2007-06-19 11:10:05 · 40 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
One thing about many atheists is that they have actually given a lot of thought to the question of religion, and have come to a conclusion based on this, rather than being born into a certain group and just accepting things.
Many atheists have spent their lives questioning and investigating religious beliefs. I hope there are very few who are so ignorant as to just reject every expression of religion outright ~ perhaps atheists don't believe in god, but they know that lots of people do!
In a sense, atheists can therefore be more open to religious ideas and also somewhat more understanding of the motivations and concerns of religious expression.
Religious art is really just about people, imo, their longing, their desire, their belief, and a lot of it is really very powerful and moving, even if I don't agree with the conclusion the people who have created it come to.
Sometimes I think I see aspects of it people with other views don't ~ the way people who don't know you can see aspects of your personality and actions you and your close friends are not always able to.
I'm sure religious people see things I don't, in it.
Best wishes :-)
2007-06-19 11:47:22 · answer #1 · answered by thing55000 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Art is an expression of ones feelings, however deep, dark or in the case of your question spirtual. It is never a prerequisite for an observer to agree with an artist in order to enjoy the artist's work. If the work is junk than its junk regardless of the themes that the piece expresses. Most people do not believe in the mythological creatures that the Ancient greeks sculpted, yet men and women from all around the world appreciate the artwork.
Does one have to be pro-American to appreciate Whitman's Poetry?
Does one have to be communist to appreciate Socialist Realism?
Does one have to be a 'gangster' to appreciate "The Thug Poet" 2Pac's lyrics?
The answer to all of those is no, and as such it is fine for a person to appreciate any form of art whether they believe in its contents or not.
2007-06-19 11:22:55 · answer #2 · answered by Pimp Masta B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. I am a big fan of classical music, and much of it is religious in nature. I listen to music for all sorts of reasons: the beat, the lyrics, the tone, etc. It's the same way I feel about movies - even if I don't like the beliefs of the actor, I can still enjoy the movie. Otherwise, I'd never see another Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson movie again. That doesn't sound cool since I tend to like most of their movies.
2007-06-19 11:50:57 · answer #3 · answered by seattlefan74 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although I am not an Athiest, I believe that all people have the ability to appreciate talent and inspiration.
Another good question would be "As a Christian, are you able to appreciate art, poetry, music, etc., even if it has a sinful theme?"
2007-06-19 11:15:11 · answer #4 · answered by Shawnee 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I can appreciate the beauty in any kind of artistic expression, the religious message within the art form may be wasted on me - but at the same time, there is a lot of non religious artwork I don't particularly like, but can still appreciate.
2007-06-19 11:22:07 · answer #5 · answered by Not_a_toothless_pirate 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! when we were in Paris in February we visited Sacre Couer, Notre Dame and San Chapelle. I was enthralled at the beauty of all them. I was blown away by the Roslyn Chapel in Edinburgh last fall and I had never seen or read the DaVinci Code. I can appreciate the skill and beauty in the work. Its amazing to think just how much time went into these buildings. Notre Dame in particular was impressive. I believe it would be impossible to build something of that scale with that craftsmenship today.
I also appreciate sacred music. My personal favorite is Mozart's Requiem. Its a hell of a lot of fun to sing. I will put it on and belt CONFUTATUS! MALDICITUS! ....
2007-06-19 11:17:48 · answer #6 · answered by in a handbasket 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Appreciating or liking paintings or maybe music would not have a lot to do with the kind. I take excitement in paintings and music no matter if it is transferring and inspirational. If i visit stare upon some variety of paintings and be moved it fairly is okay for me. so a strategies as music is going a lot of non secular music is eye-catching especially the older, hymn like songs. All in all it in basic terms has to pass me.
2016-10-18 23:10:55 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anyone who is unmoved by a Gospel concert by a great Black quartet like the Gospel Four of Charlottesville, VA has a heart of stone! Likewise some of the best Church music like the great requiems by Mozart and Faure. As to the religious music of the Orient, it is pure ecstasy. I could go on, but I'd rather put on some Anonymous Four.
2007-06-19 11:51:28 · answer #8 · answered by nightserf 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, mythology is not only a part of history, it is an ongoing influence. It is the emotion they are trying to convey, the feeling behind the artwork.
Just as I can appreciate the Greek, Egyptian, Viking, etc... works that include their mythos I can do the same with current mythologies as well.
2007-06-19 11:22:41 · answer #9 · answered by thewolfskoll 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure. I love Hindu art. I own some Egyptian god statues. I'm intrigued by the chanting techniques of Buddhist monks. I like how Dali used geometry in his crucifixion and last supper paintings.
In medieval times especially, clergy were among the only people who could read, and peasants didn't have access or budget for great artwork nor the opportunity to learn, so it's inevitable that a lot of the good stuff wound up being part of some religious theme.
Sometimes I look at a church and have to think "Man, what a waste of beautiful architecture."
2007-06-19 11:12:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 2⤋