Is sinning In the name of God a Sin?

Gods in India have had beautiful women as their consort from times unmemorable. There are many stories about this. And Indians – particularly Hindus – have worshipped such Gods in the past and even today some worship them. Their female consorts are also worshipped with same respect as Gods. Many stories have been written and some have been mystified in scriptures. And Indians have great praise for these females all through history.

Among such stories are the stories of the creator Bhagwan Krishna and His gopis serving Him. These have been immortalized and much has been said about his life with them. Not just that these stories are sung in satsangs and followers listen to them with curiosity and awe and some believe in them as religion.

The frescos of Ajanata and Ellora have such stories carved in stone which draw international acclaim and attract tourists from world over. Photographs of such scenes appear in the media and are admired for what they depict.

Draupadi’s Vastraharan in Kaurava Court where Bhagwan Krishna was also present In Mahabharata is also well known story – though in a different context – makes the point.

Some religions say that beautiful female angels serve people in heaven with all that they need -from sweet nectar to the best fruits unavailable elsewhere.

These and such stories are etched in Indian minds to such extent that they believe in them and adore them as Gods promise to believers.

In recent times we find some of India’s god-men following in these shoes. Take the example of Acharya  Rajnish – who later called himself Bhagwan Rajnish – was kicked out of the United States for  preaching of open sex activity to his followers. More recently, we have Baba Asaram called Asaram Bapu by his followers, indulged in secret sex with his beautiful followers – with or without consent – and is now in jail.

Today the preacher Baba Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been convicted by an Indian court for illegal sexual activity with his follower.

The violence unleashed by the Dera chief’s followers  by running amok and destroying public property and burning buses and cars show how things are in India.

Do his followers believe and condone the Dera chiefs act suggesting that he is unpunishable and be forgiven? Do they believe that his act of illegal sex needs no action by the court?

This is not to challenge the Court.

But the question arises is: Do the people believe that sinning in the name of God is no sin?