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In a message dated 06/11/2011 11:39:56 GMT Standard Time,
palcewski@xxxxxxxxx writes:
somehow the less-religious viewer is somehow obliged to treat these As a lifelong Roman Catholic, presently living in a city which has one of
the largest collections of medieval church buildings in Britain, and a chorister
in a Gothic style cathedral that was built a mere 100 years ago I am in no
position to contradict Mr Palcewski if he tells us what his personal feelings
are when confronted by images of church interiors. I would suggest however that
he is unlikely to be able to offer us a consensus of the views of all the 'less
religious' in these circumstances.
Respect is demanded by those responsible for such buildings, of all users,
and often there are bans or restrictions on photography. Even in circumstances
like weddings with a photographer commissioned to record the event there may be
restrictions imposed. All users of the cathedral or church facilities are
entitled to respect for their privacy.
Great works of art, however defined, be they images or constructs, demand
our respect both for the effort that went into them and the end result. Many
sculptures for instance are amazing examples of craft as well as depicting
something of beauty.
Cathedrals demand awe and respect for what they are, (their purpose), for
how the building has been achieved, for the lives of all who played some part in
the continual building and maintenance processes which ensured their survival
through the centuries. In this respect they are similar to mosques, synagogues
and ancient temples.
In contemporary life in Norwich the RC and Anglican cathedrals are places
of welcome available to all, irrespective of their state of belief or unbelief.
They can provide an oasis of calm for those whose life is in turmoil or
can be a place of reinforcement of belief in the company of like minded
people.
For the less philosophically inclined all major religious buildings are
monuments to all 'who put their money where their mouth was'
Michael
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