Final answer:
Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism are religions that make use of figurative imagery in their places of worship to create a connection between the divine and the people, whereas Islam and Sikhism have distinct practices concerning the use of such imagery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religions such as Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism use figurative imagery on the interiors and exteriors of places of worship to connect the gods with people. While these religions utilize symbolic art and architecture to various degrees, Islam and Sikhism have different approaches to the use of imagery. The Catholic Church within Christianity has a deep historical tradition of representational art, with ornate churches displaying stained glass, statues, and paintings depicting biblical scenes. In contrast, many Protestant denominations traditionally avoid ornate religious imagery. Similarly, Hindu temples are known for their intricate carvings and statues representing their numerous deities. Buddhist temples and art also incorporate a wide array of symbolism supporting their teachings and history.
Conversely, Islam generally prohibits the depiction of human figures in places of worship, emphasizing calligraphy and geometric patterns instead. Sikhism also discourages the worship of idols, focusing on the sacred scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, in their Gurdwaras. These practices align with their respective theological positions on idolatry and representations of the divine. In addition to religious symbolism, sacred architecture across various traditions serves as a visible expression of faith on the landscape, ranging from grandiose structures to simple buildings that reflect different interpretations and practices.