Folklore: Varieties of Christianity

Subject: RE: Folklore: Varieties of Christianity
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 08:08 AM

If Moderators deem this an unsuitable subject for Folklore, I'm sure they'll reassign it to Bullshit.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Varieties of Christianity
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 08:06 AM

Exactly, Me H. BS please...

Subject: RE: Folklore: Varieties of Christianity
From: Mr Happy
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 07:56 AM

Will there be a musical element?

Subject: Folklore: Varieties of Christianity
From: Crow Sister (off with the fairies)
Date: 12 Oct 09 - 07:53 AM

There are sometimes comments from Christians, and comments about Christians on this site. Often such discussions seem somewhat focused on a very limited and specific style of evangelical Christianity to be found primarily in America. On the 'Cat one might easily forget that there is a great variety of less forceful and arguably rather more interesting Christian denominations to be found globally.

Probably like very many people in the UK, I love dropping into local churches and churchyards, to check out the stained glass windows and sometimes even have a chat with the vicar about the history of oddeties sometimes to be discovered therein.

In Essex (of all places!) for example, there is the most amazing Greek Orthodox monastary with absolutely stunning iconography painted throughout the monastary, completely covering the walls and ceilings of the various buildings. It was an ongoing work undertaken by the Nuns and Monks themselves. When I visited for a tour with friends, we were welcomed by Nuns who's smiling eyes simply radiated the deepest love. It was quite amazing to see people so profoundly at peace, and so completely fulfilled by their calling.

Another very ancient local Church St. Peter's on the Wall was originally constructed as an Anglo-Celtic Church, and even now is home to delightful booklets about Celtic-Christianity, which appears to be gaining popularity in the UK once again.

There is also apparently a Coptic Church (Egyptian Christian) somewhere in the area, and once I discover it's whereabouts I'll be going to check it out.

The round Templar Church in London looks pretty intriguing, though I've yet to actually see it in person.

I'd be rather interested if anyone has had any experience of the Russian Orthodox Church? Or perhaps Santeria? Or indeed has any anecdotes relating to their experience of, or interest in the many fascinating and diverse expressions of Christianity to be found throughout the world.