Thursday, May 8, 2008

Photo

http://flickr.com/photos/lido_6006/221439880/
A photo with a religious theme/subject from flickr.com, this photo is called "Religion: keep changing like a chameleon." This is indeed a photo in which one can observe the "system of symbols" that Geertz defines religion as. In fact, this is a photo of many of the various symbols that religions use in their respective systems. This photo is of a chameleon made up entirely of religious symbols. I am not sure if these symbols have been constructed by religious traditions nor am I sure that they have existed since the beginning of their respective religions. However, this picture is clearly about the "system of symbols" because we have the Wheel of Dharma, the Christian Cross, the Star and Crescent, the Aum, and the Star of David to name most of them. (I think I see the Pentagram in there too.) Anyways, these are all symbols for their respective religions. Those religions with a "system of symbols" to represent them include Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam to name a few. Religion is indeed a "system of symbols" whether or not it was intended to be that way and religion is now mostly only known for their symbols.

1 comment:

Mallory said...

This photo is fantastic.