“From this is it clear that every statue man erects, or every image he paints to represent God, simply displeases God as something dishonorable to his majesty.” (1.11.2, pg. 101)
“At least I hold this: when we teach that it is vanity and falsehood for men to try to fashion God in images, we are doing nothing else but repeating word for word what the prophets have taught.” (1.11.5, pg. 105)
“We must surely infer this general doctrine, that whatever men learn from God from images is futile, indeed false.” (1.11.5, pg. 105)
There were many other quotes in this chapter that were great, but these will suffice.
When I read this last quote, about what men learn about God from images, I thought about how our church today, and culture as a whole, is plagued by accepting and learning anything that is “new” or “novel,” especially some new image or way of expressing who God is. People want to learn more about heaven from the accounts of a young boy in Heaven is for Real than they do from the Scriptures. One example that really stuck with me from this quote was how many idolatrous images were displayed in the bestseller, The Shack, and how many people claimed to have found a deeper knowledge of and faith in God through this book. This book is filled with idolatrous imagery, something explicitly forbidden in the Scriptures, and here explained in great detail by Calvin.
Well, enough of ranting. I could go on and on, but I digress. The point is this: Many people want to turn to images and visions and so forth to understand God in a newer, deeper way, when instead we are to turn to His timeless, eternal Word that He has revealed to us, and through which is the fullest way we are able to know Him!
What are some idolatrous images that you see in Christianity today, maybe even in your local church?
Longing 4 Truth 
What kind of imagery are you referring to as idolatrous? I have not read The Shack and do not know anything about it (I think I saw the cover somewhere one time), but I find it hard to believe that imagery = idolatry. Did not Jesus use imagery very frequently? Were there not numerous parables that Jesus used to describe the kingdom? These images of the kingdom of God are used to provide a clearer understanding of the nature of God. Anything that parallels scripture and may aid in one’s understanding of the very nature of God does not seem very much like idolatry.
Maybe more examples might clear up your point…
That is a good point Seth. I did not mean to make the point that imagery = idolatry because it certainly does not. You make good points about Scripture in general, and Jesus specifically, using imagery. It certainly does, and illustrations that we use in our sermons and teaching which use imagery that parallels Scriptural teaching can absolutely aid one in understanding.
However, what you never see in Scripture, and what you see expressly forbidden in Scripture, is imagery that is supposed to stand for God the Father! That is, in fact, what the Shack does. In The Shack, God the Father is personified by a black woman. It is this that I am arguing is idolatry, when we let an image or a figure stand for how we see the person of God.
I probably should have made that clearer. Sorry, I was just rushing through and making a quick point. I hope that clarifies what I was trying to get at. Let me know if it doesn’t or if you have any other questions or comments. I appreciate the feedback!