Sculpture in Religion

Sculpture in Religion explores the multifaceted role of three-dimensional art in shaping religious beliefs and practices across various cultures. The book examines how sculptures of deities, saints, and sacred narratives influence both the construction of sacred spaces and the evolution of religious thought. A key insight is the exploration of theological rationales behind religious imagery, asking why some religions embrace it while others prohibit it. Another focus looks at how religious sculpture has been used to legitimize power and reinforce social hierarchies. The book analyzes religious sculpture not just as decorative but as a dynamic force in shaping religious identities. Beginning with a theoretical framework, it proceeds through case studies from ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Islamic traditions, showing cross-religious approaches to sacred iconography. The central chapters explore localized traditions, while later chapters address iconoclasm and reform. It uses archaeological findings, textual sources, and art-historical analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of religious sculpture's enduring power.