Interfaith Painting

In trying to unite the numerous religions of the world, the new Interfaith Cultural and Historical Center calls upon the artist to develop a piece of art  for display in the organization’s lobby. The piece of art is a painting showing tributaries joining up to form one big river. This art depicts the unity between the various religions forming this organization and the unity of humanity. Unity of humanity is an important aspect of every religion.

Every religion believes that unity is an important virtue. They promote unity in various settings including families, communities, and even between people with varying religions. Coming together as the tributaries does in the painting often makes people stronger, better, and able to handle situations in the society (Abu-Nimer, Khoury, & Welty, 2007). This painting supports an opinion that is held by all religions. It is appropriate for this setting.

The unity depicted in the painting dictates the individual to serve their society to their best capability. With unity, individuals are unlikely to discriminate when serving their deity (Abu-Nimer, Khoury, & Welty, 2007).

In Judaism, we note the importance of unity in various instances. The story of Esau and Jacob, the sons of Isaac, is a great show of the virtue’s importance. This story is shared in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam (Abu-Nimer, Khoury, & Welty, 2007). Similarly, Buddhism promotes unity in a similar manner. Buddhism requires that individuals regard others highly despite their diversity and help others without boundaries (Chen, Hood Jr, Yang, & Watson, 2011). In Christianity, loving your neighbor and enemy are basic teachings. Both promotes unity among members of a diverse society.

Placing the painting in this location will add value to the place. It emphasizes the need for unity among people from different religions. It shares with people a belief that brings them together. By doing this, the painting creates a need to unite. Besides, it promotes the unity atmosphere that is required in the setting of the company. Rivers are a shared experience and are applicable in any religion of culture. The theme of unity is the most appropriate in the context of organization. The main intention of the organization is to create unity between communities that instigate from diverse religions.

References

Abu-Nimer, M., Khoury, A., & Welty, E. (2007). Unity in diversity: interfaith dialogue in the Middle East. US Institute of Peace Press.

Chen, Z., Hood Jr, R. W., Yang, L., & Watson, P. J. (2011). Mystical experience among Tibetan Buddhists: The common core thesis revisited. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 50(2), 328-338.