How Is Avodah Zara Defined?

Rabbi Yosef Kushner

Question :  How would we define what constitutes avodah zara today?

Answer: To give a broad definition: Avodah zara means any religious worship to any deity other than Hashem.

In today’s times, this generally refers to Christianity. 

Many people are of the mistaken belief that Christianity’s belief in a “trinity” does not constitute avodah zara. The consensus amongst the Rishonim, however, is that Christianity does constitute Avodah Zara. The Rambam and others clearly state that Christianity is a form of Avodah Zara.  Although I have heard that there is a small strain of Christianity that does not worship a trinity, the vast majority of adherents of the religion do; therefore, mainstream Christianity is definitely a form of avodah zara and Christian churches are houses of avodah zara.  

It goes without saying that eastern religions also are considered avodah zara.

Question:  Are any of today’s major religions not avodah zara?

Answer: Islam is generally assumed to not be considered avodah zara. Although they believe in a navi sheker, they do not worship him as a god. Accordingly, when we discuss avodah zara, we are not referring to Islam.