What is wrong with smashing the idols?

[Quintessence]

I would enjoy having the opportunity to throw a shovel full of dirt in the grave.

If I believed the issue could be buried as such... *sigh*

Mischaracterization of polytheistic practices or theologies as "idolatry" is too central to the thinking of exclusivist monotheisms. It's understandable why the traditions developed that way - new movements often start by defining themselves in opposition to whatever the status quo of the culture is. Hard line traditionalists (aka, fundamentalists) will remain in that rigid space to protect the new way of life, while others soften up and discard those ways of thinking while still honoring the new traditions. Each to their own. Some need to draw really strong boundaries that end up mischaracterizing others to do what they do. Others don't. It's just annoying if you're one of the groups being mischaracterized, yes?

 

[Kirran]

Well, we've only had how many threads about this fairly recently? I'm pretty convinced by this point the truth of the matter will never sink in. Should I make a thread to attempt to put this in the ground? Seems like an exercise in futility, though...

Go for it! I'll read it

 

[allfoak]

If I believed the issue could be buried as such... *sigh*

Mischaracterization of polytheistic practices or theologies as "idolatry" is too central to the thinking of exclusivist monotheisms. It's understandable why the traditions developed that way - new movements often start by defining themselves in opposition to whatever the status quo of the culture is. Hard line traditionalists (aka, fundamentalists) will remain in that rigid space to protect the new way of life, while others soften up and discard those ways of thinking while still honoring the new traditions. Each to their own. Some need to draw really strong boundaries that end up mischaracterizing others to do what they do. Others don't. It's just annoying if you're one of the groups being mischaracterized, yes?

Think about the thread idea.
Be creative, show the folly in the way they think.
It is not for the purpose of proving anything or to make anyone look bad, but there are others who listen to and even look up to your perspective and other's perspectives on this board.
Certainly there would be some benefit in sharing a more enlightened perspective.
We should take advantage of every opportunity to make things clear.

 

[Quintessence]

Go for it! I'll read it

I'd be more apt to spin up a thread on Comparative Religion for various folks to write about their usages of art to facilitate religious worship. It's not like I'm the authority on this - we use things like paintings, statuary, and the like in different ways in our traditions. And discussion-based threads are more to my liking than "beat person over head with stick" type threads... lol.

 

[SomeRandom]

The idols distract one's attention from the real Godhead, so it serves no purpose. Please
Did the idols ever say that

• they perform an important role between the humans and the God,
• and or (Supreme)God had assigned such role to them
• or that (Supreme)God abhors direct interaction with the righteous human
• and as such inanimates will perform an intermediary role between the righteous and the (Supreme)God?

There is nothing like that. Right? Please
Regards

Idols are symbolic. Do you know what symbolic means? It's not literal.

In any case just because you personally don't see the value of it doesn't mean it has no value to other people. You're not the centre of the universe, you're not that important. Other people might find value in such things. Like geez have you people never heard of the phrase live and let live or different strokes for different folks? Who cares? Let people have their idols and worship however they please. If you want your views and right to worship to be protected and respected, extend the same courtesy to others. Remember do unto others as you would have done to yourself.

I might not see value in say praying towards a certain direction 5 times a day. But you don't see me whining constantly about such a practice. Because I'm mature enough to know that other people find value in it, regardless of my opinion.
If you were truly tolerant of other beliefs you'd take the time to actually learn about them instead of ignorantly regurgitating your straw man arguments about them.

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

What is wrong with smashing the idols? I have smashed one and then trashed it, also I once throw the cross away. Have you ever smashed an idol?

Prophet Abraham once said to his father Azar: "Takest thou idols for gods? For I see thee and thy people in manifest error."

Namaste,

Usually "Smashing Idols" is accompanied with other types of violence, I think this article has a mention of what other atrocities occur that include the smashing of Idols.

From the Article:

According to survivors’ accounts, the police did not even spare about 15 kids – aged between five and 12 – who had taken shelter in their school (a thatched hut). The kids had gathered there to make arrangements for Saraswati Puja, which was to be celebrated the next day (1 February), when the cops and cadres landed at Marichjhapi. Hearing the firing and cries of their elders, the scared kids huddled inside the school, cowering in fear. The cops and cadres herded them out of the school and decapitated them. Not content with their gory act, they smashed the idol of Goddess Saraswati into smithereens.

Link to full story
The Forgotten Story Of The Marichjhapi Massacre By Marxists

 

[Kirran]

Namaste,

Usually "Smashing Idols" is accompanied with other types of violence, I think this article has a mention of what other atrocities occur that include the smashing of Idols.

From the Article:

Link to full story
The Forgotten Story Of The Marichjhapi Massacre By Marxists

I have heard that of late many of the Communist groups in India have been reversing stance, and starting to go all Hindu-friendly.

 

[Vinayaka]

I have heard that of late many of the Communist groups in India have been reversing stance, and starting to go all Hindu-friendly.

If true, it'd be nice.

 

[Kirran]

If true, it'd be nice.

It would. I rather hope they're also being more Muslim- and Buddhist- and Christian-friendly, while they're at it.

 

[Vinayaka]

It would. I rather hope they're also being more Muslim- and Buddhist- and Christian-friendly, while they're at it.

It's so hard to tell, we're so far away, and as far as I know the movement remains fairly localised, part of its 'success' in spreading. I don't trust news, or even first hand accounts. Rumours spread faster than wildfire due to the internet, and use of propaganda knowledge.

 

[Kirran]

It's so hard to tell, we're so far away, and as far as I know the movement remains fairly localised, part of its 'success' in spreading. I don't trust news, or even first hand accounts. Rumours spread faster than wildfire due to the internet, and use of propaganda knowledge.

You can trust me though. I am totally trustworthy. Ask anyone. People love me! All my friends say so. I have big, important friends, believe me!

 

[Vinayaka]

You can trust me though. I am totally trustworthy. Ask anyone. People love me! All my friends say so. I have big, important friends, believe me!

I don't even trust my own Imaginary friends.

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

I have heard that of late many of the Communist groups in India have been reversing stance, and starting to go all Hindu-friendly.

Namaste,

I don't know, have not heard this. But i don't think its about being "Hindu-Friendly", but more about respecting each other, I don't care if a person claims to be communist or Marxist as long as we can have respect for each other, I can be "Christian-friendly", but have no respect for Christianity or Christians, which is not a good thing.

I think the "Smashing of Idols", is never in isolation and is never done without violent events leading up to and events post the "Smashing", it's not like someone walks into a Hindu temple for example and politely asks if one can "smash", the Idols, and then picking up the pieces of debris so no one accidentally steps on it, then thanking the priest for letting them smash their idol, and hoping the priest reply's with "Thank you, come again".

 

[Kirran]

Namaste,

I don't know, have not heard this. But i don't think its about being "Hindu-Friendly", but more about respecting each other, I don't care if a person claims to be communist or Marxist as long as we can have respect for each other, I can be "Christian-friendly", but have no respect for Christianity or Christians, which is not a good thing.

I think the "Smashing of Idols", is never in isolation and is never done without violent events leading up to and events post the "Smashing", it's not like someone walks into a Hindu temple for example and politely asks if one can "smash", the Idols, and then picking up the pieces of debris so no one accidentally steps on it, then thanking the priest for letting them smash their idol, and hoping the priest reply's with "Thank you, come again".

As in all of Indian politics, it's about courting supporters along communal lines. Hence the phrasing.

Solid points.

At the end of the day, being willing to "smash idols" is already indicative of a deeper level of disrespect and narrow-mindedness.

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

As in all of Indian politics, it's about courting supporters along communal lines. Hence the phrasing.

Solid points.

At the end of the day, being willing to "smash idols" is already indicative of a deeper level of disrespect and narrow-mindedness.

Namaste,

Yeh politics, always using the people's power to choose against the "other", people.

PS: Did you like the "thank you, come again", bit at the end,

 

[Kirran]

Namaste,

Yeh politics, always using the people's power to choose against the "other", people.

PS: Did you like the "thank you, come again", bit at the end,

But if we support the Aam Aadmi Party it will all be OK.

It was a good lampoon, yep If only it weren't to fall on deaf ears, other than those of those of us in the choir!

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

But if we support the Aam Aadmi Party it will all be OK.

It was a good lampoon, yep If only it weren't to fall on deaf ears, other than those of those of us in the choir!

Namaste,
Thanks,
Please,
regards,
Shalom,
AnyongHasayong

 

[Satyamavejayanti]

Namaste,

Back to the topic at hand, there are countless accounts of Peaceful Idol Smashing recorded in India.

Persecution of Hindus - Wikipedia

 

[FearGod]

Namaste,

Back to the topic at hand, there are countless accounts of Peaceful Idol Smashing recorded in India.

Persecution of Hindus - Wikipedia

Why we have only persecution news from India?
Muslims invaded many lands and their ruling were a blessing to the people
whom were actually oppressed by their own rulers.

 

[SomeRandom]

Why we have only persecution news from India?
Muslims invaded many lands and their ruling were a blessing to the people
whom were actually oppressed by their own rulers.

Ahem
Persecution of Christians - Wikipedia
Persecution of Bahá'ís - Wikipedia
Discrimination against atheists - Wikipedia

That's not to say this is the only examples of religious persecution. Everyone under all religions have been subject to discrimination and persecution by pretty much everyone else. Everyone has blood on their hands mate, own it.