Which religion has the best art?

Answer 1

Not a fair question. Many Christians, and Jews in the past (and some present) refused graven images, so unless one refers to western civilization as Christian (which would be fair I think) many of the better artists are excluded.

Obviously Islam has the same problem with graven images, so the same would apply to them.

Comparing civilizations I would say Western art is superior but I do admire much Asian art as well.

Answer 2

It all depends on what you call art and do you consider that if you are looking for a religion that was based and their stories told in pictures. And some of the language was just pictures.

Alot of older religions used pictures and statues such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Hindus, Olmecs, Mayans, Incas, Aztecs, etc etc. to be able to communicate the language to the non readers.

Religions like Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam weren't based on pictures the same way eventhough their were a few used, but later on went through an art explosion during such times like the Italian Renaissance. This bring more elaborate pictures than the older religions given the new techniques developed in art.

Answer 3

Muslims are only allowed to depict abstractions really , beautiful but pretty limited, the Alhambra in Spain is a marvel of beauty architecturally with it's typically Islamic style water gardens, architecture is it's forte.

I think Hindu art is the most over the top when thinking about colourful posters etc today and it's probably the most beautiful in it's more classical earlier forms, I'd say Hindu art is the best.

Ancient Greek religious art was beyond comparison too and remains so, especially it's sculptures temples and mosaics, beautiful pottery paintings, later much copied by the Romans.

Christian western art will always remain a fusion of all these styles and has in more recent times become a leader of the kitsch style, flashing lights round pictures of Mother Mary etc., Christian style in art has always been very eclectic and stolen from all over the place, it has some of the best but a lot of the worst art too.

Answer 4

any answer to this is biased at best. Although many art pieces were commissioned by religious institutions, much of it has not been. Does the mere inclusion of a character fro ma religion or reference to an event make it "religious art" enough for the religion to take credit for it? Many artists use Greek and Norse mythology as inspiration, often depicting popular deities like Venus. Does that make those works pagan art? Many Renaissance artists also created some of their best work based on pagan sources. Is Michelangelo's depiction of David any less or more than his depiction of Jesus? Both reflect on him as an artist and not either religion.

Also, there is no one style of art that any religion holds to consistently. Byzantine art looks nothing like 15th century Dutch paintings depicting Christian themes. Japanese depictions of Buddha look nothing like Cambodian depictions of Buddha.

No religion has the best art because there is simply too much variety. You would be better off comparing artists known for doing art dominated by religious themes of perspective religion or at the very least narrowing it down to time periods and styles.

Answer 5

CHristianity

Answer 6

Very subjective.
You'd be hard-pressed to find an evangelical christian who would admit to beauty in a portrait of Ganesha being created by Shiva's laughter. Not because there isn't beauty there, but because the topic of the portrait is so culturally and religiously alien.

Answer 7

Hi,
I think Islam has the best art.Take the example of India.I have visited it's great monuments a number of times and was trilled to see them.I would like to visit India again and it's rich monuments built by Mughals who were Muslim rulers.

Answer 8

Catholicism? The "best" art usually came from whoever had the most money.
Personally, I'm fond of the Catholic-based architecture and paintings.

I also love Greek sculptures and architecture.

"Best" is very subjective though. I suggest you look at them yourself and come up with your own conclusion!

Answer 9

Personally, I think Islam. Their buildings are beautiful, so as the inside decoration.
However, Catholic paintings are very pretty.
Buddhist and Hindu statues are cool as well.

Answer 10

I'd have to say the Orthodox Catholic Church (eastern rite) , which by the way, RC's--it WAS the first church. Read a history book.

I'm protestant btw, and a Calvinist/Augustinian