On 11/6/11 11:42 AM, Karl Shah-Jenner wrote:
John Palcewski wrote:
Dan Mitchell, Interior York Minster Shots of church interiors always
seem to me to be an exploitation of the power of religious people's
faith than on the visual material itself. Which is to say that
somehow the less-religious viewer is somehow obliged to treat these
pictures with a sort of reverence or approval that other subject
material does not. Non-believers are expected, even demanded to be
respectful, but then I imagine far too many Christians would not in
turn feel obliged to give the same respect toward the interior of,
say, a mosque.
That's interesting. I've always found the interiors of old churches
fascinating, and I come from a completely non-religious background.
The resources poured into cathedrals and such produced bits of period
architecture that don't exist for any other reason.
I always thought all religious fanes were designed to awe and push all
our response buttons - irrespective of one's faith.
I too am a non follower and find them inspiring, including mosques,
and aside from the beauty I also admire the dedication in designing
and building such wonderful architecture
k
I have to agree with John and Karl but..... I have mixed feelings about
places of worship. I especially note that in poor villages in Mexico,
where some people may live in corrugated sheet homes that the church is
always resplendent in gold and jewels. The people have little and yet
they tithe because the church demands it. I understand the pride they
may take in a glorious house of worship and the solace they might
receive but I still bristle at it. Probably just me.
Don
