Spot on rdp46 and the point you make about "common idolatry" cannot be overstated.  The very idea of mortal man having infallible ideas (as you aptly stated) reeks of golden calves and diving right of kings.  IMHO this is the root cause of clericalism as well as the demise of traditional Catholicism. The educated masses of today can see through this veneer of imperial Romanism and it no longer holds up to sincere scrutiny of any kind.  And, finally, this form of worship (and practices) do not even begin to approach Jesus's teaching as revealed in His sermon on the mount.