Religion has been a defining factor in people’s lives for several hundred thousand years. Religion is ubiquitous across the globe, and virtually everyone has had to contend with it in one way or another. My opinion stems from witnessing the violence and division caused by the Hindu and Muslim communities in India.
This thesis, Religion Realigned, aims to explore religion through three distinct projects that look at the subject from different critical perspectives. The Unsung Manifestos are a series of books that urge its readers to see all religions in an open-minded and equal way. It takes away the pedestal that only grants very few religions, respect, and gravitas.
The Sanctum is a website that explores the material objects that reflect a religion in their places of worship and asks the viewer how important they truly are in representing the space. Religion can be divisive and prejudicial, so in response, The Sanctum allows users from around the globe to experience an unfamiliar place of worship in its purest essence.
The Indoctrination Inactivity Book aims to expand the minds of young adults who have inborn religious views and opinions, due to their communities or upbringings. It encourages them to explore their biases, thoughts, opinions and hopefully allows them to broaden their mindsets about topics they might have previously been certain on. Through these projects, Religion Realigned hopes to start conversations about the detrimental effects of religion and inspire curiosity and open-mindedness in regards to religions they might be unfamiliar with.