Question coming soon there is a film called "Where the wild Things Are."
In this film, people wear big animal costumes.
Does this count as idolatry? The law says no graven image of any living thing
which walks on the ground, swims in the sea etc etc.
But "image" implies something that the object of "worship" remains
stationary, so, since these are costumes, in a moving person, does it count as
a sin? And, if we are watching them on screen, where they do not stick out,
but only appear 3D, does it count?
Also, in computer animation,
though the characters themselves don't stick out of the screen, they are
animated to LOOK 3-Dimensional, despite being 2-Dimensional. Therefore,
do they count as "graven"?
There is also another kind of animation called "stop motion" animation-
in which idols are anmated to move. These idols are actual statues, and,
during the animation process, the animator takes one photograph, moves the
statue/idol, and then takes another in a consecutive series of photographs to
create movement. The building of the actual toys, i would count as idolatry,
but seeing these films aswell? After all, they are 2-Dimensional on screen.
Do you think you could go in-depth for me on this one? Also, if you are on
the film set of "Where the Wild Things Are," if you leave the costume sitting
on a sofa, without the moving person inside, does it count as idolatry at this
point in time? However, if the costumes is sitting on a chair, would it not be
flat and lying bent on a chair, meaning it is not "in the shape of an animal"
which walks on the ground, swims in the sea etc etc.? im sure the film-
makers didnt especially make sure to fold the costumes, but if these
costumes do count as idols, would the sin be mitzvah if the costume was
kept folded?
thankyou!
Answer The key to idolatry is worship and/or spirituality. Items produced or used for reasons other than worship or spirituality; items that are not 'charged' with religious intent, are not idols. Worship might mean anticipating that the item will do something wonderful for you, bowing to it or serving it in some way that is considered worship or service. In days gone by, when just about everything might qualify as an idol, the restrictions were greater. But now days most people don't worship the sun, a fish, tigers, etc. Items that would qualify as idols today included Buddha statutes, crosses, religious icons and statues. There is nothing idolatrous about the items you mention unless the intent to make a god out of them exists. Thanks for your question. Shalom!
