Art at its best?

Monk by the Sea, Caspar Friedrich

Ahh the controversy of Caspar Friedrich. Very odd painting as well. What does it symbolize? What does it mean?

My interpretation of this piece has to deal the church at the time. The Monk is lonley. He has no more followers, no more believers, and instead faces a vicious black sea. Religion has always been a hot topic. After all, the majority of wars has been started over religion, people kill themselves in the name of it, and people kill other innocent people because of it. But what really causes them to do such things? Aren't most religions against killing? Aren't there certain rules or laws that these religions live by?

Back in the 1500's during the mideival era, the Church ran it all. Everyone also went to church. Nowadays, church is something that individuals dread to attend. Friends of mine come up with excuses not to attend it. I know whole families who avoid participating regularly in their religion. Religion is getting weaker, and I believe that is what Caspar Friedrich is trying to show.

Do I agree? Quite frankly, its hard not to. At least in America that is. Everyone has something better to do than to sit in a hall and listen to people speak. Or is it that people are simply lazy? It would fit the sterotype now wouldn't it? Anyways, lets not get sidetracked here.

Now what is religion for? Is it a networking aspect? A place where poeple get to know people? Is it really a place were people can talk to a higher being and ask for forgiveness? Is it a place to learn how to live life? Correctly?

Nontheless, religion still seems to be quite popular still. After all, only 16% of the world population is non-religious according to Adherents.com. For a lot of people, it probably supplies a lot of people with help. Others with hope.

Friedrich's painting is a very interesting prediction. I really am curious whether religion is 'going out of style.'