Everywhere you go in Southern Spain you will find an expression of faith in one form or another. Giant cathedrals, rural chapels, icons on the sides of buildings, and monuments of the long and diverse Spanish history. It was very difficult for me to choose images that are truly representative. I tried to include at least one example from each of those settings. I included an image from the Alhambra that contains Arabic script as a reminder of the centuries of Arab influence in the region.
To be honest, the scope of religious influence on Spain is overwhelming. At best i can try to give you fleeting surface impressions that struck me during my short 2 1/2 week visit. Foremost in my mind is the fact that for centuries Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived in places such as Cordoba in harmony. If only that sense of community could exist in the world again. Another impression is that of massive cathedrals with untold wealth of gold and jewels brought by Spanish conquest of the Americas. On one hand, they are places of beauty. On the other, they were furnished by the blood, sweat, and tears of the people of the Americas. A third impression is the diversity of styles in religious expression. Throughout all of those styles of expression, the severity of the crucifixion seems much more graphic to me that North American counterparts. A final expression of faith that comes to mind is that you can round a street corner, enter a narrow side street and discover a shrine with well-attended flowers is a common occurrence. All of these expressions of beauty and devotion make me wonder how people who could create them would also produce the horrors of the Inquisition as an expression of faith. I believe that it is something that is almost impossible for me, at least, to begin to understand. Fortunately, the Inquisition is behind us. The expressions of faith and beauty still remain.
I am not a religious person. I can, however, appreciate the beauty and sincerity in the expression of faith by others. It would not be possible to visit a place such as southern Spain without including expressions of faith as part of the understanding and appreciation of the regions's culture.
Thank you for visiting once more, please stop by again. In the meantime, may your travels be interesting and enjoyable. I challenge you to,if possible, stretch your comfort level and search for places beyond your present horizon. There are so many new and different experience that await you.
Kerry
6 comments:
I am not religious, either. My opinion about Inquisition is that it was nothing to do with religion, but politics. In other words, it is common that politicians often use religion (more precisely leaders of the religion) to oppress oppositions OR vice versa.
Thanks for putting the Inquisition in context. Your comment got me to remember that religion and politics were very closely tied in Europe during that historical period. I suppose that the two have been always tied to one degree or another.
My opinion is that regions began with purity and chastity. Once they gain popularity, they turn into a political party. Pure religions do not need fancy buildings decorated with so beautiful arts, as they are supposed to be spiritual not material.
Interesting post. Liked the 4th photo, especially the light in the background
Thank you. Sometimes the photo op works out just right. Places free from crowds of tourists help make that happen. This is the off-season in Spain, except for those of us who were seeking interesting places with a climate more moderate than our own.
Beautiful pictures. European sculptures are magnificent. Thanks for sharing.
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