Overview
Religion: Material Religion explores religion and the arts through visual and material culture. Composed of eighteen thematic chapters, this volume discusses the various aesthetic elements of religious art. The first section, "Sensing the Arts of Material Religion" focuses generally on the five senses and how we interpret religious elements in art, architecture, dance, film, music, photography and more. The second section, "Experiencing the Sacred through Material Religion" uses museum exhibits, calligraphy, relics, and rituals to explore creation of sacred spaces as well as how placement of art can affect the sacredness of material religion. Using an interdisciplinary approach, undergraduate and lay readers are given a deeper understanding of the study of religion. Chapters are written by eminent scholars, are peer reviewed, and offer bibliographies to encourage further exploration. The volume concludes with a glossary and a comprehensive index.
Features & Benefits
- The interdisciplinary nature of these handbooks provides an innovative approach to introducing the field to novices.
- Film, literature, art, and other lenses are used to help the reader understand concepts and ideas in the study of religion.
- The handbooks combine the features of an introductory textbook with features of a reference resource to effectively engage and educate the user.
- Introduces the reader to religious elements in material and visual culture. Various art forms are discussed including architecture, photography, dance, calligraphy, paintings, and more.
- Peer-reviewed chapters are written by eminent scholars in the field.
- Includes a glossary, bibliographies, and summaries for each chapter.
- 31 images.
