Art

In both historical and contemporary contexts, global religion is intimately connected to art, or the material production of images and symbols. Traditionally, scholarship within academic fields such as religious studies has relied heavily on textual sources. Art and other material objects are often seen as accessory to the findings related to these sources. Such objects might include icons, or images, that represent figures sacred to some religious traditions; paintings that depict the occurrence of sacred events; art used in religious rituals; [Page 59]and architecture connected to sacred space. When found within the context of religion, art objects are often described as representational, as opposed to the foundational religious experience or its aspects. Yet, as becomes clear both from the historical developments of religions throughout the ...