Entry 9: The relationship between art and religion

  It seems as though art and religion is interconnected. I say this because most of art in history depicts religious themes and projects. This can be a variety of art across a variety of religion. There is the ziggurat, which is one of the first religious structures, pieta, which is art based on Christianity, and depictions of a seated Buddha. This is just a few examples of the vast connection between religion and art in many forms. The only time art isn't connected with religion is when it is believed the aspects of that religion shouldn't be shown

  I see the relationship between art and religion as a very strong, necessary, and important element that helps people understand and talk about a difficult subject. I say this people people see things in a variety of ways. Everyone brings a different perspective on a subject. Images help to streamline those variety of thoughts and provide a deeper understanding. Religion is a hard thing to grasp and art can help alleviate that difficulty. Just like how teachers use images to help students achieve a better understanding of a subject. 

 There are many ways that art can affect religion. It can enhance religious experience. People feel more connected when they know what they are worshiping and have an image in their mind. It can also create a sort of timeline of religion. This happens by finding religious artifacts and paintings that can explain the effects of that religion in a certain historical period. In other words art brings us a way to understand the aspects of religion throughout history. Art can also cause a negative affect on religion by providing a false view of that religion. For example in Christianity Jesus Christ is usually viewed as a handsome white guy with a perfect beard and flowing hair when in actuality it is unlikely that He would really look like that. 

 Everything that art has accomplished through religion outweighs the negatives. Religion would look very different today if it wasn't for the art that has transformed it. I believe that the connection we have with religion couldn't have been possible without art.