The medieval guildhall on the south side of the marketplace reopened today after an extensive restoration. Lots of events associated with this reopening were to have been held, but because of the weather (terrific winds, short periods of sleet, bitter cold) they were either cancelled or driven indoors. Hastily reorganised, the guildhall reopening acquired a slightly amateurish and confused air.
Above: The horses were out in the cold, with nothing to do. “This is Harvey - he’s a half-Shire. He had mites in his leg and was going to be sent to the abattoir, but we said we’d have him, and so he’s retired now.”
Above: The medieval re-enactment (Wars of the Roses) didn’t have much to do except sit around showing off their armour.
At two o’clock I went into the semi-cathedral for the Liturgy of the Passion which lasted an hour. I have attended several services in this church, and each time I am surprised (re-surprised?) at how big the interior is. It has the feel of the grote kerks of the Netherlands (and Jonathan Meedes documentaries).
The rushing wind could be heard inside the church, loud and intrusive. Occasionally the sun would come out and flood the interior with yellow light for a few seconds before the grey resumed. A large number attended the service, but because we all sat apart and the building was so vast, it appeared as if only a sprinkling of people were there (only if you did a 360 degree sweep of the head could you get a sense of the size of the congregation).
The images in the church (including the holy painting given by the former Reader) had been covered with purple cloths. The choir came in, all male and in red. The three senior priests came in and prostrated themselves before the altar (literally laid down flat on the floor).
Readings, psalms, the hymn There is a green hill far away. The Passion of St John was read out, various clergy taking different parts. After Holy Communion a large wooden cross was brought in and people lined up to kiss it.
After the service I went home.
Yesterday in the Guardian Mark Lawson referred to Christianity in this country as “residual”. Is that how it looks from a metropolitan perspective? For me it couldn’t be more mainstream.
And if official Christianity were to fail, what would take its place? We know that humans are “worshipping animals” and so only a few would become “rational atheists” (and there are grounds for thinking atheism is just another religion). The majority would drift into superstition, other religions such as Islam or Mormonism, and a populist sort of paganism (images supplied by Buffy the vampire slayer etc).
In the crisis of faith that followed the First World War countries such as Germany and Russia succumbed to political religions such as national socialism and international socialism. “Modern science” is a growing religion, with its own doctrines of infallibility (heaven help you if you question the pharmaceutical orthodoxy). And from personal experience I can vouch for the eagerness with which Material Consumerism is waiting for its Constantine-moment of national adoption and consecration.
In his article yesterday Mark Lawson used the word “Christmassy” twice. He used it in a slighting way, which was curious as Mark Lawson does not usually sneer. He is someone who usually uses very precise language, so it was strange for him to use a word such as “Christmassy”.
More on Mark Lawson: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Lawson
No comments:
Post a Comment