I think that you have misinterpreted my point of view. Which is, each to their own, how someone prays or conducts their personal religious affairs is upto them. Live and let live. If someone wants to pray / worship in a particular manner I don't see why that would be such a problem to anyone else. I think we should be less critical of others and concentrate on doing good deeds ourselves.
With regards to your point about Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings. I never once mentioned Guru Ji, let alone of any attitudes of disrespect. Baba Ji did disapprove of idol worship. That is a fact.
It is all about interpretation and one's own understanding. Some may interpret the teaching's literally. However, I could be wrong - I feel, Baba Ji disapproved of the practices of the Hindu's worshiping idol's. In that people may have looked upon the idols as GOD instead of a mere symbolic representation, to aid with one's worship. Anyone can interpret anything with their personal outlook on life. I may be wrong but only the person who made the statement can elaborate further. It is how my earlier post was misunderstood, in that I support idol worship, I do NOT. Coming to their own conclusions it created further questions.
All religions are sacred in the eyes of their followers. I did not once state Hindu religion was sacred (too it's followers it will be). I was stating Hindu's revere the statues in the mandir and as such refer to them as deities. It was only out of respect I used the same word.
Again, I also believe that you should also worship ONLY GOD and nothing else. But if Amarjit Chawla feels it connects him with the almighty, is that a bad thing? . Again I may be completely wrong. All I feel is why condemn someone for worshiping. Okay I understand now it is totally not in line with the Sangats views.
I hold the same sentiments. Every single creature is answerable to ONE ALMIGHTY CREATOR. Everyone should pray to one GOD, I agree.
You are correct, I am not well versed in the Bani of our Guru's. I only learnt to read Punjabi in Gurmukhi script last year, so it is very weak. I also find it hard to understand Shabads sometimes. As please correct me if I'm wrong but although it is in Gurmukhi script it is in various languages - Punjabi,Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit, maybe more. Also the English translations are like medieval English. Please read my profile it tells you a bit about me. I admit I need to learn so much more about Sikhi. That is why I have joined Sikh forums to expand my knowledge and find out more.
I don't support the idea of idol worship either. Worshiping stones or any other object is pointless you should only believe in GOD. Like Kabir stated 'If GOD is a stone then I will worship a mountain'. I think you are not supposed to take it literally but understand the thinking behind the statement.
I never ever intended to come across as if I support idol worship and think a deity is more important than Waheguru Ji. Waheguru Ji is only worthy of worshiping in my opinion. I don't even understand why you had to ask such a question. However, why does the sangat have an issue with the way other's worship? It is between them and GOD.
Please if I have come across as if I follow these rituals, well sorry to disappoint but I don't. But if Amarjit Chawla wants too let him.
Neither did I. But it would be interesting to find out if other members of the Sangat ever sung a hymn at school which is basically what we are discussing i.e. worshiping, but not in Sikh tradition.