Bisogno di credere, Julia Kristeva

During the lesson of the 9 February it has been presented part of Julia Kristeva’s Bisogno di Credere.

The theme of the extracts were linked to religion. Indeed the first extract was about the image of Virgin Mary, the second one was about the approach to religion and the last one was about pope Giovanni Paolo II.

I found the first presentation quite interesting. I have always thought religious art was not affected by the artist  feelings. But Julia Kristeva, by analysing some Bellini’s painting, showed how his personal experience influenced Mary’s image. Another aspect I did not expected was the function of Virgin Mary as canon of beauty. I though Mary’s representations had only the function of conveying Christian piety and love. I have been surprised also for the fact the image of Mary like the transfer of the artist’s femininity.

The second part has not surprised me that much. In fact, I already knew that in our days people approach to religion just when they need something. I have heard many time people saying “I am a non-practising catholic”. It is also known that the most important aspect of Christianity is men learns from suffering.

The third part is the one I have understood the less. From what I have understood, Julia Kristeva is interested in Giovanni Paolo II because he had been an example of life. He has shown to the world how Christians are able to bare sufferings. Another point I understood is Karol Wojtyla opinion about the importance of God and the Holy Scriptures. To him, the only way to find the sense of life is reading the Holy Bible and, very important, everything must be connected with God.

In conclusion, I found quite interesting the part regarding the image of Mary in art while the other two parts had not impressed me that much because one was already known and the other one has not been well understood. It would be nice to read the entire interview so I could try to understand what I did not understand and to deepen some aspect.