Whether it is a cheap shot on the part of the manufacturers, or a legitimate product made by the manufacturers, this and many other items of a similar nature are mass produced and sold at various religion-based stores. Whether it is a plaster mold of Budai/Hotei, the rotund god of good fortune, a necklace with the Star of David, earrings depicting the Cross, a bobblehead Siva , or a plastic Jesus, religious symbols have become mainstream, mass produced, mass purchased, and idolized across the world. I presented one example, in a comedic light, to bring a point across.
Idols are blasphemed in most every version of the Bible and in many variations of the Abrahamic religions. It is, as well, addressed in other religions. However, Dark Lotus, your reaction to this image demonstrates the confusion associated with idolatry. If, indeed, it is considered wrong to idolize, then why carry such heated convictions as to how those idols are portrayed?
Perhaps a deeper understanding on the context, a greater insight into how symbols of religious beliefs transcend being labeled idols, yet are still coveted and defended with such reverence, can provide much needed information to this discussion.
