Ontological and Epistemological Interaction between Religious Experience and Sacred Arts

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Shahid Madani University

10.22059/jpht.2025.386682.1006089

Abstract

There is a dynamic interaction between sacred art and religious experience. Religious experiences, characterized by emotions such as astonishment, confusion, fascination, subjugation, passion, and enthusiasm, are inherently more emotional and immediate than rational and reasoned. The interpretation of these experiences is not expressed through didactic or rhetorical language but is instead considered a natural reflection of a mental state. This interpretation is deeply rooted in personal experiences and is understood and interpreted by the audience. Religious art serves as a natural interpretation of religious experience.

This study highlights a reciprocal relationship in this context. Sacred art ontologically depends on the experience of the holy, as it is created and nurtured at the intersection of religious experiences and conceptual models. Conversely, art plays a significant role in realizing, understanding, and interpreting religious experience. It holds an epistemological position by creating a participatory experience that elevates the nature of a work of art beyond that of an object, transforming it into an active element in the process of understanding and interpreting the religious experiences of believers. This research aims to conduct a case study and comparative analysis of specific sacred arts and their interaction with religious teachings and experiences through a phenomenological approach.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Philosophy of Religion

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 April 2025

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics