Blog # 11: Images and Symbols

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43566202@N00/385999660/

The image of symbols that I found represents, to me, the diversity of symbols in religion. Outside of religion, symbols are used everywhere, and for everything. However, it seems that when an image or symbol is used in connection with a religion, it holds more power, and more influence.

The question of religion being only a system of symbols is probably a touchy subject for followers of a religion, because they obviously believe that there is more to it than that. But it seems to me that this image demonstrates how a collection of symbols can represent and correctly identify all of the beliefs and ideas in a religion. They do represent something more to the believers of that religion, but for those who do not follow it, the symbols seem to represent the religion itself. So they have different purposes from different perspectives, but are equally powerful. So however you look at it, symbols are a key component, if not the main focus, of many and most religions. They are a means of connecting people across the globe, and a way of communicating without language. Symbols are useful, and simple, and very functional.