anyone with eyes must admit that some of the most carefully crafted, stupendous art work over the centuries is found primarily in houses of worship or in tombs as decorations for the 'gods.' so if you are touring europe, for example, will you bypass a tour of a cathedral, for example, based on its religious significance to others?
do you appreciate art work and architecture of a religious nature less than you appreciate art work, etc. that has nothing to do with religion?
it would be kind of you to give me two opposing examples of art, one "religious," and one not so, for me to understand your point of view. thank you.
2007-07-05 15:04:36 · 16 answers · asked by Louiegirl_Chicago 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
in the most practical terms. believing or not believing should have no bearing on the architectural, artistic, & historical experience of visiting a "religious" site.
Devotional art may be wonderful or disturbing depending on point of view.
Would not want to miss out on seeing some great art just because it is "religious".
An agnostic ,so have no reason to feel "inspired" by the religious aspect.
From a purely human point of view ,I wonder what the cost in blood was to build & adorn these houses of worship & how many could have been fed for the huge sums it took to buy stone & stained glass.
Best regards
2007-07-05 16:03:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This whole question is based on the assumption that an atheist would never entertain the idea of entering a church. I for one enjoy all forms of art, be they religious, abstract, whatever. I can appreciate a Rubens as much as a Warhol or a Picasso. I also love architecture. I would never not enter a beautiful cathedral just because of the religion.
2007-07-05 15:10:02 · answer #2 · answered by ReeRee 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Same thing as a Pagan, admire the building for its architectural and artistic value. I personally love the Byzantine art found in a lot of the old churches in Europe, but I like the style, I don't like it because it's religious. One of the most beautiful churches I've ever seen is Uspensky Cathederal in Helsinki. That place is dripping in gold and very fine detail architecture, it's absolutely beautiful, but holds no religious value for me whatsoever.
2007-07-05 15:35:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cannot give you two opposing examples, because generally I find touring art museums rather bland and boring.
However, I love visiting old places of worship, I often marvel at the grand cathedrals and how beautiful they are in their craftmanship. Taj Mahal is something out of this world, and the ancient mosques are exquisite.
Why would I miss the opportunity to view and enjoy these buildings?
I have always been fascinated with history, ancient buildings (of all sorts), and cultural tours. Who wouldn't be?
2007-07-05 15:12:23 · answer #4 · answered by Sapere Aude 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Contrary to popular belief, not all atheists are religion-bashing pessimists. While atheists may not believe that there is a god, this does not mean they can't appreciate the beauty of art or achitecture from other cultures. In fact, atheists tend to be of higher education so they are more open-minded and understanding of other religions, even if they don't agree. Religion and expression through art is unique to humans and it doesn't take a person of a certain belif to realize that.
2007-07-05 15:26:53 · answer #5 · answered by serial-thriller 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally really enjoy that kind of arcitecture. Less than a month ago I was going "oooh" at temples and shrines in Japan.
To be honest I enjoy modern graphical artwork than arcitecture. Religious stuff doesn't even come close to that. Not that I have anything against religious graphical art, it's just the majority of the stuff I've seen is kinda sedate and uninteresting.
2007-07-05 22:29:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've gone to several churches as a tourist. I also have been to Mayan temples and similar things. I tend to like more modern art like Peter Max so the art at Cathedrals really isn't my favorite, but I can still appreciate it.
2007-07-05 15:15:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course I stop at churches, cathedrals, and abbeys. That's where all the money went at that time anyway, and many are spectacular. Plus, it's always funny to think about the superstitions people had - and still hold today.
But the real think I think we got from religion is the music. It's the only thing you can really appreciate without thinking about religion. My favorites are Brahm's and Mozart's requiems, and of course, the Carmina Burana.
2007-07-05 15:15:09 · answer #8 · answered by eri 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One can appreciate the architecture and the art without being swayed into religious belief.
Even a Buddhist can enjoy such beauty. This one has.
Religous art might be Goya, Michaelangelo, Rembrandt.
Non religious art might be Picasso, Monet, Renoir.
may it be well with you.
2007-07-05 15:12:30 · answer #9 · answered by Big Bill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they are atheists not vampires I don't think that many people that fail to see evidence to validate a deity are afraid offended by or allergic to art having to do others that found it either profitable to ply their craft for churches or actually showed their piety by honoring the churches.I'm atheistical and very much like religious art. It doesn't harm me as people being tricked into war in the name of God or other false securities sometimes caused by religious fervor when misguided or other forms of collateral damage caused by superstitious power.
2007-07-05 15:13:47 · answer #10 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋