Got idols?

I'm writing on Isaiah this semester, so be forewarned that this seer's biblical theology will be informing my thoughts in coming months. Below is a quote I won't have room for in my book, but is worthy of discussion.

"Idolatry is Isaiah's primary concern about us. This is offensive, because we thought we left idolatry behind centuries ago. But Isaiah, who understands the power of God, also understands the power of non-gods.

It works on our minds. Every day we shift our deepest fears behind amusements, professional achievements, and even lesser fears. As we drive slowly around a car accident, we think, "It wasn't me" to distance ourselves mentally. We think, "They must have been driving recklessly," because blaming is reassuring. We sense how vulnerable we are.

But any evasion of plain dealing with God is idol-manufacture.

And we do not let go of our idols easily. In heaping our idolatries together, we assemble a culture—a brilliant, collaborative quest to prove ourselves. ... Ignoring and forgetting is why we hold this banquet called the American Dream.

... Our cheery but demanding idols, with their empty promises, are failing us. The fact is, death watches us, stalks us, takes aim, and shoots straight.

- Raymond C. Ortland, Isaiah.

Any thoughts? Or would you rather shift this discussion behind some amusements?

- Cory