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Shiva sits in the corner of my room.

Someone sent me a message regarding the picture I posted on Facebook. (I added it here for your viewing enjoyment.) The email was basically asking me why, as a Christian and a pastor, would I 1) have something that was clearly from a "pagan religion" and 2) why would I make fun of someone's religion by buying a doll? So after I did my best to not go into a rage emailing attack here's my response to those questions. Regarding the pagan religion comment - I don't believe that Hinduism is a pagan religion. The pantheon of gods in Hinduism is a reflection of who individuals relate to their Higher Being/Creator/the Divine. I'd consider it the same as there are how many different names there are in Christianity for God but it's all about knowing God. I also am a Universalist. Just because I choose to align myself with Christianity that does not mean that I do not study and learn about other faith traditions. I can become a better person because of the writings and teachings of other religions. I feel that there are many common themes throughout all of the world's religions and I'm just learning more about who I believe God is. Regarding the fact that this is a doll and may be considered making "fun" of someone else or another's religion - let me clear this up. I firmly believe that one needs to have a sense of humor about all of their lives, every part, including their religion. Having a sense of humor does not mean that I'm making fun it means that I can see the uniqueness in this representation of Shiva and for me it's something that I like. And for the record when I can get to the box that they're in, Shiva will be joining my Jesus, Buddha and Gandhi dolls. They're a good starting point for discussions and teachings. They remind me of things and teachings that are important to me and, flat out I like them. So judge me as you will but I will continue to have items from other religions and you better believe I will be adding to my "doll collection" when I find another one that resonates with me and when I have the cash to buy it.
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