I was surprised in doing my research for this class how little information I could find relating to how the architectural design of a religious space impacts people’s spiritual experiences. Perhaps I was simply not using the right keywords. But personally, I am always awe-stricken by particular pieces of architecture, how the light will shine through in certain ways to illuminate the space, how the grandiosity of the building can overwhelm a person and set the tone of their experience. I find myself, while traveling, taking many photos of buildings as I walk by them, or designs on the walls and windows that capture the eye. I included many photos in this week’s sources, because I feel like words can only do so much to convey the effect these buildings can have. The Hagia Sophia was a good example, because as soon as I looked up photos, both the exterior and the interior made me gasp. To conduct ritual in a space such as that must have a strong effect on one’s religious experiences.
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