Approaches to the visual in religion

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The authors investigate the analysis of visual sources and their crucial role in understanding and interpreting religions, their symbol systems, and broader traditions. This study emphasizes the methodological challenges of images from a comparative perspective, seeking a comprehensive approach to analyze images within their social, intellectual, and religious contexts. The contributions collectively aim to demonstrate that visual sources require interpretation from multiple angles. Recent decades have seen a surge in publications highlighting the importance of images and visual media for comprehending religious traditions, communities, and discourses from both historical and contemporary viewpoints. Emerging research has explored various aspects of visual media in religious contexts, particularly the status of images and the viewer's gaze. Additionally, the volume includes insightful contributions that address the theoretical frameworks for engaging with the visual as a fundamental element of religion, offering essential definitions and implications while also focusing on specific techniques and media. This multifaceted approach underscores the significance of visual sources in religious studies, paving the way for deeper understanding and interpretation.