Ownership

Every time we claim ownership over someone or something, we assert our control over them or the object/idea. Ownership is viewed by many as contrary to the gospel and that is why monks renounce it.

One of the biggest problems with idolatry in the OT is that the ancient civilizations wanted to worship a god they could own. A god made of wood or gold could be owned and worshiped in the manner they chose to worship him. Yahweh was different - He rejected idolatry because, first, gods made of wood and gold are not real, and secondly, He was not going to let his creation control Him.

Based on this understanding, I think it is profitable to examine our need to own things in our life. Jesus didn't own a thing. I think ownership also communicates a lack of faith because it is the assertion of our will instead of trust in God.

In addition, abuse is rooted in asserting ownership over another person - sexual abuse and spousal abuse used to be accepted when we believed women and child were our possessions - now thankfully, things have changed for the better.

Also, memorizing scripture, rather than the message of scripture can be a form of ownership - if we control the Word and use it to assert our will over others - sure we call it God's Will, but a lot of times, that is a justification for belittling and attacking others with our superior understanding of scripture.

Ownership and objectification of people go hand in hand.