Divine Light

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the concept of divine light. It investigates the origin of the concept and how it is integrated with social values and ideals of various times throughout history. The paper discusses the history of divine light and suggests that in these modern times, the concept of the divine has stretched and evolved to include a variety of principles, religions and lifestyles. The paper gives examples of its use and particularly focuses on the concept of divine light in architecture.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Divine Light
Divine Light in Architecture
Greek Temples
Early Christian Architecture
Medieval Christian Churches
Baroque churches
Modern Churches
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Instead, Tadao Ando asserts that a universal spirituality is possible through the use of natural forces. This in turn is reminiscent of the enclosures around Greek Temples, where natural elements were used to connect the human spirit to the divine. Ando recognizes that the divine, if architecture is going to be truly universal, is largely undefined by the paradigms of modern society. We live in an integrated world. Ando therefore uses natural elements that appeal universally to the human spirit. This provides for a "divine light" that is flexible: human beings can use its effect to connect to any form of the divine that pleases them. In this integrated approach, Ando emphasizes the creative force, once assumed to be from exterior or supernatural forces, that comes from within the spirit. As such, his work is a true integration of modern social values."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Art Glass Association. 2006. "Stained Glass: A history". http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/The_Parthenon.html
• "Baroque Ceilings in Italy." 2006. http://www.students.sbc.edu/baigent03/baroqueceiling413.htm
• Glynn, Simon. 2003. "Chapel of Notre Dame du Haut". http://www.galinsky.com/buildings/ronchamp/index.htm
• Millet, Marietta S. 1996. Light Revealing Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold
• Odyssey, Adventures in Archaeology. 2001. "The Greek Temple". http://www.odysseyadventures.ca/articles/greektemple/greek_temple.htm

More papers on Divine Light:

• Analytical Essay # 54623 : "Dante's "Divine Comedy"
• Analytical Essay # 108526 : "Women and Wisdom in the Old Testament"
• Comparison Essay # 96176 : "Son of God"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: