Idolatry ancient and modern: literal idol worship still exists; covetousness is idolatry; some Catholic practices parallel ancient idolatry; smartphone use threatens prayer life.

Winger insists the biblical definition of idolatry is literal worship of false gods, which still occurs globally. Paul's equation of covetousness with idolatry (Ephesians 5:5, Colossians 3:5) shows that idolatry is at root about replacing God with something you love more — ancient idols were often patron gods sought to get desired outcomes (wealth, safe voyages, romantic success), which parallels using God as a vending machine. He notes certain Catholic practices — praying to saints for specific needs, burying saint statues in yards — parallel ancient patron-deity religion (though he distinguishes this from official Catholic teaching). On smartphones: the real danger is not Christian content consumption per se but that phones now fill every idle moment that previously would have been filled with prayer. On being idolized: Winger says he tries to project himself as a brother in Christ rather than a pedestal figure, but acknowledges the concern is real.