Date: November 13, 2024
Often I use the commentary to let the community know where I am. I am currently in Paris on pilgrimage. The theme is “Gothic France”. It is a journey into architecture, history, and a celebration of the emergence of great cathedrals in the medieval period.
The medieval period gets a bad press. It is often portrayed as intolerant, cruel, and pre-scientific. It is, of course, true that every age can be criticized. Sin pervades every season – and yes certain seasons are much worse than other seasons. But it is also true that there is a truth seen in the medieval period. Those cathedrals highlight the centrality of God – the very reach of the architecture links heaven to earth. God matters.
These trips are friend making trips for the Seminary. We are constantly trying to bring more people into our orbit so we can support our work more effectively. I am looking forward to joining our friends from Texas as we journey through Gothic France.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary.