Two buildings serving the same purpose.

I often write of contrasts between the past and present. Today's post is of another kind of contrast...the urban Cathedral and the Country Church. Whether it is the the Cathedral de Notre Dame in Old Montreal or the Methodist Church in Cades Cove, Tennessee...they both offer a place to worship...but how different the two venues are!

My feeling when entering the massive doors of the Cathedral is a sense of the overwhelming power and majesty of God. When I entered one of the doors of the Methodist Church (one door for men and one door for women...at the time men and women sat on opposite sides) I felt a sense of a personal God. Why so different? This is just my opinion...usually the Grand Cathedrals are built in or near bustling urban setting and once inside, one is separated from the noise and the massive Cathedral reminds one of the God's power and presence. Churches such as the one in Cades Cove do not need to remind us of God's power and majesty...for when you step outside you are among the wonders of creation...Nature to me... screams power and majesty.

Both Churches are beautiful in their own ways...both speak to the culture and environment from where they are built. Quite a contrast...I am glad to have both.