gingatao

The problem with developing an interest in architecture is that people see you in the street motionless gawping in awe at some old building. There are three beautiful churches in my neighbourhood and the architecture of each reflects subtle differences in the mode of worship, the relationship between the worshipers and their God.

Originally, the only architecture I knew anything about was the architecture of water and trees but neither of these are environments created for human habitation. Nevertheless, I think living in a house made of water and trees would be very pleasant. Perhaps I have read too much Percy Shelley but I began my adventure unsure why God would want us to build monuments to her in stone.

Eventually I gathered courage sufficient to venture into one of those awe-inspiring buildings. There I experienced beauty carefully contained, highlighted and protected, light fracturing through stained glass windows, arches leaping skyward as though supporting heaven, and of course, the actual church, the people.

I do not think it will ever become my preferred method of worship. Like the Romantic poets before me, I am more comfortable in solitude and nature.  Everyone must discover beauty their own way and hope fully assist each other to do so. The feeling I would suggest you reach for, the way of thinking that seems most like worship to me, is gratitude. And when I experience the architecture of those churches, that is indeed what I feel.