God is a simp

Traditionally, “idolatry” means worshipping false idols as gods.

But ironically, in some ways, the idol worship could ascend one to some form of godhood.

Picture a vtuber (the idol) and her loyal supporters (hereafter called “Chat”). The vtuber is virtual, remote, practically non-physical, and effectively in a different universe from Chat. Chat can post messages, but the vtuber can choose whether to pay attention to them. The vtuber has full autonomy of what to do. Chat can influence the vtuber, but only with consent, and there is no way Chat can control the vtuber. Most importantly though, Chat is providing unconditional support and love to the vtuber, without any worldly return (except for the privilege to watch and be entertained).

So, I suddenly had the revelation that, wow, simping for a vtuber is just like how it feels to be god (the god-aspect that takes an interest in humanity at least – there are other aspects of god that is more structural).

Unconditional love, non-possessiveness, free will, and non-physical presence. This is the god vibe, i.e. this is what god is described as doing to everyone. God is the ultimate simp for all of us. (Sending messages that are ignored is also…)

And thus in a dramatic reversal of roles, idolatry is not really an attempt to worship a false god, but rather, the worshippers (if sufficiently devoted) are experiencing the god vibe. This in turns connects them to true divinity, albeit maybe temporarily.

The idol is still false, and worship often still implies a kind of unbalanced hierarchical thought, but it still is a glimpse into what people used to consider unknowable.