Turner English 227
Jeff Turner
Texas A&M University
166
This collection of texts seeks to observe the function of art in religion and religion in art. There is clearly art in all religions; there is poetry in the Bible, beautiful stained glass and paintings in cathedrals, mosques and synagogues. Literature is profoundly impacted by religion, through either clear and over imagery, or by opaque and subtle theological premises. So this exhibit will draw together multiple examples of the effectual relationship between art and religion.
Edward Taylor
And All Drunk the Same Spritituall Drinke
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In this poem by Edward Taylor, we see his use of art as a humble way to express the majesty of his God. He opens by asking that angels grant him a 'heavenly' pen capable of describing what he, in his lost and mortal state, cannot describe accurately. Namely the grace of God, that God would offer us a drink from the river of life when we do not deserve it. While some puritan texts have implied that art made by man is sinful because it comes from man who is inherently evil, Taylor's poetry seems to contradict this because he seems so often to be writing to God. Taylor uses art, by way of poetry, to express the splendor of God. In this poem it is the grace of God, in others it ranges from his mercy, to justice, to sovereignty.
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The Sovereignty of the Secular and the Power of Religion
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This article seeks to understand that when religion in art is studied, the art must be viewed through a secular lens also. The author acknowledges that Perry Miller was the first to do such a study, and consequently every other analysis of religious texts or art in general has been governed by a 'secularization theory'. This article also expands the effects of art and religion into the realm of scholarship. Not only do art and religion affect each other, they begin to affect our view of history.
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King René`s Honeymoon: Architecture
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Here is an image of King Renee and Queen Isabella in stained glass. Where is religion and art more united than in marriage? We can see that Renee wanted to immortalize his wife and himself on the wedding day, but a painting wasn't enough. He chose to use stained glass art, something seen almost wholly inside churches. The interesting thing about this piece is that aside from the crucifix hanging around the king's neck there is little religious iconography. Yet, as is typical with Victorian royalty and power, religion goes hand in hand with kings and queens. It begs the question, why does religion have such control of people? We can imagine from this image that even royalty is married in a church, and the ceremony was probably administered by a priest.
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Hymn
Similar to Modern Hymns
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In this hymn, we see much the same content as Edward Taylor. The omniscience of God is proclaimed continually through out the song. Because this did not come with sheet music, (and since I am not able to read sheet music) we cannot know if this song was considered beautiful to those who sang it, similar to the great works of famous composers. It is art nonetheless, and since it is art we can see that it conforms to the styles of the age, yet the premises are sung amongst evangelical Christians to this day. One might make the case that the premises of all old hymns are still being sung today. This is not the case though, while much religion has stayed the same, certain cultural influences have affected art.
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Hymn
Unlike Modern Hymns
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This hymn stands in stark contrast to the previous hymn. This hymn was written at the height of Great Britain's empirical power. So naturally the ethnocentric views of the British are present in this hymn. It does speak to the same benevolence and goodness of God, as does the opposite hymn. However, instead of making that benevolence of God the focal point it sets the actions of the British as the theme. This is cultural distinction is rarely seen amongst hymns or songs of praise any longer. This also exemplifies the affects of culture on art, and religion both.
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[Untitled Review]
How Religion is Interpreted in Art
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This review gives us a tangible view of how art and religion become the object of so much opposition. On the one side there are scholars who try to negate the affect that religion had in O'Connor's works. While there are also those who try and put too much emphasis on her view of religion and how it exposes itself in her literature. While each side of the argument believes their view is correct, we may never know for sure who is actually right. However, we can know that religion is apparent in many texts and songs, and all forms of art. How that art is perceived and how that art affects the culture around it may differ, but the affects are are still there.
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So through these examples of art, or the reviews of art, we can see the wide spectrum of religious art. It is logical though when one considers it. If religion is a part of what someone places there faith in, whether it be Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc. it is a part of a person's core values. So naturally it will become apparent when someone tries to creatively compose a work of art. Art by its nature is almost synonymous with the abstract, what is more abstract than putting one's faith and trust in something unseen? Consequently art and religion have had an intimate relationship since the beginning of belief, and that relationship will not cease in the foreseeable future.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 United States License.