Religions are culture masters

They know how to surround us with stories and activities that keep our beliefs and values front of mind and front of heart. They leverage daily routines to remind us: we wear this for this reason; we greet each other this way to show respect; we sacrifice these things to become free. Our given name, how we dress, how we celebrate – how we face nearly every major life milestone – is rooted in our faith. Inextricably woven into the fabric of our lives, we grow up feeling that is the way life is. It is how the world works.

Religious practices are front and center in most people’s lives. We are born into a faith community, celebrating countless religious holidays with family and friends. Our sense of belonging – and order – is strong.  Our given name, how we dress, how we celebrate – how we face nearly every major life milestone – is rooted in our faith. Inextricably woven into the fabric of our lives, we grow up feeling that is the way life is. It is how the world works.

Mission accomplished. Every faith community leverages the arts, providing us with ongoing opportunities to express beliefs and experience the strength of our connections. As a matter of fact, cooperation and mutual support is a core tenet in most religions. Loving one another. Being kind. Honoring the spirit in everyone. Making reparations for hurts. Thank goodness most of us grow up surrounded by lessons and experiences of the power of belonging.

Religions are culture masters. They know how to surround us with stories and activities that keep our beliefs and values front of mind and front of heart. They leverage daily routines to remind us: we wear this for this reason; we greet each other this way to show respect; we sacrifice these things to become free. 

In this section we explore some of the ways the arts in our real lives build and maintain our faith.

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