Looking way too deep into this, I know. but this picture is kind of dark and depressing to me. To me, it seems to represent the 'big business' squandering the church below. Shows where the priorities are I guess.
Of course, as we all know: the church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a meeting place...the CHURCH is a PEEEE-ople!
think the perspective makes it seem smaller, perhaps, but it is still smaller than the surrounding buildings. Its stunning architecture, though, makes it more conspicuous than the rest. You're right, though, that most people's priorities, in the country and in the big city, rest in the wrong spot.
(I wish all denominations made their places of worship beautiful, though it's contrary to my plain upbringing in the "Meeting.")
I am always in awe when I see this church, and I have seen it numerous times. It is absolutely beautiful! My friend and I even went in to peek around a few times. One other time, we saw a wedding that was getting out there. That was impressive!
The meeting is the nondenominational group I was raised in and of which my parents are a part. Not so briefly, they aren't connected to any Anabaptist groups (Mennonites, etc.) or Quakers, though they are commonly referred to as "The Brethren" and use the term "Meeting" for their services. They emerged in the late 1800's and sprang from the teachings of J.N. Darby, who was a large figure in the formation and dispersal of dispensational doctrine (which has since spread through nearly all denominational circles). I'm relatively ignorant of theological fine points, but I can rattle off a few distinctives of the meeting. Women wear skirts and head coverings, there are no pastors as such, as all the Christian men may take part in the service as the Spirit leads (reading scripture, suggesting hymns, teaching, etc.). There are periods of silence during this time as men wait on this Leading. The Lord's Supper is an integral part of the main service, and they practice weekly communion (this is primarily a "remembrance" of the Lord's death-- i.e. "this do in remembrance of Me"). Singing is done a capella, and our local group used the Hymns for the Little Flock hymn book. There are meetings worldwide, and when a believer from one meeting visits another, they bring a "letter of commendation" with them so they may be accepted to The Table (e.g. as N.T. Christians brought letters). The meeting I attended was part of the "Closed Brethren," which refers to the fact that the Lord's Table is completely "closed" to those who are outside of the meeting. Even if one is raised in the meeting, in order to partake in the Lord's Supper, one must go before the brethren to give a statement of faith, and they do their best to determine one's sincerity and knowledge, probably somewhat akin to what C+C does with their session). I disagree with much of their doctrine, but there are dear saints in the meeting, and I am appreciative of the seriousness of the believers there and especially of their reverent understanding of God's holiness. Anyway, there's much more, but I think I've probably gone on long enough.
Looking way too deep into this, I know. but this picture is kind of dark and depressing to me. To me, it seems to represent the 'big business' squandering the church below. Shows where the priorities are I guess.
ReplyDeleteOf course, as we all know: the church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, the church is not a meeting place...the CHURCH is a PEEEE-ople!
think the perspective makes it seem smaller, perhaps, but it is still smaller than the surrounding buildings. Its stunning architecture, though, makes it more conspicuous than the rest. You're right, though, that most people's priorities, in the country and in the big city, rest in the wrong spot.
ReplyDelete(I wish all denominations made their places of worship beautiful, though it's contrary to my plain upbringing in the "Meeting.")
I am always in awe when I see this church, and I have seen it numerous times. It is absolutely beautiful! My friend and I even went in to peek around a few times. One other time, we saw a wedding that was getting out there. That was impressive!
ReplyDeleteAbby, may I ask what is the "Meeting"?
Michelle
The meeting is the nondenominational group I was raised in and of which my parents are a part. Not so briefly, they aren't connected to any Anabaptist groups (Mennonites, etc.) or Quakers, though they are commonly referred to as "The Brethren" and use the term "Meeting" for their services. They emerged in the late 1800's and sprang from the teachings of J.N. Darby, who was a large figure in the formation and dispersal of dispensational doctrine (which has since spread through nearly all denominational circles). I'm relatively ignorant of theological fine points, but I can rattle off a few distinctives of the meeting. Women wear skirts and head coverings, there are no pastors as such, as all the Christian men may take part in the service as the Spirit leads (reading scripture, suggesting hymns, teaching, etc.). There are periods of silence during this time as men wait on this Leading. The Lord's Supper is an integral part of the main service, and they practice weekly communion (this is primarily a "remembrance" of the Lord's death-- i.e. "this do in remembrance of Me"). Singing is done a capella, and our local group used the Hymns for the Little Flock hymn book. There are meetings worldwide, and when a believer from one meeting visits another, they bring a "letter of commendation" with them so they may be accepted to The Table (e.g. as N.T. Christians brought letters). The meeting I attended was part of the "Closed Brethren," which refers to the fact that the Lord's Table is completely "closed" to those who are outside of the meeting. Even if one is raised in the meeting, in order to partake in the Lord's Supper, one must go before the brethren to give a statement of faith, and they do their best to determine one's sincerity and knowledge, probably somewhat akin to what C+C does with their session). I disagree with much of their doctrine, but there are dear saints in the meeting, and I am appreciative of the seriousness of the believers there and especially of their reverent understanding of God's holiness. Anyway, there's much more, but I think I've probably gone on long enough.
ReplyDelete