So perhaps my entry for the challenge set by Patti is not conventional. I tried to think about what the word MYSTERIOUS meant to me, and I couldn’t stop thinking about Churches, and religion in general. So I asked Google, could churches be considered mysterious?
This was the response from AI.
Yes, churches can be considered mysterious because the term “mystery” has theological meanings related to faith, God’s presence, and sacraments, as well as other meanings concerning secrecy and unknowable truths. Many Christian denominations officially refer to the Church itself and core aspects of their faith, like the Trinity or the Eucharist, as “mysteries” that are not fully understood by human reason. Beyond theological contexts, the term can also be used more broadly to describe the hidden or unknowable aspects of life and belief, the perceived secrecy of certain rituals or the spiritual and mystical experiences that some followers have.
For me, the whole religion thing is mysterious because I was not brought up in a religious home. We were kept away from it, so my knowledge of what it is like to be involved is also unknown and I guess mysterious. I don’t understand it. My husband has come from a similar background, though he is very much against it, which stems from his childhood.
Someone once said to me that it was sad that I was brought up that way. I said no, it isn’t, it is just different. I’m fine with it. I live my life while considering my impact on others and how what I do will affect them.
I think these days we are seeing more and more of the values of religion being eroded away, and it is being used by many for very selfish reasons and entitlement. I don’t often give my views on religion, as I was also brought up to believe what you believe is yours only, and it doesn’t have to be justified. In Australia, it is something that people don’t really talk about.
So I have some photos of things that are mysterious and represent those things.
That’s it from me this week.
Thank you, Patti, for being our host and setting the challenge. Welcome back. I have put the link to her page at the start of this post.
If you would like to participate in this great challenge, then go to the following link to find out how to join the Lens-Artists Challenge. Click here for more info. Don’t forget to put a link in your post back to the host.
I agree with you, religion is a mystery. I too grew up in a non religious home, but a home where we were open to all beliefs. To me, as soon as I read about buddhism, I felt that must be the philosofy most close to my heart. At least I have never met so many good and kind people in any other religion I have come across. But I don’t consider myself religious. Interesting use of this theme – well done! I love churches and graveyards and always visit some in every country I go to.
Lake Tekapo is so wonderful – and we visited once too. Christchurch – we were there some weeks later and felt some aftershocks. The whole city was damaged and I took many photos. Scary.
I know what you mean about buddhism, for a religion it is a really nice one. Thank you so much Ann-Christine. Glad you liked my take on it.
We were there a few years after, but you could still see all the damage, it would have been a scary time to be there.
Holy mackerel! Great photos Leanne. 👏
Thank you John.
What a creative response to the challenge Leanne. I was considering the topic of religion and spirituality for this challenge but decided I didn’t want to stir the pot. Kudos on being willing to speak your views. And gorgeous photos as always, especially the St. John and Wesley church images.
Thank you Brad, I have to admit I was a bit worried about doing this topic for the challenge.
Beautiful shots of churches! I had a small chapel that I’d go and sit in and pray on campus. It was beautiful and peaceful in there with the stain glassed windows and high ceilings and the solitude. I wish i took pictures of it, but I was not into photography then, so it never occurred to me to take pictures. I look back and think how many good shots I missed.
Thank you so much Esther. What a shame you never took photos of it. I feel the same way about Denmark, there for 7 months and hardly took any photos.
Taking pictures for memory just wasn’t on my mental radar in my twenties. Funny how things change over time. How many good pictures I would have had if I were mindful of them, but it was before digital cameras and we had to develop films. lol
I can commiserate with your Denmark experience. The regret comes later.
I know what you mean, when we were in Denmark I was being a mum with a baby under 1. I know what you mean Esther, if only, the regret does really come. oh well.
You are spot on with this interpretation of the theme, and so many of us are in agreement on that! Your photos are faultless as always, I’m really taken by the Lake tekapo shot.
Thank you Sofia.
Though I lack a strong religious construct, I find myself irresistibly drawn to old churches. The ornate European styles, the layers of symbolism, and the quiet mystery of their history always speak to me.
YOu are preaching to the choir John, I am exactly the same. Thank you.
Leanne, I wish I had thought of that, too. Yes, plenty of mystery in churches. Your photos are gorgeous.
Thank you Egidio, I couldn’t think of anything else, lol.
I love your images, Leanne, while it’s very different from what I share, I have a great love for architecture, and black and white and monochrome. I especially like the first image, it is quite beautiful.
Thank you so much Laura, I think that is one of the things I love about blogging how different we all are.
Yes, agree about your thoughts about churches, as you can see in my first two photos.
Thank you Teresa, I will take a look at yours soon, I’m running behind this week.
A favorite photography subject of mine. I love old churches and cathedrals. So much so we along the Rhine River by boat visiting, shooting, ancient sites. And like you not raised with any church. Mystery, nice article.
I love them too, love finding them. That would be amazing. Thank you so much Ted.
A very interesting take on the challenge Leanne – I enjoyed your text as well as your as-always beautiful images. My niece happened to be in ChristChurch on business during their earthquake and her hotel was evacuated. She said it was terribly frightening and she really felt for the residents who experienced so much damage. We just never know.
Thank you Tina.It is amazing the damage in Christchurch, we weren’t there when it happened, but I remember it on the news. It would be very scary to be there. We really don’t.
it looks like the inside of oz
I like that, thanks Beth.
Wow!! Great selections for this one, Leanne! “…the whole religion thing is mysterious”– I feel the same.
Thank you Amy.
A very different take on the challenge: I like it. For me the shot most evocative of mystery is the reddish Gothic church set in a lowering sky.
Thank you Margaret.
I wish I could “like” this more than once. Absolutely beautiful. ❤️
Thank you so much.
I totally agree with you. It stands to reason that churches “hold” that sense of mystery–of the divine, of our existence before and after our time on earth…Your images are fantastic, as always. The use of the infrared filter is perfect. Do you have a camera dedicated to infrared? Or, do you use a processing technique? And thanks for your kind words, too!
Thank you Patti, I have a dedicated camera for infrared.