Religion as Cultural Identity: Addressing Misconceptions and Examining Attitudes

written by art historian & curator Mihaela Manolache

Religion, throughout human history, has been a defining characteristic of cultural identity for numerous societies and communities. Today it continues to shape beliefs, values, and practices, reflecting a deep-rooted connection between religion and culture. The sense of belonging and connection that individuals feel through religion towards a particular culture is expressed uniquely for each society. This is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various factors and experiences and provides an understanding of who individuals are and how they relate to the world around them. However, misconceptions often arise surrounding this relationship, leading to misunderstandings and biases. If we were to explore the concept of religion as a cultural identity, one will see that the subject gives birth to contradictory debates and forms certain attitudes towards religion and automatically, towards involved societies.

Paintings, sculptures, and murals have been used to depict religious stories and narratives. These visual representations inspire devotion and reinforce the cultural identity associated with a particular religion. In modern times, art continues to influence religious cultural identity through contemporary interpretations and…