I declare..I am a human who believes in unity amongst all. This image does not contain the views of the brycer. The Om is a 2-d import, the rest all pure bryce. Why just the cross and Om? Created this while creating a logo for the interfaith marriage between my nephew and a Catholic. This image just happened.. Wasn't there a post a few days a back on religious sentiments while creating an image? My problem with creating the logo was that I fear pple..including my family..may ask me why did I change the Om (it does not show in this. In place of the dot..I used the cross.I checked with a Hindi experct if it wld change the meaning of the Om..or the pronounciation..graphic wise..logo wise.. no.)Unity..where the Om and the cross becomes one, I know I can argue. I have no idea if this will be allowed up...

What a coincidence you post this up... The staff has been going over some issues this past week about religious inspired art. We are working out the particulars of what wording to include into our TOS to allow and protect these certain works. (It's tricky, with what aspects we are working with, but there are better minds than mine hammering out the wording) This picture, off the top of my head, would be fine. Yet, in some cases, we might ask members to, if they can, provide some level of info about their religious works (only if need be). Meaning, in this case it would be great if you could provide a link to info on the www about a "Om", so that I could look at to understand the basics. This is only because; not every Mod is familiar with every religion and its stories, practices, symbols, etc. And, we only wish to make sure that no one is disrespecting, perverting, or just plain making stuff up about any religion. Yet, in the case of your picture here I DO understand the meaning behind the "meshing" of the two religious symbols. ;o) One thing we will be adamant about though is, that these types of pics are ALWAYS put under the genre of "Religious/Spiritual". Nicely inspired idea you have here. :o) AgentSmith

looks very nice i do see the unity between both. good job :)

A fusing of two worlds and all they contain....very nice work.

Attached Link: http://www.vedicculturalcentre.com/vedicKnowledge.htm

Thanks guys..pat pat meself on the back. AS..here is the link for the meaning of Om.. (or Aum).. Strangely..one of my friends was against me putting it up..says it's a riot image..you guys transalated it into unity because of the ring..he transalated it into disunity because of the fire. Strange...

My interpretation, to symbols merged together in a fire, fire is used to fuse things together (and to separate as well), however I knew the background of the image and so the 'fuse together', if I didn't it could be interpreted as fire(forces) pulling the two symbols apart.... knowledge of your intent made the difference.......

Zhann..this may interest you..I may not be able to put this image up on my website or at an exhibition without well..having some political organization, newspaper or person flare up. Hindus and Christians have been having spurts bewteen themselves in certain parts of India. It's strange how pple's knowledge of things can change how they percieve animage. Pankaj knows about the spurts..his interpretation was that the fire was anger. You..unity coz of the marriage. If a viewer didn't know anything of either..?? I guess that's what is scary..that images you create are left to the viewer's interpreatation..be they right or wrong..and that is so based on his/ her experiences. Guess that's why i normally tell pple.. you interprete it as you want it to be.. it may be right, or wrong..but you take responsibility for your reactions.

New addition to the TOS has now been added;

"Additionally, any post, image or writings can be removed at the discretion of staff if it is deemed unsuitable for this community.
Conversely there may be some images which, whilst in apparent violation of the rules, will be permitted to stay in the interests of free speech and religious tolerance. In such cases the artist may be asked to furnish reasons why the image should be permitted to stay and the decision of the Renderosity staff will be final".

reason? I'm fed up religious fights..I see/hear about them everyday here. Stupid pranks can cause a riot here..big time. If religion was good, why is it causing fights amongst us? fire can be bonding, as well as destructive. Rings are bonding. If I really wanted to blow a fuse here...change the cross into the Muslim emblem..the star and the moon. Tired of hearing about it. tired of seeing it.. of knowing how destructive it can get..(so much that my family..community lost it's homeland to it). Will humans stop??

Unfortunately, no. Try and find ways to deal with the worlds (and our own) human nature, is all I could ever suggest. (easier said than done)

I guess we all have to remember that 'ART' is a particpatory endeavor, there is no art without the viewer particpating, it's a dance, the two partners balancing each other, one leading and the other following, the artist and the viewer....

I'm with you Rosie in your disgust at all the trouble religion causes amongst normally rational people. Ever since I was a child I felt that the only difference between religions was that we all use different names to call on God. At this time in my life I'd say I'm agnostic, neither believing or disbelieving, and it pains my heart so to see so many people who supposedly do believe turn around and hate each other because their God is called by another name. I believe there is a universal force which binds us and may be the God we all wish for, and I believe that we are all humans = all the same, and this disparity amongst humans is rediculous and futile. Just my 0.02p Catlin