I love this game and have played it once before, but had stopped playing it once, after the rock was carrved. I want to keep them from carving the rock. I do not feel comfortable playing a game in which my characters are "worshiping" an idol. Is there a way to keep them from carving the rock? For example, if I get all the techs to 3 but leave the Spiritual at 2, would that keep the rock from being carved?

I think so. But its only a game.

I think you have to start the carving by dropping a builder on it, so I think you should be able to do what you want. But there is a very important puzzle that cannot be completed until that one is. So if you do not carve the rock, well then there will be five puzzles you will not solve.

Good Luck