3. Other Gods and Beliefs
In the last chapter, we saw that the biblical god is a jealous god who wants all the attention. So what does he think about the other gods?Well, the short answer is that he doesn't like them very much. He commands us not to serve them, bow down to them, sacrifice to them, make images of them (or anything else), or even to mention their names. If we do any of these things, it makes him crazy.
And yet there are people who believe in other gods. What should we do with them?
God's answer to that is clear: don't follow them, make treaties with them, or let them live in your land. Rather, you should conquer them and destroy their religious property; kill them, all of them, including their children and animals. Then burn their cities and never rebuild them.
What about heathens, unbelievers, and people who hate the Lord?
Well, there are certain thing that you should not do. Don't love them, help them, seek their well-being, or pray for them. Shun them instead. If that doesn't work, break them with a rod and smash them to pieces. And watch out for the evil heart of unbelief.
What about witches, and wizards, and people with familiar spirits?
First of all don't use enchantment or observe times. And don't go a whoring after people who do. Don't allow any of these people to live in your community. If they try to do so (as we'll see later in the chapter on crime and punishment) kill them.
How about abominations and cursed things?
Don't touch them or bring them into your house. Rather, you should detest, abhor, and destroy them.
Gods, idols, and graven images
What to do with people who believe in other gods
Heathens and Unbelievers
Witchcraft, Astrology, and Magic
Abominations and Cursed Things
(Numbered P and N links are to the positive and negative commandments on Maimonides's list.)