A question for atheists: Do you appreciate religious art :) ?

Question

Architeture, painting, music, anything...

Everybody is welcome to answer, of course :)

Thank you for your answer! :)

Enjoy your weekend! :)

Darth: I'm trying to avoid R&S as much as possible, you know why, and didn't want to ask this question at Arts and Humanities.

I I think this is a nice place to be, it sounds friendly :) I'm taking this section over, it's my new home :)

Michael - I don't need lots of answers, I need good ones, and my friends are more than able to provide that :)

Answer 1

This is very interesting.
YA doesn't have a Category in architecture. On 3 occasion I request the creation of the category but never receive a respond. I really don't know where to put questions about buildings and architecture.
I love architecture and art from everywhere including religious and non religious. The religious art and architecture are transcendental in the study of the Ancient, Medieval, Renascence, Baroque, Modern and Contemporary history.
Modern architecture, with is in some way is Atheist, is founded in the concept of free plans and the importance of light to define the space (and the time) clearly expressed in the Gothic Architecture. The empiric studies of structure of the Gothic cathedrals fascinates modern architects like Mies or Le Corbusier and even the contemporary ones like Santiago Calatrava.
In art the same occurs. Painting and sculpture is a way to express and sometimes criticize the religious believes. Is very hard to separate the religious concepts from the common art until the 19 century when artist began to paint the mundane world and nature.
Yes I appreciate religious art even so I'm a atheist.

Answer 2

It's the best; between fear of eternal damnation and the hope for eternal bliss and the ecstasy of salvation there is plenty of inspiration to go around. The pyramids are awesome as are many great structures built with blood of slaves and the devote. The monarchs of all great nations have in their stores the greatest achievements of mind kind.

'Nature engenders nature, and nature only, in its reproduction and in its life. The rose brings forth more roses, never anything ‘unnatural’ or ‘unrose-like’. The human being creates humanity, but with this difference: what is human can at the same time be either ‘human’ or ‘inhuman’. The results of human action range from creations which fill our hearts and souls with lasting strength and delight, to crimes whose shame no atonement can wipe off the face of the earth.'

Ute Bublitz (1998)

Beyond Philosophy
Reconciliation and Rejection
Three Essays on Aristotle and Hegel
http://www.marxists.org/reference/subject/philosophy/works/ge/bublitz.htm

Answer 3

I appreciate art for what it is, not for the beliefs of the artist that may have influenced what they painted, sculpted, built.

As for music, I can't say I enjoy that which has an outright religious theme, but then again I don't enjoy country western music either. Those are about the only two genres of music I do not care for.

Answer 4

The religious aspect is often a vital element in some of the greatest works of art in history, for it was that element that inspired the artist, unlocked his creativity, stoked his passion,
to create works of neverending beauty.
Great art to me is a celebration of life,history and society
I assure you this atheist appreciates religious art in all its myriad forms.

Thanks for a great question, have a nice weekend !

Answer 5

Yup

Answer 6

I appreciate Art, Moon :). From my perspective, the subject matter, be that religion, sex, your family or whatever, is important to the artist.

Art, architecture, music.... is merely the biproduct of the process of thought and expression. It informs me about how the artist "views its world".

Artists are poets that do not have to use words. A poem about religion is a poem, none the less.

Answer 7

Yes, in its own context. I especially adore Islamic architecture. But I prefer secular art because it celebrates the real world, and life. So I prefer Stravinsky to Bach (though they both wrote jazz - although "writing jazz" is an oxymoron).

Answer 8

Love it. Love being inside churches, love religious poetry, art, music, most of it from most religions.

One of my most favourite books as a child was my brother's children's bible. It had the most amazing nature pictures in, wonderful gory pictures, stories or hope and healing but also terror and fear.

Many of the very best paintings, songs, poetry have a religious theme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5Af7QxKDOw

Answer 9

I'm answering this question because i think you posted it in the wrong section. Besides that, I'm not much of an "art" person. I wouldn't know how to answer this.

Answer 10

I appreciate any art but I am Catholic so religious art is very beautiful to me.

I like my sons art he is very talented I will have to learn how to put an album of his art work on my 360 to share.

I also like the art my youngest child draws all over our walls ;)

(((Moon)))