Cold Churches Warmed My Heart

 Ok so bear with me while I discuss religion without any references because I need to get this out of my brain more than I need to cross reference it for a large audience that won’t see it. 

I was raised in Protestant churches and consequently believed that a big issue with the Catholic Church was their expenses on ornate details. Basically, my brain construed that in the Catholic Church you tithed so they could dip something else in gold leaf. I associated the grandiosity with showing off, which went against the teachings of Christ according to my understanding of religion. 

As I’ve aged, the Catholic Church has intrigued me: the hierarchy, the Papal guidance, the quiet behind the scenes community work, the scandals, the traditions, etc. 

I have struggled with finding a church here that didn’t feel like a live concert experience. I’ve struggled finding a church that isn’t manipulating God’s word to meet the wants of the congregation. I’ve struggled to find a church that wasn’t a theme park environment. While, I’ve felt comfortable in those churches with their lights and screens and seating for 4,000, I’ve never felt at ease. 

Last week, I toured three different Catholic cathedrals in Spain, observing some of the most beautiful craftsmanship and architecture I’ve ever laid eyes on. I saw million dollar art collections carefully stored in churches. I saw gorgeous monuments of the depiction of Christ. I saw artistry that cannot be replicated in the modern world. I saw more gold/gold leaf  than anyone ever needed to see in the history of the world. 

And every time, I was freezing cold. 

After days of internal conflict, I finally realized that I rather liked the cold. While I stood in freezing cold cathedrals in Madrid, Segovia, and Toledo, I felt at ease. Even amongst all that gold/gold leaf. 

Instead of “modernizing” their cathedrals with heat, screens, concert level lighting systems, and/or coffee bars, they told their parishioners to wear a jacket to Mass. Instead of keeping their ornate artwork and architecture to themselves, they said “sure, come in, please make a donation, and don’t disturb services”. Instead of needing to keep up with the Joneses, they said “here we are, here we will always be”.

My old soul was renewed and my interest in the Catholic Church stays strong…