The Dean of Blackburn, Christopher Armstrong, writes about watered-down Christianity.
Most days I pass the new style Market Cross on my way to work.
It stands at the intersection of Church Street and Darwen Street in the centre of Blackburn, not too far away from the Great West doors of the Cathedral.
If I'm really lucky I can saunter by if the weather and the diary will allow.
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Whatever form of transport you use however, it's quite clear that this handsome bronze football with slightly raised stitching is some way from the traditional market cross which is replaces.
In fact, this piece of art barely resembles a cross at all. It would be difficult to get crucified on its smooth lines though I'm sure the growing gaggle of friendly Goths who frequent the area will have had a good try.
The recently published "Blackburn, a History" by Derek Beattie tells me that the old Market Cross was nothing more than a stump anyway for it had been savaged by the Parliamentarians during the Civil War.
There is something very ominous and significant about the way the old cross and the Christianity for which is stood has been smoothed away and made palateable, even attractive.
The original crosses or branch of a tree upon which Jesus was crucified could not have been a very pretty item at all. Indeed, it was almost certainly a repulsive deterrent on which state enemies were dispatched, which is just what happened to Jesus.
So, if we take the Blackburn Market Cross as a barometer, Christianity has been tamed, made respectable and marginalized over the last few centuries.
It's been a fascinating progress' to chart. There's so much more to say about that process but we are where we are with Christianity now, like is or loathe is.
I remember some quipping student placard which said, "Come the Revolution, will there be enough evidence of Christianity to convict you"?
Hmm. An interesting thought to ponder during Lent - which is the very point that Anjum Anwar and her son raised during their Islamic supper conversation on her blog the other day - and the very purpose of the Cathedral Blog this Lent!
Christianity for many folk - if not an irrelevance - is something of a pastime, a decoration, a rapidly dissolving strand of our national culture.
Or is it? Many members of the chattering classes would like to have is that way - and certainly many commentators in the media like to give is a kick just in case isn't quite dead but this particular faith refuses to lie down.
The fracas caused by the Archbishop of Canterbury's comments on Sharia Law are a symptom of this tenacity of faith.
I think it is fair to suggest that the Archbishop was suggesting that there is a Higher Law than state legislation which so many subjects in the country recognizes, be they Christian, Jew, Muslim or whatever.
The fracas was caused by the Establishment suddenly wondering what would happen if people of faith joined forces.
It sent a resounding shudder down the backs of the smug secularists. In Blackburn with Darwen however, the local council - navigating in a very complex field of faith - has got beyond that silly probem and now recognizes once more the very significant part which faith communities play.
Our Muslim friends are passionate that Christianity retains its vigour for it is a flagship for faith in these parts.
As one of their spokesmen said of this cathedral, it is our cathedral too'. Christian schools are much sought after by people of other faiths because of their distinctive ethos - but I won't pursue that line for is will open up a big can of worms which I don't want to do at this moment.
I simply wish to illustrate that the Christian faith is alive and well at this moment in time. Take the work of Parliament last week as an illustration.
There is a great fuss going on at Salisbury Cathedral about the conservation of their stonework.
One of the funding bodies has moved the goal-posts leaving them seriously short of cash to complete their current repair work.
The problem is so serious that a debate was forced in the Commons on 19 February.
During the debate, Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, made reference to the work of cathedrals in particular as not only places of worship but of education, the encouragement of art, critical historic monuments and serious little earners, raising £91millions for the local economy directly or indirectly.
I'm only too well aware of the many failings and failures of Christianity in my own life and in our locality but dead it is not!
Roll on that glass of champagne after the 5 am service on Easter morning!
So Christianity has been 'tamed, made respectable and marginalised'. And you would like to recover it as a mass movement where being a disciple of Jesus is a core part of our living.
But Christianity grew from someone on the non-pretty repulsive deterrent of the cross, used for someone who was definitely not mainstream, but an extremeist in his society. Can you have both mass involvement in Christianity AND the cutting edge of the rebel Jesus?
Or is it no bad thing that Christianity might be dedicated remnant?
So Christianity has been 'tamed, made respectable and marginalised'. And you would like to recover it as a mass movement where being a disciple of Jesus is a core part of our living.
But Christianity grew from someone on the non-pretty repulsive deterrent of the cross, used for someone who was definitely not mainstream, but an extremeist in his society. Can you have both mass involvement in Christianity AND the cutting edge of the rebel Jesus?
Or is it no bad thing that Christianity might be dedicated remnant?
Posted by: Simplysimon, Burnley on 2:51pm Wed 27 Feb 08
Hi Cantoris,
Christianity grew from someone who was not even a Christian! Not really a Jew, And someone who did not at any time preach the teachings, or support the teachings of ANY Religion.
Jesus was a man of Self Realisation. Self Actualisation and Self Determination. He Did not regard himself as someone else separated from God. He regarded himself as someone who was one with God. A visible particle of God.
Christianity has nothing to do with the Life of Jesus. This Cartel of Religious Tourism began once he was dead. He would have torn it all down had he been Alive!
Hi Cantoris,
Christianity grew from someone who was not even a Christian! Not really a Jew, And someone who did not at any time preach the teachings, or support the teachings of ANY Religion.
Jesus was a man of Self Realisation. Self Actualisation and Self Determination. He Did not regard himself as someone else separated from God. He regarded himself as someone who was one with God. A visible particle of God.
Christianity has nothing to do with the Life of Jesus. This Cartel of Religious Tourism began once he was dead. He would have torn it all down had he been Alive!
Posted by: Simplysimon, Burnley on 3:02pm Wed 27 Feb 08
Jesus could make grown men weep with just one glance, without saying any words. In one moment of time, with just one gesture he could capture the Heart Forever.
Jesus was a Man.
Jesus could make grown men weep with just one glance, without saying any words. In one moment of time, with just one gesture he could capture the Heart Forever.
Posted by: Ian the Beancounter, Darwen on 5:02pm Wed 27 Feb 08
[quote]Jesus could make grown men weep with just one glance[/quote]
You could be onto something here, James. My wife has that quality and I worship the very ground she walks on!! :-)
Jesus could make grown men weep with just one glance
You could be onto something here, James. My wife has that quality and I worship the very ground she walks on!! :-)
Well yes and no. He didn't support or teach or preach about any religion - because, as you say, life action thought man God were indivisible - there is life - living - and it is all in God's world. It can't be compartmentalised into world and religion.
So he did believe in keeping the law of his day - not only keeping it but thoughtfully fulfilling it. Indeed his downfall was in his unique integrity. People hated him for it.
But wasn't his unique teaching 'the kingdom of God is at hand - turn round now into another direction and grab it'.
And my wondering was: can this be a mass movement? Or as soon as it becomes a mass movement, does it become too respectable, and hence the cross the Dean spoke of loses its stark reality? Should we be encouraged or despondent about small numbers?
Well yes and no. He didn't support or teach or preach about any religion - because, as you say, life action thought man God were indivisible - there is life - living - and it is all in God's world. It can't be compartmentalised into world and religion.
So he did believe in keeping the law of his day - not only keeping it but thoughtfully fulfilling it. Indeed his downfall was in his unique integrity. People hated him for it.
But wasn't his unique teaching 'the kingdom of God is at hand - turn round now into another direction and grab it'.
And my wondering was: can this be a mass movement? Or as soon as it becomes a mass movement, does it become too respectable, and hence the cross the Dean spoke of loses its stark reality? Should we be encouraged or despondent about small numbers?
Posted by: simplysimon, Burnley on 12:38pm Thu 28 Feb 08
That's your wife Ian, she knows you, she understands you, she has spent years with you.
Jesus had that effect on strangers. People that had never met him before. He recognised them and they recognised him. There was no familiarity, no relationship, no attachment. Just a Recognition. A recognition that did not have a reason attached to it.
That's your wife Ian, she knows you, she understands you, she has spent years with you.
Jesus had that effect on strangers. People that had never met him before. He recognised them and they recognised him. There was no familiarity, no relationship, no attachment. Just a Recognition. A recognition that did not have a reason attached to it.
Posted by: simplysimon, Burnley on 1:03pm Thu 28 Feb 08
Hi Cantoris,
Firstly, and with the gratest of respect to you. I need to point out an error that you are making. It's important to distinguish beteen LIFE AND LIVING. They often get mixed up and this leads to a lot of confusion in man.
LIFE is the next Breath you take. Living is what you choose to do with the Life now that you have just received it. Life is a Breath.
Unless there is a Breath, there is no world. A Breath is A DIVINE GIFT! is does not come down a pipe from a church and is not created by ANY Religion. The difference between you and a corpse is a Breath. The Breath of Life, is not manufactured in a factory. Our Existence in this world is taken one Breath at a time.
We can ignore it, we can place no value or significance upon it. This is the Holy Spirit. It has been placed within you, within me, within every human being that has ever existed upon the face of this Earth.
Grab hold of it. Recognise it. This Breath comes from Heaven, it is that which Jesus pointed out to People and leads directly to Heaven.
Religion tells us we can only go to Heaven when we are dead. This is the Lie of every Religion. Turn around now, go in another direction, go within, look within, feel what is within you. This Breath is within you, The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. It is closer than your own hand.
There is only You. There is no mass movement. There is no small group. There is just You. You have been given the Ultimate Gift! You have been given a Breath which is the foundation of your Existence.
It's about acknowledging that. Recognising the importance of that and appreciating and enjoying that Miracle. The Miracle of a Breath. There is never going to be a bigger Miracle than the Gift of A Life-giving Breath.
Nobody is forced to open this Gift. Nobody can appreciate it for you. Only you can do that.
Hi Cantoris,
Firstly, and with the gratest of respect to you. I need to point out an error that you are making. It's important to distinguish beteen LIFE AND LIVING. They often get mixed up and this leads to a lot of confusion in man.
LIFE is the next Breath you take. Living is what you choose to do with the Life now that you have just received it. Life is a Breath.
Unless there is a Breath, there is no world. A Breath is A DIVINE GIFT! is does not come down a pipe from a church and is not created by ANY Religion. The difference between you and a corpse is a Breath. The Breath of Life, is not manufactured in a factory. Our Existence in this world is taken one Breath at a time.
We can ignore it, we can place no value or significance upon it. This is the Holy Spirit. It has been placed within you, within me, within every human being that has ever existed upon the face of this Earth.
Grab hold of it. Recognise it. This Breath comes from Heaven, it is that which Jesus pointed out to People and leads directly to Heaven.
Religion tells us we can only go to Heaven when we are dead. This is the Lie of every Religion. Turn around now, go in another direction, go within, look within, feel what is within you. This Breath is within you, The Kingdom of Heaven is within you. It is closer than your own hand.
There is only You. There is no mass movement. There is no small group. There is just You. You have been given the Ultimate Gift! You have been given a Breath which is the foundation of your Existence.
It's about acknowledging that. Recognising the importance of that and appreciating and enjoying that Miracle. The Miracle of a Breath. There is never going to be a bigger Miracle than the Gift of A Life-giving Breath.
Nobody is forced to open this Gift. Nobody can appreciate it for you. Only you can do that.
[quote]During the debate, [bold]Margaret Hodge[/bold] , the Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, made reference to the work of cathedrals in particular as not only places of worship but of education, the encouragement of art, critical historic monuments and serious little earners, [bold]raising £91millions[/bold] for the local economy directly or indirectly.[/quote]
Ah Yes, the same [italic]gallery-politiking[/italic] Margaret Hodge who is calling for refugees fleeing from war to be denied housing rights in favour of nice white benefit scrounging BNP voters in her (aptly named) constituency - (completely) Barking. The same Margaret Hodge who was given the post of “minister for children” – presumably her leadership of Islington Council at the same time as the Council's childrens homes were systematically abusing children is a good qualification for the job.
A true [italic]NuLab[/italic] crony of cardinal Teflon Tony incapable of original thought desperating trying to pander to the masses in a hopefully futile attempt to remain in power in Gordo's new presbyterian world order.
Where does figure of 91m come from?
Is there any actual supporting evidence?
How much money does the CofE collect each week?
How much of that goes into the church coffers whilst the church (with astonishing duplicity and vulgarity, in my view) gives it the cap-in-hand attitude to scrounge cash at the expense of other more all encompassing bodies open to people of all faiths(or no faith, for that matter)?
Why, when the church holds billions of pounds of shocks & scares (stock market equities) on it's balance sheet should it expect tax money? Or charity?
Why should all taxpayers support the renovation of a church?
Should it not be for the members of that faith?
Why should non-believers subsidise believers?
The church has more than enough lolly to look after itself and should not be trying to obtain money either from the state or from the (often not well off) people of Lancashire. Or anywhere else.
During the debate, Margaret Hodge , the Minister for Culture, Media and Sport, made reference to the work of cathedrals in particular as not only places of worship but of education, the encouragement of art, critical historic monuments and serious little earners, raising £91millions for the local economy directly or indirectly.
Ah Yes, the same gallery-politiking Margaret Hodge who is calling for refugees fleeing from war to be denied housing rights in favour of nice white benefit scrounging BNP voters in her (aptly named) constituency - (completely) Barking. The same Margaret Hodge who was given the post of “minister for children” – presumably her leadership of Islington Council at the same time as the Council's childrens homes were systematically abusing children is a good qualification for the job.
A true NuLab crony of cardinal Teflon Tony incapable of original thought desperating trying to pander to the masses in a hopefully futile attempt to remain in power in Gordo's new presbyterian world order.
Where does figure of 91m come from?
Is there any actual supporting evidence?
How much money does the CofE collect each week?
How much of that goes into the church coffers whilst the church (with astonishing duplicity and vulgarity, in my view) gives it the cap-in-hand attitude to scrounge cash at the expense of other more all encompassing bodies open to people of all faiths(or no faith, for that matter)?
Why, when the church holds billions of pounds of shocks & scares (stock market equities) on it's balance sheet should it expect tax money? Or charity?
Why should all taxpayers support the renovation of a church?
Should it not be for the members of that faith?
Why should non-believers subsidise believers?
The church has more than enough lolly to look after itself and should not be trying to obtain money either from the state or from the (often not well off) people of Lancashire. Or anywhere else.
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