Recently I traveled with my family to the city of Metz, France. Any time we travel, if there's a cathedral we always make time to go inside. In Metz there's an enormous cathedral called Saint-Étienne de Metz. This cathedral is absolutely amazing. Nicknamed, "the lantern of God" this sanctuary has the largest surface area of stained glass (about 21,325 sq ft) and the 3rd highest nave (about 131 ft) of all cathedrals in France. Its towering ceiling and arches reflect the majesty of God. The grand and colorful stained glass tell stories of saints, apostles, prophets, and Christ. Each one beautifully representing the love of God. This building took over three centuries to complete. Construction commenced in the 1220s and was finally consecrated in 1552. It's incredible to me the amount of dedication, time, money, materials and manual labor was put into making this cathedral all in the name of constructing a tangible manifestation of their devotion to God.
I'm not catholic. I am a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon. But that doesn't mean I will be struck by lightening or have my skin start blistering if I step foot in a church that isn't of my faith. It also doesn't mean I can't be respectful of or appreciate another religion's way of worshiping of God. There are many denominations of Christianity, all which claim to be the only true religion. There are so many hateful arguments that start because of differing beliefs and religious traditions. But are we so blind that we can't see a commonality between all Christian religions? We love God. Shouldn't that be the reason we go to church? Why we pray? Why we have a faith at all?
Once we start to see all the things we have in common, we can learn to appreciate and respect other faiths and their own practices and beliefs. Because really, if we all love God, and we all strive to become like Christ, then why should we hate others for their beliefs? Go to any Christian church service and they will teach about the love God has for ALL his children. We, as Christians, should strive to emulate that love he has for us in the way we treat his children.
There are many different Christian faiths, each with different ways of worshiping God. But there is one word that brings them all together-faith. That's why they're called "faiths" after all. If we all have faith in God then let that bring us together. Let's not focus on what separates us, but the things we share in common. Then we can find some mutual respect, understanding, and even love for each other.
