The burning of Notre Dame.

[gottawonder]

I feel like there are a few things that have happened in my life, that will be remembered as those "touchstone" moments in history. One, of course, was 9/11. Another would be Columbine. Lewinskygate. The OJ Simpson trial. Cosby. Those kinds of things, like how previous generations will remember Pearl Harbor. They might not have been there, and it might not have been personal, but they were alive when it happened.

I'm surprised at how I've been feeling about Notre Dame. Basically, almost nothing. Maybe because no one died? That this is a building, and a glorious one at that, but it wasn't an act of terror, and...I guess I just sort of feel like monuments won't last forever?

I already knew the moment I heard, that millions upon millions of dollars would be pledged to rebuild it. In some ways, I think this might even be positive, because it will put all kinds of craftspeople and artists to work, and it will be one of those inspirational rallying points that will bring out the best in us. It might be really beneficial for a new generation to feel actual involvement in the building, instead of it being a relic of the past.

I don't feel anything about it from a spiritual standpoint. I've never believed that any god that exists cares about a building. I only tend to see a church as a monument to human imposed hierarchy and the crushing of other cultures. I do see churches as anthropologically interesting structures, and beautiful in their own right as art.

I suppose for me, Notre Dame is also an abstract concept. I haven't seen it, it isn't a part of my life, and I didn't expect to ever see it. In a sense, it's hardly real to me. It's an idea. I know that isn't true for the many people for whom this church is a big part of the landscape, and for some, their spiritual life.

So, what have you been feeling about the fire?