Religion and idolatry

[Angrboda]

Idolatry is widely practiced in the religions mentioned, yet because idolatry is considered "bad," these practices aren't thought of as idolatry.

I guess the obvious question is, "What is idolatry?" I'd suggest that idolatry is the ritual practice of using an analog or symbol of a thing to invoke the power of a thing.

I'm not sufficiently familiar with Islam, but it would appear this practice is common in Christianity, e.g. "the cross".