Graven Images: Prohibitions against Image Making and the Art of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

The Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,) all support the making of art that conveys sacred truths. At the same time, all three traditions have passages in their sacred texts that forbid making graven images. Within each of the three traditions there are competing interpretations of the relevant texts, resulting in a variety of artistic practices among devotees of each tradition. Looking at art from the three traditions, we will come to a greater appreciation of the variety of ways art and faith intersect, while noting similarities and differences among the Abrahamic faiths.

For this tour, Rev. Hougen will be joined by two co-presenters: Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell and Asheq Fazlullah.