The fire that burned Notre Dame

▲With its solemn facade and meticulous structure, Notre Dame de Paris, a classic work of Gothic architecture, took nearly a century to complete.

The temple is on fire

Paris is a bit chilly in early spring. The days are getting longer and the evening sky is clear French blue. Suddenly a plume of thick smoke rose, and flames spit out from the roof of Notre Dame de Paris on the banks of the Cézanne River. At a moment when the citizens were stunned and had no time to react, the fire brigade was already shuttling through the busy streets and rushing towards this Gothic church with profound religious, artistic and historical value, hoping to save this United Nations cultural heritage.

The sky is darkening, and the pictures and information posted on the Internet are floating like ashes, burning people's emotions, but they are cooled and annihilated in an instant - the towering spire collapsed, and the wooden roof continues to burn; the paintings collected in the courtyard , relics, the precious organ and rose glass windows in the temple, it is unknown whether they can survive; Parisian citizens gathered in the streets, looking at the dim light of fire in the sky, putting their hands together, bending their knees, wiping their tears, and sang one song after another. An ancient poem.

Notre Dame de Paris was founded in the late 12th century. It took nearly a century and countless human, financial and material resources to be roughly completed. The stately facades and detailed structures are described in detail in classic literature, such as Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre Dame (the original French book list is called Notre Dame de Paris), as well as popular works such as The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Rust's "In Search of Lost Time". The combination of strength and beauty inside and outside the building makes it a must-visit landmark for tourists and the backdrop for citizens’ daily routines.

The thick smoke that filled the air gradually dissipated, and after the dust settled, we looked at the damage caused by the fire: except for one firefighter who was seriously injured, fortunately no one died; the collection of Renaissance paintings, and artifacts including those said to be from the crucifixion of Jesus The crown of thorns and other sacred objects were rescued in time and preserved; although the pipe organ was baptized by water, it was finally protected from the kiss of fire and was not completely destroyed. This temple of worship has gone through the ravages of time and war, and has been rebuilt several times and constantly renovated. After encountering the fire this time, can he be reborn?

▲On the evening of April 15, 2019, the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris turned the blue sky into dust.

(By Wandrille de Préville – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,

https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78085901）

embers after fire

Unfortunately, the French government is unable to help. Due to restrictions on secular legal provisions, the funds that the Ministry of Culture can allocate are limited. Fortunately, private financial groups, aristocratic families, and loyal Catholics from all over the world actively contributed funds, and a reconstruction fund of approximately one billion US dollars was raised within a few days after the fire. The media praised it as the glory of humanity.

At the same time, there were many disapproving voices. Ignoring the suffering of the people and using such a large amount of money to restore an ancient building, it is like Queen Antoine said to the hungry peasants who had no bread during the French Revolution: "Give them cake!" Not to mention that Notre Dame has already become It is a building with no real function. There are only a few people attending mass daily. The people coming and going are tourists. At best, it is just a museum with the appearance of a church.

When the international Internet is full of reluctance and regretful public opinions, it is also mixed with the theory of "retribution": This is retribution for the burning of the Old Summer Palace by the Eight-Power Allied Forces in the late Qing Dynasty; this is God's wrath, judging a country far away from faith; this is A warning about corruption in the Catholic Church.

In addition to images of collapsed minaret and blazing fire, a picture soon appeared on social media: a golden cross shining brightly in a church filled with smoke and ruins. Many Christians interpret it as a symbol of Christ's victory over death; there are also voices that argue that spiritual revival is the priority.

Indeed, Christianity in France is like the ancient Notre Dame Cathedral, which has only appearance but has lost its essence. God has repeatedly warned His people to stay away from idols since the Old Testament. Buildings and sculptures are not objects of worship. However, between the two extremes of exalting humanism and focusing only on spiritual significance, how can Christians view the fire that burned Notre Dame? Do church buildings and works of art from all ages have any theological value?

▲In the smoke and dust, the golden cross shines brightly, and many Christians interpret it as Christ's victory over death.

Exquisite tabernacle

God is Spirit and wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth; the Lord of heaven and earth declares that He will not dwell in temples made with hands. However, He chose to instruct the people to build the tabernacle and the temple as a place of worship to symbolize His presence.

Even in the wilderness, the Israelites followed God's instructions carefully and accurately in the building materials and structure of the tabernacle, and they were not sloppy at all. This group of people who hurriedly escaped from slavery could only bring limited possessions with them, but they were willing to donate precious metals, silk threads of various colors, leather, and cloth to make the various utensils and curtains in the tabernacle not only practical, but also exquisite and beautiful, almost luxurious. . The tabernacle was not a standing building that had to move with the Israelites. In a sandy desert, is it really necessary to pay attention to the appearance of a building that needs to be demolished and moved at any time?

Look closely at the records in Exodus 36-39 - the curtains in the tabernacle were woven with blue, purple, and scarlet threads, and embroidered with cherubim; the buttons connecting each curtain were blue, with gold hooks ;Make a lampstand of pure gold, with the design of an almond tree, with branches, balls, and flowers. The priest's holy garments are made of extremely fine workmanship - blue, purple, scarlet and gold threads are used for embroidery; the breastplate is inlaid with twelve kinds of precious stones, symbolizing the twelve tribes, and is twisted into a chain of fine gold and worn Passed through gold rings; the hem of the robe was embellished with pomegranates and fine gold bells made of silk thread, which was pleasing to the eye and ear.

Look at the craftsmen responsible for design and execution of manufacturing. They have knowledge, skills and abilities. Exodus 35 mentions the craftsmen and the work they did, both using the word "skillful" to describe it. "Qiao" is design, art, and inner wisdom. Because God's Spirit filled them, their works reflected the God of power and wisdom.

Because the God worshiped by people in the tabernacle is the wise and almighty Lord, the Lord who created heaven and earth and all things with luxurious beauty, art, delicacy, and ingenuity.

▲Rembrandt's "The Prodigal Son Returns" conveys the artist's interpretation of "return" and inspires people in later generations to reflect on the gospel.

Artistic craftsmanship

Throughout the ages, people have reflected the God who bestows power and wisdom through the skillful work they do with their hands.

The temple built by Solomon used the best building materials of the time: cedar wood, fine gold, and bronze. Although the Second Temple built by the Jews who had returned from captivity was much smaller, it was still magnificent after being expanded and renovated by King Herod. From the records in the New Testament, we know that during festivals, Jews from all over the world came to Jerusalem to gather in the temple to commemorate God’s actions among the people.

The Temple became the center of Jewish faith and community life and a source of national pride.

Looking back at the typical Gothic architecture of Notre Dame de Paris, the design contains theological imagery: the arched altar is the head of Christ, the pulpit is the heart of Christ, and the side chapels are the arms of Christ. The Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis is another classic Gothic church located in the north of Paris. In its long history, Abbot Suger, the 12th-century abbot, remembered the church with good intentions after renovations. The lighting function of the church windows: "To illuminate the human heart, so that real light can pass through the door of Christ and reach the true light." 1 The design of the church actually has gospel significance.

It is not difficult to find when visiting art galleries around the world that many paintings and sculptures have profound religious meanings. Rembrandt's "Return of the Prodigal Son," (Return of the Prodigal Son, by Rembrandt) freezes the parable of Jesus at the moment when father and son meet. The father's hands, the younger son's clothes, and the older son's cold eyes convey the artist's concept of "return". The interpretation also inspired people in later generations to reflect on the gospel.

Most of the masterpieces by several artists during the Renaissance were based on scriptures, such as Michelangelo's "Genesis" and Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper", which turned words into images and touched the soul visually. In addition, there are many unknown craftsmen who produce exquisite sketches with wisdom and skill to convey their own interpretation of God's words.

Take "Angel Announcement" 2, a 15th-century English alabaster sculpture collected in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as an example. The head with a golden crown on the upper left is blowing the Holy Spirit (the Holy Spirit) on Mary who stands bravely and spreads her hands, making people understand the abstract "Conception of the Holy Spirit" at a glance.

▲The unknown craftsman vividly carved the "Angel's Proclamation", allowing people to understand the abstract "Holy Spirit's conception" at a glance.

Live with glory

Messages of truth can be found in exquisite works of art that can inspire the pursuit of faith. Living a refined life can be a way of worship. A series of articles in the talent section of this magazine [Creating Worship with Hands] (please go to the magazine website http://www.shen-guo.org/talents.html, refer to issues 23-26), interviews with several Christians who carefully crafted the work with their hands The finished products include healthy dumplings, handicrafts, sculptures, and handmade violins as their offerings to God.

However, if there is no Spirit of God in it, no matter how magnificent the church is, no matter how exquisite the artwork is, it is just a building or a painting. Just as God accused his people through the prophet Isaiah: "This people draws near to me and honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; they fear me only at the command of men." (Isaiah 29:13) )

In Europe, only 24% people who call themselves Christians believe that God is as the Bible says; in several countries including Britain, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain, about 56%-60% people have never entered a church. 3. Can the service held in the solemn and magnificent Notre Dame de Paris really arouse people's fear of God in a society and culture whose hearts have been far away from God? After the Notre Dame fire, Anglican Gavin Ashenden, who served as chaplain to Queen Elizabeth II, lamented: "Christians understand the meaning of fire: either the flame of judgment, or the refinement of healing, for restoration and healing. , prepare for rebirth. The difference lies in repentance." 4 Which kind of fire is burning Notre Dame?

Before his crucifixion, Jesus used the temple as a metaphor for his body, which would be rebuilt three days after it was torn down. The Notre Dame fire occurred during Good Friday, so some people say that Paris celebrated Good Friday early. I hope that while actively raising funds for reconstruction, we will also see the revival of faith in this land. After all, after Good Friday, Easter is just around the corner. Pray that the beautiful church will not only be restored to its glory, but also be glorified because of God’s presence.

The glory of God is not just an ineffable, metaphysical spirit that can be understood, but a clearly visible, tangible, and audible entity. Because Jesus chose to "become flesh and dwell among us, full of grace and truth."

As followers of Christ today, are you and I also willing to find the glory of God in the visible exquisiteness? Are you also willing to choose to live out the glory of God through the incarnation of God?

1. "At Notre Dame, Good Friday Came Early, by Matthew J. Milliner, https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/april-web-only/notre -dame-cathedral-fire-gothic-style-history-good-friday.html).
2. Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Annunciation (Annunciation, https://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/49341.html?mulR=772850433|186).
3. European Religion Statistics (https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/04/18/notre-dame-cathedral-fire-france-macron-god-christianity-religion-column/3488597002/)
4. Aegwin’s response to the Notre Dame fire (https://twitter.com/gavinashenden/status/1117908540130074624).

Linda Pang, writer, Sunday school teacher, loves to study and share God’s words.