When our daughters were younger and we were in some grand European city, they asked why we went into so much churches. The answer surprised them. We go because we can scarcely comprehend the building of such cathedrals, and the works of exquisite art that decorate those cathedrals.
At a time when mankind had no power tools, no easy ways to lift heavy stone blocks high into the sky, they found a way. There was a price to be paid in worker injuries and deaths, but the work went on, and the resulting product remains breathtaking even to this day.
We have a friend who loves art, but doesn't like the blog because, when in Europe, we go into many churches. We are spellbound by walking through the great cathedrals, and seeing what has been built without the aid of computers.
These monuments were built to last. They were built to the glory of God. They were built, in many cases, over hundreds of years, workers and architects knowing they would not see the final product but continuing to make it their life's work. The great names of the architects who produced such sweet, sweet work with blood, sweat, and tears. It all is a thing of beauty, and seeing it brings Carol and I joy.
Rome is, of course, the city of churches. We're not Catholic, but we can respect and admire the beauty that went into these awesome creations.
So you, dear reader, are going to see lots of churches during this trip to Rome. But take a minute to scan the too many photos I will have posted here. I have already forgotten the names of some of the churches (hopefully I can figure it out when I'm not in the thick of trying to catch-up on the blog). Each of these churches has a story to tell.
If you don't like religion, or churches, that your choice. But don't look at these through a gimlet eye of how much you hated being forced to go to church as a kid, or the many bad things done by organized religion in the name of God that He did not sign his name to. Instead, view them through the wonder of creation, and talent, and artistry, and math skills, and yes, sheer genius.
Hopefully, dear reader, you will have an appreciation for the coming posts. Rome is not just churches of course, it is also the story of one of the greatest, yet turbulent, countries in the world. Both citizen and democracy, as well as emperors, conquests, and intrigue.
Through it all, I hope you share a sense of wonder at what those before did. Some right, some wrong. Now I just hope I can remember the names of these churches!
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