Christian imagery in Goth

[Draconysius]

There's no denying it: Christian imagery pervades through goth, appearing heavily in fashion and lyrical subject matter. Most goths aren't Christian, so why is it such a prevalent theme? Offer your thoughts.

[NightmareInShiningArmour]

Looks cool?

[Malice In Wonderland]

Yeah.
Drama and shit.

[Solumina]

I really don't see any Christian imagery in the goth scene around here and even in other places that I have been it isn't particularly prevalent so I'm not really sure what you are talking about.

[Tam Li Hua]

Because nothing's more gothic than Catholicism. lulz

[Tam Li Hua]

Originally Posted by Solumina

I really don't see any Christian imagery in the goth scene around here and even in other places that I have been it isn't particularly prevalent so I'm not really sure what you are talking about.

Crucifixes, crosses, graveyards, images of demons, devils, and pentagrams...etc. and so on.

[Beneath the Shadows]

I don't see much Christian symbolism in goth subculture. But then again, I don't see much original symbolism in Christianity.

[Felreaper]

I guess it would come from the idea of gothic architecture and the lifestyles of those living in the gothic period of time. Most of there lives were centered around faith that was being pressed by the Church. Most rebels ended up becoming satanist since it was the greatest thing in their lives to rebel against. Also, the period is seen as gloomy and unfeeling, almost dead. I guess this might be part of it...

[Solumina]

Originally Posted by Tam Li Hua

Crucifixes, crosses, graveyards, images of demons, devils, and pentagrams...etc. and so on.

Crosses, graveyards, demons, and devils are not exclusively Christian and even if you were to say that they are in fact exclusively Christian they are not prevalent in gothic culture unless, for some strange reason, you want to include mall goths and spooky kids, its like saying that vampires are somehow goth.

[Man In Room 5]

Originally Posted by Draconysius

There's no denying it: Christian imagery pervades through goth, appearing heavily in fashion and lyrical subject matter. Most goths aren't Christian, so why is it such a prevalent theme? Offer your thoughts.

Cool subject Drac, you're a guy after my own heart; if I had one.

Unfortunately, I'm going to bite my tongue on this subject for the moment since it would devour large portions of my time if I were to get too deeply involved. I will predict however that this thread will quickly deteriorate into a "what is goth" debate where those who haven't read gothic literature or studied gothic art will decry these things as non-gothic simply because they aren't familiar with them while those who are familiar with them will claim that goth music is only the most recent incarnation of a larger tradition of gothic art. Then it will become a flame war as both sides refuse to be inclusive of those goths they personally believe to be non-goth.

[Draconysius]

Originally Posted by Man In Room 5

Cool subject Drac, you're a guy after my own heart; if I had one.

Unfortunately, I'm going to bite my tongue on this subject for the moment since it would devour large portions of my time if I were to get too deeply involved. I will predict however that this thread will quickly deteriorate into a "what is goth" debate where those who haven't read gothic literature or studied gothic art will decry these things as non-gothic simply because they aren't familiar with them while those who are familiar with them will claim that goth music is only the most recent incarnation of a larger tradition of gothic art. Then it will become a flame war as both sides refuse to be inclusive of those goths they personally believe to be non-goth.

True. It's already underway. Let's continue this on IM or Slsk.

[Lolly PopMuzik]

Originally Posted by Tam Li Hua

Stuff

Speaking of which, is your sig seriously implying that only Christian goths are happy?

[HumanePain]

Personally I think it is the link between the cross and the suffering and death that goes with it. I wrote a little ditty about it:


Iron and Wood
with Flesh in between.
Blood dripping down...
what does it mean?


Bats are prevalent in Goth subculture, and vampires are related to bats, and the cross is suppose to protect one from vampires, so again it is a relation of things to the cross, that almost subconscious association that helps the cross bring foreboding to those who see one against the black backdrop of a fashionable Goth, which is the effect some Goths try to achieve with it.

"There's something creepy about that guy/girl."

Well duh. :smirk:

[MollyMac]

Christian symbolism is common in Goth because it is common in everything else. Similar degrees, just different styles. It's all in what you buy.

[SiouxsiePernova]

I have noticed a lot of Christian iconography in this subculture, but I don't have an explanation as to why it is so prevalent.

[Still Jack]

Originally Posted by Lolly PopMuzik

Speaking of which, is your sig seriously implying that only Christian goths are happy?

I got that vibe too.

[isobel black]

Originally Posted by Lolly PopMuzik

only Christian goths are happy?

I guess that means ignorance really is bliss.

[Black Inferno]

Well...I don't think that goths are the 4-ever-pissed-and-depress cliche' brought by some assholic-holier-than-thou christians...Furthermore,can't they just accept that the world have many different people and culture plus,I even see some muslims wearing crosses yesterday...So the cross or whatsoever is not exclusive to christian alone..

[Tam Li Hua]

Originally Posted by Solumina

Crosses, graveyards, demons, and devils are not exclusively Christian and even if you were to say that they are in fact exclusively Christian they are not prevalent in gothic culture unless, for some strange reason, you want to include mall goths and spooky kids, its like saying that vampires are somehow goth.

Of course they aren't; I didn't say they were.

Was just throwing a few ideas out there as to why such things may be so prevalent in Goth imagery.

Me personally, I'd love to know how ankhs and swastikas became prevalent. They both started out as religious symbols as well.

[Tam Li Hua]

Originally Posted by HumanePain

Personally I think it is the link between the cross and the suffering and death that goes with it. I wrote a little ditty about it:


Iron and Wood
with Flesh in between.
Blood dripping down...
what does it mean?


Bats are prevalent in Goth subculture, and vampires are related to bats, and the cross is suppose to protect one from vampires, so again it is a relation of things to the cross, that almost subconscious association that helps the cross bring foreboding to those who see one against the black backdrop of a fashionable Goth, which is the effect some Goths try to achieve with it.

"There's something creepy about that guy/girl."

Well duh. :smirk:

Heh. I think this is the best explanation thus far. XD

[Tam Li Hua]

Lolly, et. al.: *facepalm*

You people are insane. Seriously.

[Underwater Ophelia]

Originally Posted by Tam Li Hua

Lolly, et. al.: *facepalm*

You people are insane. Seriously.

Not really.

Also, the goths talked about in that link don't seem very happy or goth.

[Tam Li Hua]

UO: How so?

[Solumina]

Just read the FAQ, the first question alone makes it abundantly clear that they are not goths, just a whole bunch of gloom cookies, which is pretty sad

[Tam Li Hua]

Originally Posted by Solumina

Just read the FAQ, the first question alone makes it abundantly clear that they are not goths, just a whole bunch of gloom cookies, which is pretty sad

Then I guess it'll help the "gloom cookies", along with other interested parties. I honestly don't care who it helps, as long as it helps -someone-.