In bygone years, I’d often get angry with people who admired things of the Church who had no apparent ties to it. Who do they think they are? How can an atheist admire the beauty of a cathedral, or wear a cross for mere decoration? They can’t possibly understand the true meaning of these things. God isn’t merely for aesthetics.
Currently, I have a friend who’s traveling—someone who I don’t think is particularly religious—and her social media feed is full of basilicas, church graveyards, and ancient crucifixes.
I scroll through the feed, admire each and every photograph she shares, and hit the “like” button.
Somewhere along the line, what was once a bitter resentment has turned into a joyful hope.
If I’m going to judge them, I might as well judge myself. I, too, once admired the works of the Church, even while I shunned her. Catholics may be “wrong,” but they sure do have some great artwork. But these stained-glass windows aren’t to praise their human workmanship. These Bibles aren’t gilded to show off a printer’s talents (Listen, guilding is expensive, and we’d just as soon not do it). Despite its glittering, marbled beauty, this craftmanship is not for our sake. It’s a reminder of God’s glory, and it’s our way of honoring Him. But if someone not of the Church feels something from it? All the better.
The non-religious may not be seeking God in the same way the religious are, but they’re seeking something. We all are. We desire to find purpose for our lives, or seek an inner truth. I’ve had many non-religious friends share stories of feeling something when stepping into a cathedral. Just by crossing the threshold, there’s a sense of comfort. Perhaps they don’t view it as God. But if they sit in the pew, gazing at the arched ceilings and carved columns, and experience a calming sense of peace? I’m not going to take that away from them.
We may travel different roads, but we’re all on a journey. We’re all searching for truth, for peace, for a sense of purpose. If you, who don’t believe in the teachings of the Church, experience a glimpse of that just by gazing upon her works? By all mean, come in. I won’t stop you.
