Final answer:
In historical context, idolatry was met with condemnation and actions such as the destruction of idols or punishment, based on religious texts like the Old Testament. Modern responses would vary, typically emphasizing religious tolerance within the framework of a country's laws and values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The actions to be taken if the people of a city turn to idolatry have varied historically and depend on the cultural, legal, and religious context of the society. In ancient times, such as the period described in the Old Testament, the shift to idolatry was met with profound disapproval. According to the book of Exodus, the making and worshiping of idols were expressly prohibited, as stated in Exodus 20:4-5 which mentions, "You shall not make for yourself an idol... you shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God."
Historically, at different times and places, prescribed responses to idolatry have included destruction of idols, punishment of individuals (as seen with Moses breaking the tablets when he found the Israelites worshiping the golden calf), or even societal reform efforts aiming to return to monotheistic practices. However, in our modern world, approaches to freedom of religion and the response to idolatry would be governed by the laws and values of the country concerned, which often include tolerance for a diversity of religious beliefs and practices.