Religious Icons Help Faithful to "Find the Spirit Behind the Symbol."

October 23, 2003

Source: The Plain Dealer

http://www.cleveland.com/living/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/living/1066901629123710.xml

On October 23, 2003 The Plain Dealer discussed the recent revival of religious imagery and iconography in places of worship. According to the article, "the increasing religious diversity of the nation is exposing more people to the idea of how art can enhance spiritual reflection in homes and sanctuaries. Along the walls of the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Parma are stone sculptures of various Hindu deities. These are not idols, but manifestations that help people understand the one absolute God, said Ramaswamy Sharma, temple manager. 'God is everywhere. He is not only in the statue, but he is visible there,' Sharma said. 'They're looking at this form as a symbol... They worship the spirit behind the symbol.'"