Religion through artistic form offers us a vision of a realm of heavenly beauty. Religion gives us a sense of spiritual fulfillment. It is only through worship and devotion that we feel connected to God. The practice of devotion and worship takes place in churches and cathedrals. These are the places that help us gain knowledge and a deeper, spiritual meaning of God. Churches and cathedrals are, in my opinion, the very foundation of religious practice and devotion to God. They are known as temples, ceremonial places and are places of worship dedicated to God. However, it is the claim that "art museums in the modern period perform some of the same functions as cathedrals and churches did in the past" that calls into question the contemporary role of churches and cathedrals. To be convinced by this statement, the first thing the reader needs to know is that I agree to some extent with the statement mentioned above. This is important to note because throughout this essay I both agree and disagree. Regarding the previously mentioned statement, it is interesting to understand the functions of both modern art museums and churches and cathedrals of the past. Focusing on (1) modern art museums versus the cathedrals and churches of the past (2) the ritual of experiencing museums and churches (3) the secular knowledge provided by art museums and ( 4) why I think art museums are the new artist platform. In this essay I will use examples such as the Louvre in Paris and the National Gallery in London as well as St. Paul's Cathedral in London and the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to support my argument. Looking at John Updike's article "Invisible Cathedral" in the New Yorker where he examines the construction and architecture of the new Museum of Modern Art...... middle of paper ......suggests visitors art museums to undertake a ritual experience. I believe this experience once happened in churches and cathedrals: devotion and worship. During this essay I have focused on three main areas (1) modern art museums versus the cathedrals and churches of the past (2) the ritual of experiencing museums and churches (3) and the secular knowledge that art museums offer. Along with this, I give my opinion on why I think art museums have become a platform on which artists can stand above cathedrals and churches. Although the main aim of this essay is to establish my opinion on the aforementioned statement, I also introduce my own ideas. Ultimately, I agree with this statement, but only in the context of the secular views of art museums, as they are not entirely religious in their view of art..