Yes they did think those gods that were made by man’s hands were real and yes they did worship that gold statue or carved rocks 🪨 or a piece of wood literally.
Can you show me, is there any verse in the bible says that something like " Christianity is the religion over all other religion" Or Jesus or God say " this is the religion over all other religions" Unambiguous and Unequivocal
When exploring this topic we should also keep in mind the differing contexts of post-exilic Israel, Second Temple Judaism, and early Christianity amidst pagan Rome, as well as our context. I recommend Gerald McDermott's book "Can Evangelicals Learn From World Religions" (IVP, 2000), and Terry Muck and Frances Adeney's "Christianity Encountering World Religions" (Baker, 2009).
You should amend your overgeneralized characterization of the ancient Hebrew "ger" (sojourner). They were not simply allowed to worship other gods, as your address suggests. They were (semi-)permanent non-indigenous residents regulated within Israel's covenant structure. Certain actions were both proscribed (like worship of other gods) and prescribed (e.g., observance of certain laws, even Yahwistic worship regulations). The upshot is the error using them for an overly "tolerant" modern model.
You misquote Tertullian taking his words out of intra-covenantal context, censoring the "one another" away from the love. I can't find your unreferenced quote, but is is similar to Apologeticum 39.7 (ANF 3:46): "But it is mainly the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to put a brand upon us. See, they say, how they love one another . . . and that are ready to die for the one with the other." This is about a special love within the Church by Christians for each other, and you 100% abuse it.
Sojourners dwelling among Israelites must observe all ritual laws & cultic practices exactly like Israelites, e.g. sexual behavior (Lev 18:26), strict sabbath rest (Exod 20:10; Deut 5:14), must offer sacrifice at the door of Tent of Meeting (Lev 17:8-9), forbidden to eat animal with blood (Lev 17:12-14). If sojourners had been allowed to practice their own religious customs, they would influence the Israelites to practice pagan worship (1 Kgs 11:1-4) (Mafico, "Ethics: Old Testament," ABD 2:650)
It's a short talk, not a Ph.D. dissertation. I doubt people would have enjoyed a 15 minute dissection of Tertullian. I also don't think I implied that welcome to the stranger in Israel equaled supporting their religion. Far from it.
