Links.
Below are a series of links that I felt readers of this site might find interesting, or at the very least, intriguing. I would like to stress that all the links below lead to locations off this website. I cannot be responsible for any content found within these sites or any opinions contained within.
Further Reading: Religious Pareidolia
Below I've included links to other sites and articles on religious pareidolia that provide further, thoughtful commentary on this phenomena, as opposed to just jokes. Please remember that links to sites and news articles related directly to the "miracles" listed here are included under each entry.
Religious pareidolia entry from Wikipedia - This in depth site lists one the most complete list of incidents of religious pareidolia that I could locate. While there are few to no pictures of the events, the documentation of these incidents are invaluable. The discussion on this page is also one of the most thoughtful and intellectual discourses that exist on the subject. Definitely worth the read.
The Folklorist's Pareidolia Collection - An incredibly well-researched and well-developed collection of news items and images that document religious pareidolia. This is probably the best site on the topic.
Pareidolia.US - This interesting site discusses the phenomena of pareidolia, though an substantial amounts of it is dedicated to religious pareidolia. While mostly a collection of documents dedicated to abstract expressionism, historical occurances or pareidolia, along with an interesting collection of photographs that explore anthropomorphism and visual perception.
Yoism - Religious Icons: The miracles just keep coming -I considered placing this link under the Amusing Links category, because it is fairly mocking and humorous in its discussion. The only reason I didn't, is because I felt that it had enough quality content that related directly towards the interpretation of religious experiences and religious icons. It also includes video bits of Penn & Teller discussing pareidolia and a
scene from South Park on religios visions. Once again, these sites are fairly biased in their views, but they still offer an interesting discourse on the subject.
Hokum-Balderdash Assay: The Incredible Likeness of Beings by Edwardson Tan - This online article includes an extremely helpful chronology of major events of religious pareidolia since the late 1970's. A very useful introduction to the subject.
Hokum-Balderdash Assay: Muslim Pareidolia by Edwardson - This very brief blog entry focuses on a branch of religious pareidolia that isn't included in much depth on this site: Muslim Pareidolia. Whlie brief, it does include some interesting and useful links.
Fully Geek: Faces We See Everywhere by Matt B. - An interesting article on why humans tend to find faces in objects/spots/stains where they don't really exist.
Flickr: Pareidolia - This online photgraphy group is a place where people can send in their own attempts at creating or capturing a pareidolic experience. While not necessary relgious in theme, this site was broad enough with over 1,000 images, that someone, somewhere could conceivabley have a pareidolic experience while viewing these. Hey, it's possible! Pareidolia is all in the eye of the beholder, after all. Regardless, some of the images included here are incredible.
Create Your Own!: Religious Pareidolia
Ever wondered what it was like to experience relious pareidolia youself? The below links will provide you with everything you need to have a tasty religious experience.
Your Own Personal Jesus Toast by Eric Gillin - This article will tell you how to manipulate slices to create any image you want on your toast. Go hog wild!
The One and Only Jesus Frying Pan - Your dreams of eating pancakes bearing the image of Jesus have FINALLY come true. Buy this pan engraved with the image of Jesus for $29.99 and they'll throw in another one free! Talk about loving thy neighbor!
Amusing Links
Below are links that are meant to be amusing in nature. They are all pop culture interpretations of modern day religion, so be warned: some viewers many find some of the content offensive. While all of them contain a sense of humor, it is up to the viewer to decide whether they are self-mocking or not.
The Brick Testament - The timeless stories of the Bible. Acted out by Legos.
Objective: 4Kidz - An amusing take on evangelical Christian kids' games, characters, and puzzles. Is it serious or not? That's for the viewer to decide.
Religious Pareidolia in Unlikely Places by Big Fat Whale -While the topic of this cartoon is certainly religious pareidolia, its ridiculous nature made me include it under relgious links.
The Jesus Dance - Remember the Hamster Dance? Yes, it was horrifying, wasn't it? This is basically that...but with Jesus. Someone had far too much time on their hands. Far too much.
