I've posted about another larger-than-life expression of faith here. Now comes this entry from a reader with a photo of a 19 story-tall cross on I=40 in Groom, Texas. You can see, around the base of the cross, the familiar Stations of the Cross. For an interesting site detailing the history and building of this cross and photos of the Stations and other installations, check out Cross Ministries.
I wonder what makes people want to create these larger than life religious displays. I personally find them to be ostentatious and unappealing. I read quite a bit of Cross Ministries website. They would like to put these huge crosses in several places in the United States. I would hope that if that happens, each of these crosses would be safe from hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. I think the time, effort and money to create these crosses could be better spent.
ReplyDeleteI agree, all that time, effort and money could be focused to help others. ROB
ReplyDeleteIt's the conflict, I think between "bigger is better" and "less is more." When you think about beautiful cathedrals that we admire and love, they are far larger than what would simply be needed to accommodate the worshiping community and its rituals. But they are awe-inspiring places. At the same time, a small chapel might be the holiest place a particular person has ever found for prayer. One can argue either way and for different reasons. I suspect the folks behind the Cross Ministry are in the "bigger is better" school. At least the art here (particularly the stations in bronze) is well crafted and, I think, inspiring.
ReplyDeleteIn a day or two I'm going to post another "giant" which is, well, not quite as beautiful!
Perhaps some other blog readers have driven the I-40 across the broad swath that is Texas. I have done so several times, however, last year was the first time doing so since the construction of the 200 foot cross in Groom. I was driving alone, late at night in early August hoping to avoid the strain of the daytime heat. For miles on the horizon you catch a glimpse of some bright object against the vast skyline and as you approach the cross shape becomes apparent and it just gets larger and larger! No matter what your belief system you have to be taken aback at this unexpected, glowing symbol. There is absolutely nothing else along the interstate for miles! I am very much an advocate of understatement and small scale, yet, something about this cross is monumental in many ways. Out there in the dark, alone on a cross country highway...well, you get the picture. I did stop and in many ways was surprised to find others there, alone or with road companions, simply staring in silence. I was particularly surprised by the Stations of the Cross which, if I am not mistaken, are typically Catholic. To this day, portions of this country quietly (and not so quietly) are skeptical about Catholicism.
ReplyDelete"MEGA" is not my thing, however, on that lonely night on I-40 I was provided with a vista and feelings I will never forget.
Anonymous: Thanks for sharing your eye-witness experience of this Cross!
ReplyDeleteI'm a less-is-more kind of guy but there's something about the simplicity of this (in spite of its proportions) that strikes me.
I was struck, as you were, by the inclusion of the Stations of the Cross which are, as you note, Roman Catholic in origin. I don't know why I might, one day, be driving on Route 40 in Groom, Texas - but if I should be I'll look forward to the experience you recounted here.