Monuments

DateLine (6/1/05- Tuscany, Italy)

700 years of majestic tradition. Places of worship built before our own country was even known to the Christian world. Cathedrals that consist of architectural wonders unimaginable unless viewed in the flesh. Unparalleled art admired and studied by the world - monuments to the Christian faith central to the culture of Renaissance Italy. Relics (so called) of the early fathers like leg bones, hands, teeth, housed in gold and silver containers in the vaults of the great cathedrals. One cathedral even boasting of having the arm (at least bone) of John the Baptist; the very arm that baptized Jesus. All things that I’ve personally experienced this week.

Some of our own Christian traditions can be traced back to the culture that produced these wonders. I’ll be the first to admit that there is something comforting and reassuring about religious tradition in a way like your favorite piece of clothing, TV program, or a familiar routine but I can’t help but feel that somewhere along the way God’s intent was corrupted. You know that we humans have a way of doing that.

Along the way of the week’s experience I found one of these great monuments that I can relate to. I’ve attempted a little construction work in my time, do-it-yourself projects, many times that don’t quite turn out like I would like. In a small Tuscan town called Pisa, a “little” bell tower project went awry. Somewhere along the way the builders realized that the foundation was not adequate to support its weight and the tower started to lean during construction. The builders attempted to correct the situation by putting a slight bend in the tower to straighten it up. The result was a beautiful tower with a pronounced lean and a bent at the top. The architect and builders must have felt very dissatisfied with their work.

What’s all this mean? If the foundation is not suitable then it doesn’t matter how great the effort. We can try all we want and we’ll never be able to adequately correct for a poor foundation. The Christian life is much like a “bell tower” project. Unless we build our life on a solid foundation of faith in Christ (i.e. an initial declaration of Christ as Lord, a daily calling out to God for forgiveness and direction) then our life will fall short of the Architect’s intent.

But you know God had the last laugh. Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Pisa is out in the middle of nowhere but tourists from all over the world flock there to see the “leaning” bell tower. God can take an imperfect project (i.e. me) and make it a world famous tourist attraction. There’s hope for us all.