Romans 1:21-23

Romans 1:21-23

[21] Because  that, when they knew  God,  they glorified  him not  as  God,  neither  were thankful;  but  became vain  in  their  imaginations,  and  their  foolish  heart  was darkened.  [22] Professing themselves  wise,  they became fools,  [23] And  changed  the glory  of the uncorruptible  God  into  an image  made like  to corruptible  man,  and  to birds,  and  fourfooted beasts,  and  creeping things. 

What does Romans 1:21-23 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Honoring God as God and giving Him thanks ( Romans 1:21) are our primary duties to God in view of who He is. When people reject truth, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to recognize and receive truth.
Whenever human wisdom sets itself against God, the result is soon seen in human foolishness." [1]
Mythology and idolatry have resulted from man"s need to identify some power greater than himself and his refusal to acknowledge God as that power. Men and women have elevated themselves to God"s position (cf. Daniel 2:38; Daniel 3:1; Daniel 5:23). In our day, humanism has replaced the worship of individual human leaders in most developed countries. Man has descended to the worship of animals as well (cf. Psalm 106:20). This is perhaps more characteristic of third world countries.
"This tragic process of human "god-making" continues apace in our own day, and Paul"s words have as much relevance for people who have made money or sex or fame their gods as for those who carved idols out of wood and stone." [2]
Note the allusions to the creation story in the threefold division of the animal kingdom in Romans 1:23.