I think it [religion] is an art, the greatest one; an extension of the communion all the other arts attempt

I think it [religion] is an art, the greatest one; an extension of the communion all the other arts attempt

Dodie Smith, the renowned English playwright and novelist, once famously remarked that she believed religion to be an art form, the greatest one in fact. This statement is quite profound and thought-provoking, as it challenges the traditional notions of religion and art and suggests a deeper connection between the two.

Religion, at its core, is a system of beliefs and practices that seek to answer the fundamental questions of human existence. It provides a framework for understanding the world and our place in it, as well as a set of moral guidelines for how we should live our lives. In this sense, religion can be seen as a form of art, as it involves creativity, imagination, and expression in its rituals, symbols, and stories.

Like art, religion has the power to evoke deep emotions, inspire awe and wonder, and create a sense of community and connection among its followers. It can be a source of comfort and solace in times of hardship, a guide for ethical decision-making, and a way to explore the mysteries of the universe. In this way, religion can be seen as an extension of the communion that all other arts attempt to achieve – a way of transcending the limitations of the material world and connecting with something greater than ourselves.

Smith's assertion that religion is the greatest art form suggests that she saw it as the ultimate expression of human creativity and spirituality. Just as artists use their talents to create beauty and meaning in the world, so too do religious practitioners use their beliefs and practices to create a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. Religion, like art, has the power to transform and uplift the human spirit, to inspire us to strive for something greater than ourselves, and to connect us to the divine.