Religious Imagery In Religion

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Imagine standing in the Sistine Chapel looking up at Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring paintings. Envision silently looking at another person and having a feeling of mutual understanding after seeing images of the Twin Towers burning. Two images that are opposites; one good, and one evil. Both causes one to gain a deeper understanding of the ideology behind the imagery, and subsequently influences the individual’s character. Imagery is used in stories, poems, music, and religion to create a mental picture or to express emotion. However, imagery is more than just shapes, sounds and color. One of the most common areas where imagery has been effective is in religion. Historically the impact of the Gospel message has been reinforced through the …show more content…

The intention of cathedrals was to inspire those who came to pray, learn, and worship (Macaulay, Cathedral 4), and to create a deeper connection to God. Religious art made its mark by creating images of Biblical events, and characters. The depiction of Christ as a tall bearded man, and the iconic representation of The Lord’s Supper are attributed to artists’ imaginations. Religious symbols are prevalent today. When you go throughout the world, you see churches and cathedrals with steeples, and some with crosses (The Meaning of the Cross). Many Christians wear a cross as a reminder that Christ died on a cross for their sins (The Meaning of the Cross). Religious imagery has had a remarkable influence on Christianity. First, religious imagery is used in places of worship, such as Cathedrals, offering deeper connections to God, making spiritual power the Cathedral’s core (Taylor 5). Secondly, religious imagery engages the viewer’s sense of vision, as an extension of storytelling by depicting Christianity and religion in art (Martin 4). Thirdly, religious imagery uses symbols and rituals to lead people to God, and to provide a clearer meaning of their beliefs (Dilasser

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