I've visited many cathedrals in Europe but perhaps none quite so inspiring as the cathedral in St. Andrews, Scotland. The town itself was named after Andrew, one of Jesus' twelve disciples (and brother of Peter) whose relics were supposedly brought here. This beautiful town by the sea become the spiritual center of Scotland. The building of its cathedral commenced in 1161 and was not completed until 1318. After burning down in 1378, it was rebuilt in 1516, then severely damaged in 1559 by the Reformers.
Standing in the church's nave with nothing but the sky above your head, its arched windows empty of glass, stained or otherwise, I got a sense of the grandeur that must have existed at one time. Sometimes what we can imagine in our minds surpasses the reality of stone and mortar.
My tour of Scotland has also heightened my appreciation of the idea of the separation of Church and State. Touring the ruined cathedral and the neighboring castle that was once the Bishop's palace reminded me of the unfortunate consequences when ecclesial and political power are combined. Scotland's churchly leaders were corrupted by power and wealth (the Bishop had a prison in his palace in which heretics were punished), and John Knox and the Reformers were excessive in their violent revolt against such excesses. Religious tolerance and respect for others' faith would have made life in the 16th century — and the 21st century — better and more humane for all. [End of sermon].
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