Human Expression ~ Faith

Perhaps the most powerful and enduring form of human expression is faith. We have cleaved to it for thousands of years and still do strongly even in this day of reason and science. It can be a wonderful unifying force and an uncanny and ruthless vehicle of division and violence. This would have been an excellent pic if not for the power lines. Saint James Cathedral, Seattle.

 

Although stained glass is common in Catholic churches, this artwork is behind the glass windows over the main entrance and appears to be painted with gold pigmented media. Saint James.

This is a statue of Saint John Vianney the patron saint of parish priests. The Catholic Church sometimes spares no expense or effort in the constuction of its places of worship. The Saint James Cathedral is beautiful and ornate, and appears to be made of brick, stone, and other durable and expensive materials.

This is a statue of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and, according to the church's website, the first American citizen to be canonized. The statue of Saint James is not pictured here but is at the top center of this west facade.

A closer shot of the detailed work on these bronze doors at Saint James. The story being told here appears to be the life of Christ. I wonder what archaeologists will think of these doors when they unearth them thousands of years from now.

 

A shot of just the top of the entrance to Saint James showing even more detailed bronze work.

This pic is a bit off kilter. But after visiting the church's website, I see that this is a problem with others who have tried to take pics of these beautiful bronze doors of Saint James. I recall having to stand at an awkward angle to get this shot.

A very nice pic of the sidewalk next to Saint James Cathedral, Seattle.

 

The Lopez Community Church. This is a multdenominational place of worship with Lutheran, Catholic, and Presbyterian services, as opposed to a nondenominational or Protestant church.