CHURCHES

CHURCHES

Church is one of those interesting words, like love, which has an abundance of usages, each with a somewhat different definition. And, in the process, the real meaning sometimes gets lost.

If you were asked, if you went down to the church for something, the questioner is likely referring to a building, or place. But, if you are asked if you went to church, they are asking not just if you went to a place, but if you participated in a process. If a statement is made about what "the church" did, its reference most certainly is not a building, but either the hierarchy, or bureaucracy, of a congregation, or denomination, or some select group within those bodies. This is not an exhaustive list, and yet none of these is the true meaning of the "Church."

Destroy all the buildings. Eliminate the bureaucracies. Forget the traditional white European ways of worship, and the "Church" would still be here. That's because it is the people -- all those who believe in, and follow, Jesus (the Christ) -- everyone combined -- which is the real Church. Sometimes called the body of believers, or the body of Christ, it is much more dynamic than most give it credit for. (To view an article I wrote in a past newsletter called "What Is Church" click on the title.) The buildings which follow can be interesting to look at, and I enjoy taking pictures of them at times. But these are still just buildings. Do not confuse these "churches" with the real "Church." It is a mistake made far too often in our society.

I have randomly selected shots I found interesting. A number of these photographs were taken "on the road," and I am notorious for not making adequate notes about what I am photographing. So, in many cases, the most I can provide is the state where the photo was taken. Of particular interest is picture number 638-17. It was taken primarily for the reflection, in the window, of a statue in the courtyard. The statue itself is not visible to you from that vantage point. You only know it is there because of its reflection.