"It's a bit lush-scious: but who am I to say?" PRT (Parenthesis Reading Time) - 1:16

If you have had the opportunity to experience any of the innumerable churches in Europe, there is no way to deny the force of their countenance. Standing outside or inside, mere language falls short. Just for conversation let’s try: Majestic. Grand. Opulent. Magnificent. Humbling. Inconceivable. Mind blowing. Awe-inspiring. Splendid. Beyond belief. Lush.

But who am I to say?

We had just visited the shrine of Loreta, with its grand Catholic Church of the Nativity, in one of Prague’s districts. It is located just up the street (literally) from Prazsky hrad (the Prague Castle). Prazsky hrad, a colossal presence, sits unchallenged, impenetrable and is one of Europe’s largest castle/cathedral complexes. Within its walls stands the massive, Gothic edifice of St. Vitus Cathedral. The Loreta’s church, in comparison is a miniature; and just as opulent. It was following these visits that a conversation ignited amongst the members of our group. Some profiles are warranted:

• Friend Lynn: she’s a recent Christ follower who has grown up through exposure to Presbyterian, Episcopal, Anglican and Unitarian thinking;
• Friend Jorge: he’s a Colombian raised in the Catholic church… then leaving the Catholic church… and is now back in the Catholic church (with a few questions and doubts about its policies and some concerns about the Pope’s ability to be relevant in addressing the issues facing all the world’s cultures;
• Brother Alan (not a Trappist monk): he was raised as a conservative Jew… becoming an Agnostic…trying on some Atheism… and is now back to “I don’t get the whole ‘God in a box’ institutional concept and have some real issues with the politically inspired, power motivated and hypocritical things I see”;
• Me, Me: I am the Messy Messianic, aka an ordinary wandering guy, trying to live a godly life within the context of Judeo-Christian teachings (yes, it’s a mouthful; my current attempt to humbly divest myself from the restraints of categorization).

We bantered and volleyed for our points of view:

“It’s a perversion of power, greed and ego. Imagine what we could do if the Catholic Church took just 10% of their wealth and built solutions to AIDS or poverty or literacy or education instead of building museum-palaces.”

"The church was originally built as the focal community gathering place for support, protection, commerce and the like. It was the established environment, the centrum that enabled societal growth.”

“Sure seems more like an art museum and concert hall for classical music than a place where you might find an experience of real faith with God and to be in community with others.

”I really don’t think this is what the Rabbi Jesus and his disciples had in mind.”

Each different. Each correct. Each incorrect.

But who am I to say?

So what? We can argue endlessly about all that is wrong with the church (as many do)...and every religious belief for that matter (as many do). Just choose your flavor of bias; there are hundreds from which to choose.

While we’re at it, let’s make sure to add our other palaces of worship:

• the sacred temples of Wall Street, by the River of Hudson;
• the oasis vacation tents in the Palm of Springs, and in many Communities of the Gated;
• the adorned chariots of the Benzites and Beemeranians;
• the robes of Prada, the draping of Hermes and the sandals of Gucci.

Inspiration and art are blessings; gifts from God.

Places of worship - small and grand, humble and majestic, plain and opulent – are blessings; gifts from God.

Plush silks, rich leathers and tattered rags are blessings; gifts from God.

To locate places of art-full worship on your travels don’t look to find them in the tour pamphlets and map grids, Grey Line bus tours or listening to audio walking guides. They are right here. There. Now. Before. After.

Forever yours.

(b)