"To study the Reformation debate over idolatry is to peer into the eye of the storm. 'Idolatry' is a fighting word. It presupposes a definition of what is true and what is false in religion, for an idol cannot be universally recognized as such; idolatry is not simply the worship of a physical object, but rather any form of devotion that is judged to be incorrect''(Eire in War Against the Idols, p. 5).

In this book Ryle gives the definition, cause, and form of idolatry.

He concludes by showing what will end it.