The most detestable thing to God is worshiping other gods (idols)
The Jewes set their course with God when they did not fully erradicate all the people worshipping other gods in the promised land.
And idols aren't just little clay, wood, or metal figurines. As Paul tells us, they are indwelt by very real spiritual beings (gods, little "g").
And these spirit beings are still around. See Ephesians 6:12. These are "principalities," "powers," "rulers of the darkness of this world," "spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Pretending they don't exist is like living in a make-believe fairyland. Not believing doesn't make them go away.