Crises of Religious Imagery: Challenges in Religious Art
Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Olivier Christin, Dario Gamboni (éds.), Crises de l’image religieuse/Krisen religiöser Kunst
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions� publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales�)
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Subtitle: Paris, Éditions de la Maison des Sciences de l’Homme, 2000, 337 p., (index, illustr.)
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Isabelle Saint-Martin
Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:
(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly�)
Full text available for: Olivier Christin, Dario Gamboni (éds.), Crises de l’image religieuse/Krisen religiöser Kunst
Year: 2001 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.434
Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The text revolves around the volume edited by Olivier Christin and Dario Gamboni, titled "Crises de l'image religieuse/Krisen religiöser Kunst," which explores the evolution and challenges faced by religious imagery from the Council of Nicæa II to Vatican II. This collection of essays, stemming from a conference organized in Göttingen in 1994, provides a historical lens through which to view the complexities surrounding religious images, their recognition, and the associated controversies.
The Role of Religious Images
One significant theme in the book is the legitimacy of religious images throughout history. The contributors examine the evolving status of these images, focusing on how aesthetic judgments about them have transformed. For instance, Olivier Christin's analysis of the "Mays de Notre-Dame" reveals that perceptions of such works are not only a matter of changing taste but are also indicative of a broader shift in religious sentiment and artistic categorization. This transformation is tied to the notion that the autonomy of aesthetic criticism signifies a new understanding of art's role within faith.
The Concept of Crisis in Religious Imagery
Another critical concept discussed in the collection is that of "crisis" as it relates to religious imagery. The title's reference to crisis suggests an intrinsic connection to the Greek verb "krinein," which means to judge or to distinguish. The essays collectively highlight various historical moments where the expectations and evaluations of religious artworks underwent significant changes. The understanding of a crisis in religious images is not limited to outright rejection but is also about the nuanced shifts in meaning and societal roles associated with them.
Opposition to Mysticism
The volume also touches on the opposition encountered by Islamic mysticism (Sufism) over the centuries. In exploring this theme, a variety of perspectives are presented, examining both the criticisms directed at Sufis and the dynamics within Islamic society that impacted their acceptance. The tensions between mystical practices and rigid interpretations of Islam underscore the broader struggles faced by spiritual movements seeking legitimacy in diverse cultural and religious contexts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Crises de l'image religieuse/Krisen religiöser Kunst" provides a rich exploration of the complex relationship between religious imagery and societal changes. By addressing the shifts in perception, the crises of representation, and the ongoing conflicts surrounding mysticism, the work stands as a crucial contribution to the study of religious art and its evolving significance in shaping cultural and spiritual narratives. The edited volume not only sheds light on historical developments but also opens avenues for further dialogue and investigation into the intersections of art, culture, and faith.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the book 'Crises de l’image religieuse'?
The book addresses the crises faced by religious imagery from historical perspectives, exploring their recognition, roles, and theories that accompany these artworks, rather than solely focusing on outright iconoclasm.
What distinguishes the study of religious images in this book?
The authors prioritize understanding the legitimacy and reception of religious images, analyzing how their significance has evolved alongside societal changes, rather than just documenting instances of destruction or rejection.
How does the book approach the concept of 'crisis'?
The notion of 'crisis' is explored as a means of discerning significance and changes in the status of religious images, highlighting historical contexts and struggles for recognition across different periods.
Which historical periods are examined in relation to religious imagery?
The book covers a broad chronological framework, from the Second Council of Nicea to Vatican II, focusing on how religious images have faced challenges and transformations over centuries.
What is one of the main arguments about the perception of religious art?
The authors argue that the perception and categorization of religious art have evolved significantly, reflecting broader changes in religious sentiment and the status of art itself in society.
Which cultures and contexts does the book address regarding Islamic mysticism?
The book discusses the history of Sufi mysticism and its oppositions across several cultural contexts, highlighting both critiques from non-adhérents and the integration and acceptance of Sufism within various Islamic societies.
Glossary definitions and references:
Theological and religious glossary list for “Crises of Religious Imagery: Challenges in Religious Art�. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.
1) Image:
In the study of religious contexts, an image serves as a visual representation conveying complex ideas tied to spirituality and faith, often becoming a focal point for recognition and interpretation within various religions.
2) Evolution:
The evolution of religious thought and practice can reflect broader cultural shifts, highlighting how societies transition and adapt religious ideals over time, particularly in response to changing beliefs and phenomena within their environments.
3) Religion:
Religion, as a structured system of beliefs and practices, offers followers a framework for understanding existence and engaging in spiritual experiences, influencing their moral values and societal structures.
4) Paris:
[see source text or glossary: #Paris#]
5) Mysticism:
Mysticism encompasses the pursuit of achieving a direct, personal experience of the divine, often contested within various theological debates and resulting in differing interpretations of spiritual practices across religions.
6) Sacred Art:
Sacred art represents artistic expressions that engage with religious themes and symbols, often navigating complex dynamics around recognition, legitimacy, and the evolving taste in artistic representation of the divine.
7) Recognition:
Recognition of religious imagery can indicate its accepted role within worship practices, where believers acknowledge the significance of the image in facilitating spiritual connections or sacramental experiences.
8) Experience:
Religious experience often shapes individual and communal understanding of the divine, serving as a transformative encounter that alters perceptions of faith, belief, and the sacred.
9) Sacrifice:
Sacrifice in religious contexts often signifies an offering made to deities or higher powers, embodying commitment and devotion and playing a crucial role in communal rituals and personal spiritual practices.
10) Spiritual:
Spiritual practices aim to cultivate a connection to the higher self or the divine, often manifested through rituals, prayer, or meditation, influencing how individuals interpret their experiences with the sacred.
11) Child (Children):
In some religious communities, children are often seen as blessed members of the faith, symbolizing purity and potential, shaping their roles and identities within spiritual practices from an early age.
12) Village:
[see source text or glossary: #Village#]
13) Purity:
The concept of purity, often central to religious life, denotes a state of being free from contamination or sin, influencing social relations and spiritual practices within many faith systems.
14) Dream (Dreaming):
Dreams can serve as significant mediums for spiritual insights, reflections on personal faith journeys, or as modes through which divine messages are conveyed, embedded with deep theological meanings.
15) Book:
Sacred texts and books function as repositories of religious knowledge, guiding adherents in their spiritual journeys, offering narratives that shape beliefs, ethics, and religious practices.
16) Medicinal plant:
Medicinal plants in religious contexts can symbolize healing and divine intervention, often utilized in rituals aimed at restoring health and balance within the community, emphasizing the spiritual relationship with nature.
17) White garment (White cloth, White dress):
The white garment is often symbolically employed in religious rituals to represent purity, renewal, and the sanctified state of individuals within various spiritual practices.
18) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation in religious contexts refers to the profound changes in beliefs, practices, and identities that often arise from spiritual experiences, crises, or the evolution of religious movements.
19) Civilization:
[see source text or glossary: #Civilization#]
20) Purification:
Purification processes are integral to many religious systems, serving as means to cleanse individuals from sin or physical impurities, enabling a state of readiness for spiritual experiences or communal worship.
21) Iconography:
Iconography addresses the visual imagery used in religious art and its interpretations, elucidating how different symbols and representations reflect theological sentiments and beliefs throughout history.
22) Environment:
The environment surrounding a religious community significantly influences its practices and beliefs, shaping how adherents engage with their spirituality and cultural identities.
23) Destruction:
Destruction in the context of religious imagery often reflects the tensions and conflicts surrounding the role of art in faith, revealing underlying debates about legitimacy and the value of religious expression.
24) Reflection:
Reflection on religious beliefs allows individuals to assess their faith, experiences, and practices, often leading to deeper insights and transformations within their spiritual journeys.
25) Revolution:
[see source text or glossary: #Revolution#]
26) Withdrawal:
Withdrawal from established practices or beliefs often characterizes a religious crisis, where groups may seek new forms of engagement or expression in their spiritual lives.
27) Goldsmith:
[see source text or glossary: #Goldsmith#]
28) Salvation:
Salvation represents the ultimate goal of many religious traditions, defining the process through which believers seek redemption, healing, and eternal life, often heavily tied to their rituals and practices.
29) Sentiment:
Religious sentiment encompasses the emotional responses individuals have towards their beliefs, practices, and experiences, influencing the development of spiritual connections and community identity.
30) Dimension:
[see source text or glossary: #Dimension#]
31) Residence:
Residence within a religious community often shapes identity and belonging, creating spaces for spiritual growth, interaction, and communal worship that enhance shared beliefs and practices.
32) Obsession:
In religious contexts, obsession can manifest as intense devotion or fixation on certain elements of faith, possibly leading to conflicts or crises in the interpretation of spiritual truths.
33) Painting:
Painting as a form of sacred art serves to visualize and express religious themes, often becoming central to the discourse surrounding the legitimacy and evolving nature of religious imagery over time.
34) Mutation:
Mutation in religious practices refers to the gradual changes that occur within faith communities as they adapt to new ideas, cultural shifts, or spiritual experiences, impacting collective identity and beliefs.
35) Theology:
Theology involves the systematic study of concepts pertaining to the divine, sacred texts, and religious beliefs, shaping how communities and individuals develop their understanding of spirituality.
36) External:
[see source text or glossary: #External#]
37) Critique:
Critique within religious discourse engages with the principles and practices, fostering dialogue regarding interpretations, representations, and the evolving nature of belief systems.
38) Illness:
Illness in religious contexts often prompts searches for spiritual solutions or healing, where practices may intertwine medical interventions with religious or spiritual rites aimed at recovery.
39) Lineage:
Lineage serves as an important concept in many religious systems, where blood ties and inherited beliefs shape community structures, social relations, and individual identity within faith.
40) Dynasty:
[see source text or glossary: #Dynasty#]
41) Garment:
Garments hold symbolic meaning in various religious practices, often signifying purity, identity, and the spiritual state of individuals participating in rituals or communal worship.
42) Violent:
[see source text or glossary: #Violent#]
43) Thomas:
[see source text or glossary: #Thomas#]
44) Flower:
Flowers often symbolize purity and beauty in religious iconography, representing spiritual growth and offering emotional connections to the divine and sacred practices.
45) Debate:
Debate within religious contexts pertains to discussions surrounding beliefs, practices, and interpretations, often crucial in shaping the evolution and transformation of faith communities.
46) Prayer:
Prayer acts as a fundamental practice within religions, serving as a means of communicating with the divine, fostering spiritual connection, and enriching individual and communal faith experiences.
47) Danger:
Danger associated with certain religious practices or beliefs often arises from conflicts between traditional and modern interpretations, leading to tensions within communities and external critiques.
48) Indian:
[see source text or glossary: #Indian#]
49) Rosary:
The rosary serves as a significant devotional tool in Christianity, facilitating prayer and contemplation, often embodying complex theological sentiments and practices guiding believers� faith.
50) Desire:
Desire within religious contexts can motivate adherents to seek deeper connections with the divine, impacting the evolution of spiritual practices and shaping individual and communal religious experiences.
51) Health:
Health and well-being often intertwine with religious practices, where rituals may focus on healing, restoration, and the spiritual dimensions of health within faith communities.
52) Egypt:
[see source text or glossary: #Egypt#]
53) Shanti (Santi, Samti, Shamti):
[see source text or glossary: #Santi#]
54) Birth:
Birth within religious narratives often signifies renewal, transformation, and the potential for spiritual growth, marking significant events that shape communities� beliefs and practices.
55) Fight:
[see source text or glossary: #Fight#]
56) House:
[see source text or glossary: #House#]
57) Shumni (Sumni, Sunni):
Sunni Islam, as a major denomination, shapes distinct theological interpretations and practices that navigate the relationship to Sufism and broader Islamic mysticism and experience.
58) Power:
Power dynamics within religious contexts influence authority structures, belief systems, and the representation of spiritual narratives, often leading to shifts in practices or ideologies.
59) Earth:
The earthly realm serves as the backdrop for religious experiences and expressions, influencing how beliefs are lived out, represented, and understood in various cultural contexts.
60) Heart:
Heart in religious symbolism often represents the center of spiritual life, where emotions and convictions intersect, playing a pivotal role in shaping faith and devotion.
61) White:
The color white frequently symbolizes purity and sanctity in religious practices, reflecting the spiritual state of individuals participating in sacred rituals or communal faith expressions.
62) Judge:
[see source text or glossary: #Judge#]
63) Woman (Women):
Women, through their participation in religious practices, often challenge traditional roles, influencing the evolution of communal beliefs and experiences within their faith structures.
64) Taste:
Taste in religious iconography and art reflects evolving preferences and societal changes, influencing how sacred themes and images are embraced or contested within communities.
65) Light:
Light symbolizes divinity and enlightenment in many religious traditions, representing purity, guidance, and the spiritual journey of believers towards greater understanding and connection.
66) Faith:
Faith serves as the foundational principle in spiritual life, guiding beliefs, practices, and community interactions, influencing both personal and collective experiences of the divine.
67) Human:
The human element in religious narratives emphasizes the connection between the divine and humanity, spotlighting the multifaceted interactions that define spiritual experience.
68) Soul:
The concept of the soul within religious frameworks addresses questions of identity, existence, and the spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of personal connection to the divine.
69) Flag:
[see source text or glossary: #Flag#]
70) Lead:
[see source text or glossary: #Lead#]
71) Yat:
[see source text or glossary: #Yaat#]