Chartres Cathedral: Sooty-Dark or Sparkling White, It’s Still Saving Souls

Aletelia ^ | October 24, 2015 | WILLIAM NEWTON

[thecodont]

When I got back out I went back to my old state of mind, sarcastic, dismissive, and unbelieving in Christianity but not completely. There was a subtle change, I was not exactly the same person. For the next two years I repeatedly had to fight off Christ, so to speak. He was like a salesman who I let get his foot in the door and would not go away. Finally I just gave up and bought what he was selling. That was my conversion experience, and it was, to borrow from Seinfeld, spectacular!

Great story, and welcome to the family of God!

God bless you in Christ.

[BlackVeil]

As far as Christopher Hitchens, I don’t really have an opinion. I do know he was rebellious right to the end. He was a very smart man and I don’t think he was really an Atheist. He seemed mad at God. You cannot be mad at someone you do not believe exists. Dawkins seems the same way.

Very insightful. Now that you say that, I see it exactly - that odd note which both of them have. Like someone complaining about someone they have lost - unrequited love.

[left that other site]

Indeed. Some art historians believe that Michelangelo actually used a black carbon wash to accentuate the deeper shadows and contrasts, and that the restoration removed that, leaving it unintentionally “gaudy”, as you saw it.

This is only speculation, because nobody knows what the artist really intended.

Perhaps a few centuries of incense and candles will help “restore” some of its former subtlety! LOL!

[NYer]

I visited Chartres, and the stained glass windows were breathtaking. I bought a bunch of books with photos of the Cathedral...I have no idea where those books are, but I’m inspired to find them now.

The internet is an amazing resource; I think of it as the present day equivalent of the Great Library of Alexandria. Check out the link posted above to the Chartres windows. It serves as a key; click each link to open up a large image of the particular window.

Like you, I also visited the Sistine Chapel but it was prior to the restoration. The colors were subdued as a result of centuries of soot. You can take a 360 degree, virtual tour at this VATICAN web site.

Michelangelo was truly a Renaissance giant.

[NYer]

I remember first visiting Europe and especially London and seeing those sooty old buildings. That condition isn't authentic, just the accumulation of centuries of London "fog."

Check out the following video. This video has been dramatically enhanced in quality, using modern video editing tools. The film has been motion stabilized and the speed has been slowed down to correct speed (from 18 fps to 24 fps) using special frame interpolation software that re-creates missing frames. Upscaling to HD quality was done using video enhancer software.

Amazing Footage of England in the Edwardian era, ca. 1900s

It is absolutely mesmerizing.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks, will check it out!

[vladimir998]

Thank you for sharing that!

[vladimir998]

http://www.gotquestions.org/cleanliness-next-godliness.html

Yes, it’s a Protestant saying. It does show a certain misguided understanding of what is means to be godly, but it is best to be clean.

[Hebrews 11:6]

Chartres Cathedral: Sooty-Dark or Sparkling White, It’s Still Saving Souls

Now I'm confused. I stand second to no one in my appreciation of Chartres, but all along I understood that it was faith in Jesus and His finished work that actually saves souls. Who knew?!

[colorado tanker]

Thanks for posting! What a special treat.

I didn't know anything like that existed showing so much daily life.

[NYer]

It’s like being transported back in time. Watched it several times and come away with different observations each time. They all seem to be in good shape - no wheelchairs, crutches, canes. People walked and their physiques are slim - only a few individuals who might be considered on the chubbier side. Facial expressions are relaxed - don’t see evidence of worry or concern. As noted, it’s mesmerizing.

[colorado tanker]

Given the clothing I'd say most of the footage was taken in the West End or City, where people would be better off.

And nearly every man is using tobacco . . .

[colorado tanker]

The British Edwardians were supremely confident. The Royal Navy dominated the seas. The British Empire was at its Zenith. Britain invented the Industrial Revolution and incomes were steadily increasing. Britain was the most advanced, prosperous and freest state in Europe. Although Britain had been in small wars like the Boer and Crimean, there had been no general war in Europe in nearly a century and Britain won that one. Everyone expected that the nation would only grow stronger and more prosperous in the new Century.

No one had any idea the calamities that were about to befall Europe and ultimately lead to profound changes in Britain, loss of the Empire and the emergence of new and stronger powers. It was a remarkable moment in history.

[Straight Vermonter]

Thanks for sharing that. As someone who grew up attending Mass at a large and beautiful church, I know how architecture can help you connect to the sense of the divine.

[Straight Vermonter]

I just noticed that the drawing you posted states that it is a “Chatderal” and not a “cathedral.” I wonder what the difference is? Perhaps something going back to medieval religious spats? Oh well, such a worry is probably ‘medieval’ in nature and useless now.

Google says it is German for Cathedral.

[al_c]

Beautiful cathedral. Studied a number of these in college ... this one was my favorite. Seeing it is in my bucket list.

[GreyFriar]

I always thought it was usually “Dom” as in “Kolner Dom” for Cologne Cathedral, or alternatively “Kathedrale”.

but, “machs nichts.”

[georgia peach]

Yes, faith in Christ who used this stunning edifice to touch the heart of an unbeliever and chased him down until he fell in love.

[Hebrews 11:6]

Christ chases each of us in ways suited individually to each of us, within the broad parameters of His will and holiness. But it's never the building nor any other means that does the saving or deserves misplaced credit--it is always and only God the Trinity.

Because you used the phrase "Christ...chased him down," you may already be acquainted with the poem The Hound of Heaven, which is based on that metaphor. If not, there's a link.

[georgia peach]

It is never the building or the art or the person,it is God using those things to help us ‘see”.That is assumed in the title.I never for a second thought the author was saying that a building saved him.And yes, I know the poem well.Thank you for the link.