The iconic figure of Pope John Paul II was allegedly spotted in the flames of a fire during a ceremony in Poland that marked the second anniversary of his death (see this article for details). The fact that it made international news alone speaks to the power of iconic imagery to make people who may not think something like religion is real actually consider that it could be. On the other hand, the fact that such a huge deal was made out of something that very easily could have been manufactured may also work against the Catholic Church, making it seem as unrealistic and contrived as some people believe it to be. I think this photograph is an interesting comment on how trust in photographs and interpretation of them can and do play a significant role in the acceptance of beliefs such as religion, ironically serving as "proof" of the faith that is supposed to exist without it.
during a ceremony in Poland that marked the second anniversary of his death (see for details). The fact that it made international news alone speaks to the power of iconic imagery to make people who may not think something like religion is real actually consider that it could be. On the other hand, the fact that such a huge deal was made out of something that very easily could have been manufactured may also work against the Catholic Church, making it seem as unrealistic and contrived as some people believe it to be. I think this photograph is an interesting comment on how trust in photographs and interpretation of them can and do play a significant role in the acceptance of beliefs such as religion, ironically serving as "proof" of the faith that is supposed to exist without it.
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