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My village church held a mass a few Sundays ago; a very rare occurrence here. I heard that some went, simply to experience what could be a very rare event in the not too distant future.
Religion is dying in The West, and although the beautiful old buildings will still be there, the ceremonies, singing, and praying to invisible deities will not. We are all far more suspicious of superstition, and the far-fetched myths of the past are no longer acceptable. No longer can men in black put 'the fear of god' into people; even less so in Latin.
I went to church last Christmas. I like singing, and singing carols in an ancient church is good for that non-existent 'soul' of ours. I hope to go again this Christmas.
But don't be complacent. Churches are becoming homes, art galleries, cafés, and community centres; very few will still be used for their original purpose after the next half-century or so. Gods will give way to Goods. Creed will give way to Greed.
I blame the church big-wigs. Had they gradually changed from mumbo-jumbo to philosophy, they might have had a future, but clinging on to virgin births, faux cannibalistic ceremonies, and all the gods and devils nonsense; they have engineered their own demise.
If you wish to see those old fashioned ceremonies in practice; go now, or you may miss the boat.
They can't get the staff to act as community social workers and the 'top' are not prepared to pay them anyway from their large portfolios.
ReplyDeleteI believe it's almost impossible to find a priest to come and perform mass here; there just aren't any around.
DeleteI too find a joy in a Christmas mass, at least there is joy and celebration and beautiful singing. Any other visit is a bit of a snooze fest.
ReplyDeleteUnless it's as a tourist viewing beautiful old buildings; which is what will happen.
DeleteIf it wasn't for immigrants, especially Christians, religion might almost be dead here. I only know one slightly religious person who does go to church. Maybe that says something about me.
ReplyDeleteI do know one or two who still go, but they do so more a 'club members' than believers.
DeleteDespite having no 'faith' of her own F has enjoyed participating in a choir that among other things sings and chants various religious services. The style of music is something in itself, and the good feelings that associate with singing in groups are life affirming. Apart from that she shares many of your views on superstition and the power that religion put into the hands of some people.
ReplyDeleteSinging en masse is invigorating; I've always enjoyed it.
DeleteI can see why people would attend a service in a church like that especially if its something unusual. Its worth it for the atmosphere. What a wonderful old church.
ReplyDeletePeople here cling to religion, even if they only attend at easter, xmas, saints days, funerals, weddings and baptisms. Well, that takes up most of the year! But its' part of the culture, their heritage. It glues greeks together.
You seem to have more saints days than there are saints! I'm sure such communities see religion as a club, and its members enjoy everything that the club offers. I'm sure they don't believe in all the mumbo, but they probably wouldn't admit as much.
DeleteYes, it's one big social club.
DeleteI know only one couple that attend church regularly. As lay people, they give communion and read scripture as part of the service. Both are devoted Catholics. About 10 years ago, I attended a church and found it very club like. Religion was hardly mentioned. Social justice was the focus. It was not a good match for me.
ReplyDeleteThe opportunity has been there since the 60's for a change in direction for churches in general. I think they've missed the boat.
DeleteAre there no mega churches, with rampant Christianity, to be found in France or the UK?
ReplyDeleteNot that I've heard of. No bible thumping here.
DeleteBeautiful photo of the church.
ReplyDeleteI so agree with you about the change of direction, The huge bible thumping believers have helped with the club like feel.
As a schoolboy I went to church (cathedral) once a day and twice on Sundays. I was never a believer, but rather liked it.
DeleteI love looking at old and ancient churches, inside and out, they are so beautiful and the music too is wonderful. I love Christmas Carols, unless they are sung slowly, like a funeral dirge. The bible thumping type of religion does nothing for me. Remember decades ago when religion was a gentle thing?
ReplyDeleteI too love old churches. Believe it or not, I used to be a choirboy when I was small, then went on to study at a school connected to a cathedral. It's in my blood.
DeleteWhen people cease to believe in God, they don't believe in nothing; they believe in anything.
ReplyDelete— G. K. Chesterton
And they certainly wouldn't believe in Chesterton!
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