Do you ever think that shopping centres are modern day cathedrals? The Vicar was a structural engineer in his previous life, so is always interested in buildings. If you look up inside a shopping centre (not usually outside, which is so often like a tin shed), you sometimes feel a glimpse of that awe that comes when you glance aloft in a cathedral, or even a parish church. Sadly, the majesty of the Bullring, or Meadowhall, is a reflection of what we value in our culture.
So I loved this YouTube clip that puts God’s word magnificently in a cathedral-like department store. Although scripture is masquerading as ‘culture’ here. Perhaps we should all be doing this with our congregations – go and mingle with a crowd and then sing a favourite hymn! I know that some shopping centres have Christmas carols, but perhaps we could think outside the box. This was done on 30th October, so definitely too early for Christmas carols.
I have always thought of Bluewater as a modern day cathedral to consumerism … the architecture is stunning! Sad reflection on our world.
Should have said, most of these places will have a chaplain … pray for them!
Thanks for posting this I thought it was quite awesome and what a fantastic organ they have at Macy’s
Wow!! I found that deeply moving seeing all those people singing about Jesus (even though, as you say it was masquerading as culture), while the ladies with the devil horns at the Clarins stand were trying to do make overs etc! Amazing! Have you seen the Trafford Centre, Manchester? That looks like St Paul’s Cathedral. It even has gold angels on the roof blowing trumpets! I think it’s a stunning idea to go en mass as a congregation & randomly sing God’s praises somewhere public! My church has a gospel choir & they did it last christmas in Liverpool city centre. It was really well received. I think showing people Jesus is easier than we think it is sometimes….. Thanks for sharing that! :o)
[…] saw this on ‘The Vicars Wifes Blog’ here. I am not an opera fan, but this is so awesome. I feel inspired, but I’m not sure that an […]