WR-MattS

=Architecture= Most of the main religions that we have covered in this class so far have some type of architecture, whether characterized through their holy structures or shrines. Some of these designs are purely decorative and focus more on ornate decorations than the actual act of praying. Other religious architecture is characterized by functional or simple architecture that serves a purpose and enhances the religious process. Architecture varies even within each religion, and below I will try to give a brief overview of some of the characteristics of architecture in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Shintoism.

Christianity
The place of worship for followers of the Christian faith is called a Church. There are many different types, which vary according to sect and vary in shape, size, and decoration. Some churches are well known for their high ceilings, domes, stain glass windows, or decorative altars. Christian churches can be very ornate and decorative, but at the same time their design has a definite purpose to God. Most churches focus attention on the heavens so as to stress God and have a large cross towards the front of the Church. There is a puplit or alter, where the priest speaks to followers of the Christian faith and delivers his message from God. The word Cathedral means "Bishops Throne", and the title Bishop is one of the most prestigious titles in the Christian faith. Most Churches are usually either Roman Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Orthodox.

Below is Catholic Church.

Buddhism
Buddhism began in the 3rd Century in South Asia. The early roots of the Buddhist faith came in the form of the Vihara, or monastery for monks. The Vihara was a place where devout followers would go to live and get a better understanding of their faith. Most monasteries contain a square inner space and have a porch surrounded by columns. The monasteries are meant to look like mountains and usually contain a Bodhi tree. The function of Vihara's has evolved to be more elaborate rather than just functional. When Pagoda style temples were built, temples became more elaborate and decorative, containing more adornments and offerings to Buddha.

Below is a typical Buddhist Pagoda Temple.

Islam
In Islam, mosque is the name given to the place of worship for followers of the religion. Men and women pray separately at mosques. Rakah, or the ritual of bowing and praying, is performed in the mosque and made possible due to lots of empty space inside. Mosques traditionally face the city of Mecca, which is the holy city of Islam. There are two types of mosques among Islam's followers; a jamaca is the main mosque where Friday prayer takes place, and the Mosjid is the more common mosque among early Muslims. Mosque architecture is based on the creativity of Allah and nature, involving geometric design and patterns. There are special rooms designated for ritual cleaning, schooling, and prayer. Mosques are also paid for by the government. The Ka'ba is the first mosque in Mecca and is the holy shrine for Muslim followers.

Important Monument: The Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is located in India. It was built in the memory is Taj's wife- Mumtaz Mehal. The main architect of the temple was Ustad Ahman Lahauri and the structure is characterized by arched doors, supporting structures called minarets, and a finial at the top of the dome. The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous monuments in India.

Below is the world-famous Taj Mahal.

Judaism
In Judaism, the place of worship is called a temple, or synagogue, or shul. The architecture of each synagogue varies according to the type of Judaism practiced. The Bimah is the name given to the stage of altar. The eternal flame is called the Ner Tamid, and the Ark Aronkodesh houses the torch. The name given to the waiting wall is the Hakotel. In general, most synagogues have a relatively functional design and are meant to be an offering place to God. In a typical Orthodox temple, men and women are separate from each other during prayer. Women also cannot leader worship. The first Holy Temple was the Bet Hamikdash Temple.

Below is a typical Synagogue.

Hinduism
A Hindu Temple is called a Mandir. The statues surrounding the temple are called Murtis'. The architecture is characterized by pillars, arches, domes, flags, and ornate shape and geometric shapes which allow for worship. This type of temple is very ornate and decorative compared to some other religions.

Below is a typical Hindu Temple, or Mandir.

Shintoism
There are thousands of Shinto shrines and temples all over Japan, as it is a widespread religion in Japan. Most shrines are very functional and meant to serve a specific purpose for followers of Shintoism, and ornate decorations and elaborate architecture are not one of those purposes. The shrines are said to be the dwelling place of Kami, or spirits in the Shinto faith. There are many different types and structures in regard to Shinto temples but one of the more famous shrines is the Heian Shrine. It is modeled after the Imperial Palace. It is characterized by a main offering hall, archways called Torii, animal statues called Komainu, a stage, and a purification trough to purify oneself. the Fushimi Inari Shrine is another famous shrine in Japan. Some shrines are funded by the Japanese government and there are many different types and sizes.



It is important to note that many newly-founded religions or cult-like religions that we have studied in this class do not have well defined architecture because of their recent founding. Because of this, I was unable to cover a wide variety of religions and had to limit most of my research to the main religions that we have studied in the class.

Great Resource: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/sacred-sites/modern-architecture.htm : Information on all architecture for most of the world's religions.

Works Cited: http://yourkidsnotgoingpro.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/catholic-church.jpg http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/p/images/pagoda_jap.horyu.lg.JPG http://www.travel-destination-pictures.com/data/media/68/taj-mahal-picture_1308.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3c/Great_Synagogue_Plzen_CZ.jpg&imgrefurl=http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Great_Synagogue_Plzen_CZ.jpg&usg=__ASCAisnjH5GSXfAveXx9HIQqapE=&h=1556&w=1387&sz=346&hl=en&start=3&sig2=IHm_UV5wcSPhtwk6mWM_xA&um=1&tbnid=DyxrYgfcASljuM:&tbnh=150&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsynagogue%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=Wj4USv6CFZSa8gSu3tyKBA http://www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork/dev_sounds_hindu/media/an_shri_swaminarayan_mandir.jpg http://www.traveladdicts.connectfree.co.uk/Japan/Images/Wedding_in_Toyokuni_Shinto_Shrine.jpg

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