Art Vs Religion Essay

There are many combinations that an individual may create, as stated above, as long as some degree of each of the conditions are portrayed, an art form as been detected. Because art is a form of communication between individuals, art leads to progression, a chance for society to evolve over time. As each era moves forward, greater understanding of life develops. Religion is a clear example of this, as religious insight has been present since the beginning of time. Due to this, in Tolstoy’s opinion, it is wise for art to be derived on the basis of religion. This art holds a certain value above the rest, while art conveying feelings of the past has the tendency to be shunned. To provide an example, Tolstoy makes reference to the Greeks by stating that “among the Greeks art transmitting the feeling of beauty, strength, and courage was chosen, approved, and encouraged, while art transmitting feelings of rude sensuality, despondency, and effeminacy was condemned and despised,” (Tolstoy 241). If present society is based on religion, art should undoubtedly be evaluated by these notions. Art that is derived from religion should be hold to high standards, while in comparison, art that opposes these beliefs should be forgotten. Art that does not qualify for either realm should essentially be ignored. Overall, Tolstoy defines good art to be …show more content…
What one may perceive as good may be obscene to another viewer and vice-versa. Everyone will have different reactions to a work of art, there should not be a set standard to what art should or should not be if every individual will take different things away from it. Depending on the background or social class of the individual, perceptions are bound to be different. Tolstoy’s qualifications for what deems a work of art as “good” or “bad” are far too narrow-minded. There is not a thing as good art or bad art, only favorable or unfavorable, preferred or