Thoughts from a funeral

Went to a funeral today and noted some interesting things.  As a seminary graduate and former minister, it is dangerous going to churches and services as there is sometimes a desire to "critique" things instead of worshipping.  I try to remain conscious of this and focus my attention on God, where it should be.  This funeral was at a very large Presbyterian church and it was being held in a chapel, not the main sanctuary.  We got there early and got a chance to walk around in the sanctuary to look around.  

The first thing I noticed was that the sanctuary laid out in the shape of a cross, in the style of many of the old cathedrals.  It was also very big with lesser and greater elevated pulpits at the front of the sanctuary.

The second thing I noticed was, "there is a lot of intricate stained glass here".  All the windows were detailed stained glass scenes.

Next, "there are what look like carved heads on the railing at the front... sure enough, wonderfully carved heads about the size of a fist sat atop the railing at the front of the church separating the nave from the chancel.  There were 12, all looking different, one as a king even.  From hearing some older members of the church, they were the 12 apostles.

Next, on the greater pulpit area (complete with a short spiral staircase to ascend into it from behind) are carvings of men.  One is Calvin, one looks like Luther, one in robes (maybe Augustine?) and another I think might be Knox (a man I am apparently distantly related to, good Presbyterian to the core here).

I'm thinking at this point, this is great woodwork and art and a great commemoration of some of the heroes of the faith, but I don't think the sanctuary is the place for this.  The human heart is an idol making factory and in a place of worship, those things can be a great temptation to violate the first commandment.

Then... SWEET MERCY THAT'S A CRUCIFIX DEPICTED IN THE STAINED GLASS AT THE VERY FRONT OF THE CHURCH!!!!!  Never seen one of those in a Protestant church (and this church was built in the 50s as a Presbyterian church, not converted from a Catholic church).  But sure enough, a very well groomed European Jesus is hanging from the cross with a crown of thorns placed daintily upon his head.  Never mind the gross inaccuracies of the portrayal of the crucifixion, this is something the second commandment talks about.  Wow.

The chapel was more of the same only with images of European Jesus from his ministries in the stained glass and no statuaries or "icons" in the chapel.  The service was good with great scripture and great hymns (A Mighty Fortress and Amazing Grace). I do wish the preacher had used some of that scripture as the basis for his message instead of the good but lacking Gospel message poem he did use.

Oh well, my aunt was a great woman saved by faith in Christ who is now free from her suffering and in Heaven.  God bless you Aunt Cele.