How long has man's tendency to worship false gods been a problem?
This tendency has plagued the human race ever since the Tower of Babel at least. It is described as innate in human nature, a drawing power that leads people to worship idols of one sort or another instead of the living God.
Les explains that idolatry and pagan worship can be lumped together with sins such as witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, and heresies. He points back to Jeremiah 44, where even Israel, who had the proof of the living God from their beginning, followed after pagan gods. He also recalls Elijah's controversy on Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal, noting that Israel had been following them. This bent to worship a false god has plagued the human race since the Tower of Babel at least and is innate in human nature.