Being the editor in chief for the Architecture in Faith has really opened my eyes to new beginnings. It has helped me rethink my life and helped me think about what I can do better with my own religion. (I won’t disclose my religion because we are all about being equal and learning about beliefs).
One of the main things that always stick out to me is how all the architecture that we have discussed in this issue and just like in any other issue. It finally hit me and I finally realized this. Is that no matter what religion you are apart of, no matter which sect or domination? You are part of a great family, a great support group, who wants to follow and serve a higher power to become one with the high power or with oneself. Now how do we get there? How do we express this? We all have this in common and after previewing this issue, I have finally realized what that was. What it means to me and to everyone else. We all want to express our beliefs and strengthen that belief. But how do we go on about doing that? Thomas Jefferson says it better in his own words stating, “Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.” (brainyquote) I bring up that quote is because we need to question everything. How do we show what we believe in and why do we do it? Again, after this issue that question was answered. We do it through attending these holy places and expressing our faith. From Christians attending church or mass, to Muslims praying five times a day and going to a mosque, to Jews attending a synagogue, to Daoists going outside in the mountains to gain peace. This list could go on and on but the reason why I stop is because we all express our faith in these special handcrafted buildings that are for God. Or we go outside in the mountain to become one with ourselves. I really love how Muslims attend the Dome in the Rock because how beautiful the architecture. Even if you aren’t a follower. Enjoying the building itself is such an awh moment; it really takes your breath away. The followers of Islam did this because they wanted to do the best for their God, Allah. They made sure it was perfect. Likewise goes to the Notre Dame monastery. Again, beautiful craftsmanship and detail and this again were for the glory for God.
What’s great about the architecture in religion is that we are able to enjoy and express our feelings in buildings. Our faith and commitment into the wonderful buildings that we see all around us. These buildings show us how far we have come and really how alike each religion is. All religions have buildings where they study their faith, where they can be alone and ponder the teachings, and really to increase the commitment to the their faith. I know for me being in a holy place and even if it’s not the religion I am. I feel a great sense of peace and amazement because of how great it is. You can tell the difference because of the people. The people is what makes the architecture come to life. Without them, we would be nowhere. We wouldn’t have these great buildings to worship in.
So next time when you are out and about, and you see another religion that’s not yours and you see their religious building. Take a moment and explore and learn what they have to offer. Guaranteed they are not too different in how you would handle each situation. We need to remember we need to live together on this big planet. We need to grow and learn how to respect each other and enjoy each other. We can do this by taking the time to learn their religion and by admiring their building.
One of the main things that always stick out to me is how all the architecture that we have discussed in this issue and just like in any other issue. It finally hit me and I finally realized this. Is that no matter what religion you are apart of, no matter which sect or domination? You are part of a great family, a great support group, who wants to follow and serve a higher power to become one with the high power or with oneself. Now how do we get there? How do we express this? We all have this in common and after previewing this issue, I have finally realized what that was. What it means to me and to everyone else. We all want to express our beliefs and strengthen that belief. But how do we go on about doing that? Thomas Jefferson says it better in his own words stating, “Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.” (brainyquote) I bring up that quote is because we need to question everything. How do we show what we believe in and why do we do it? Again, after this issue that question was answered. We do it through attending these holy places and expressing our faith. From Christians attending church or mass, to Muslims praying five times a day and going to a mosque, to Jews attending a synagogue, to Daoists going outside in the mountains to gain peace. This list could go on and on but the reason why I stop is because we all express our faith in these special handcrafted buildings that are for God. Or we go outside in the mountain to become one with ourselves. I really love how Muslims attend the Dome in the Rock because how beautiful the architecture. Even if you aren’t a follower. Enjoying the building itself is such an awh moment; it really takes your breath away. The followers of Islam did this because they wanted to do the best for their God, Allah. They made sure it was perfect. Likewise goes to the Notre Dame monastery. Again, beautiful craftsmanship and detail and this again were for the glory for God.
What’s great about the architecture in religion is that we are able to enjoy and express our feelings in buildings. Our faith and commitment into the wonderful buildings that we see all around us. These buildings show us how far we have come and really how alike each religion is. All religions have buildings where they study their faith, where they can be alone and ponder the teachings, and really to increase the commitment to the their faith. I know for me being in a holy place and even if it’s not the religion I am. I feel a great sense of peace and amazement because of how great it is. You can tell the difference because of the people. The people is what makes the architecture come to life. Without them, we would be nowhere. We wouldn’t have these great buildings to worship in.
So next time when you are out and about, and you see another religion that’s not yours and you see their religious building. Take a moment and explore and learn what they have to offer. Guaranteed they are not too different in how you would handle each situation. We need to remember we need to live together on this big planet. We need to grow and learn how to respect each other and enjoy each other. We can do this by taking the time to learn their religion and by admiring their building.