How Do Animations of Sikh Gurus/Heroes Hurt Religious Sentiments?

Narayanjot Kaur · #1 (**permalink**) 31-Jul-2010, 23:48 PM

From the Editorial Desk of Narayanjot Kaur, SPN Administrator:
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/announcements/31671-how-do-animations-sikh-gurus-heroes.html
Recently, in fact only yesterday, a site on the web removed all of the digitized animations of a well-known series of stories about the life of Guru Nanak. The day before protests were lodged against You Tube and the video user removed the animations. Complaints were lodged with SGPC asking that legal action be taken for "hurting the religious sentiments of Sikhs." On Facebook, a large number of discussions via personal pages and wall-to-wall posting raged.

At the bottom of the controversy was the belief that the digitized animations were not only disrespectful but they promoted idolatry. Idolatry is specifically forbidden in the Sikh Rehat Maryada. But can that claim stand up? Do animations promote idolatry, any more than single images promote idolatry? Not to push the technicalities too much --- but --- an animation is nothing more than single images arranged in frames that are then timed to shift one to the other automatically, at a set speed.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=31671

So almost any image of our Gurus could be said to promote idolatry. Or hurt religious sentiments of Sikhs by promoting idolatry. We have posted a poll so the membership can express its views. We would also like you to explain your views in this thread by posting comments as replies to the lead article.

* When you reply would you tell us how you define idolatry? What does that mean to you?
* Are there any images of our Gurus that would not promote idolatry in your opinion?
* Or do all images promote idolatry?
* And last question: What is your understanding of the term in Indian law "hurting religious sentiments?"

Please respond to this topic at the following link: How Do Animations of Sikh Gurus/Heroes Hurt Religious Sentiments?

Gurfateh,

Narayanjot Kaur
SPN Administrator
Sikh Philosophy Network
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