Art and Symbols Flashcards
Orthodox: What do Orthodox Christians believe about art in religion?
Helps to express the transcendent and immanent nature of God through ‘the communion of Saints’ - a phrase that depicts the joining of illustrations of earthly and heavenly figures.
Art helps to unify heaven and earth.
Orthodox: Explain the history and purpose of the dome in Orthodox churches
A typical form of Coptic architecture – used to represent the heavens and the earth bound together through a divine portal, channeling God’s presence – expresses both the transcendence and immanence of God as he interacts with humanity.
Orthodox: What is the purpose of using icons of Saints closest to Gods, give examples
The small Orthodox Church in Walsingham has a ‘communion of saints’ – reflects immanence of God – through illustrating stories of God connecting with humanity.
Icons were used as intermediaries between worshipers
and the holy personages they depicted.
E.g. St John the Baptist, ‘Angel of the Desert’ (17th Century, Russian) - depicted with angelic wings to symbolize John’s status as a divine messenger
Orthodox: Origins of Orthodox Christianity and art
The religion of the Byzantine Empire that is practiced today mainly in Greece and Russia.
Early iconodules
Origins of Orthodox Christianity and art
The religion of the Byzantine Empire that is practiced today mainly in Greece and Russia.
Early iconodules
What is the purpose of the Crucifix as a symbol in Roman Catholicism? Quote from Saint Bede?
A symbolic reminder of Jesus’s forgiveness of sins, the salvation of the world + teaching and spreading knowledge as a “recall to the memory of the faithful” (Saint Bede)
Why is Virgin Mary venerated? Give an example of an icon
Images of Virgin Mary in Catholicism - , e.g. ‘The virgin in prayer’ by Giovanni Sassoferrato – posture is central in expressing an example of devotion - through her kneeling prayer.
The veneration of Mary as a mediator of God – provides a focal point for worship, an ‘epicentre’ – encourages contemplation of God – a divine passage/ ‘window’ to send prayers through.
Why is Virgin Mary venerated? Give an example of an icon
Images of Virgin Mary in Catholicism - , e.g. ‘The virgin in prayer’ by Giovanni Sassoferrato – posture is central in expressing an example of devotion - through her kneeling prayer.
The veneration of Mary as a mediator of God – provides a focal point for worship, an ‘epicentre’ – that encourages contemplation of God and opens up a divine passage/ ‘window’ to send prayers through.
Roman Catholicism: What is the purpose of the Crucifix as a symbol in Roman Catholicism? Quote from Saint Bede?
A symbolic reminder of Jesus’s forgiveness of sins, the salvation of the world + teaching and spreading knowledge as a “recall to the memory of the faithful” (Saint Bede.)
Roman Catholicism: Why is Virgin Mary venerated? Give an example of an icon
Images of Virgin Mary in Catholicism - , e.g. ‘The virgin in prayer’ by Giovanni Sassoferrato – posture is central in expressing an example of devotion - through her kneeling prayer.
The veneration of Mary as a mediator of God – provides a focal point for worship, an ‘epicentre’ – that encourages contemplation of God and opens up a divine passage/ ‘window’ to send prayers through.
Roman Catholicism: How is architecture used in the reverence and teaching of God? Examples (stained glass windows, the parable of the wheat and tares)
Architecture enriched with meaning – stained glass windows illustrating the parables – each one exposing religious truths about God. E.g. the famous parable of the wheat and tares – a sequence of stained glass windows – Ely Cathedral – reminds Christians of righteous behaviour, Jesus setting an example, a ‘role model’
“He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, the field is the world” (Matthew 13:36-43)
Roman Catholicism: Why are icons of Saints used in the Catholic Church?
Icons of Saints – Remind people of the difficulties of life and how they can be surpassed through perseverance – Stories instill a sense of hope in those suffering.
Roman Catholicism: What sacraments are used and why?
Consecrated bread (body) + wine (blood) of Christ – Holy Communion – a reminder of God’s agape love and loyalty.
