If I Went to Church

SANTA ANGELA
DE VERA CRUZ

If I went to church, and if I wanted to experience "God" in a variety of settings, I would never run out of places of worship in Sevilla — especially Catholic churches.  Every street seems to have at least one church, small or large.

But, I'm not a believer.  I was a bit of a believer in my own family's religion when I was a child, simply believing what I was  told.  But, I apparently asked too many questions and, by the time I reached my teens, my faith had faded.  When I was in my 20s, I would usually describe myself as an agnostic, but if I had been pressed to explain what I believed, I wouldn't have been able.

I have grown into a strong non-believer.  I won't describe myself as an atheist, because that also requires a certain strength of conviction. And I'm still not really convinced of anything. But, I am not comfortable (to say the least) with organized religion and will only accept that, maybe, just maybe, there is some other kind of energy in the universe... not God, just something else.  Then again, maybe not.

Sometimes, I envy others (I know, I know; it's a deadly sin) the power of their religious convictions, if for no other reason than the fact that being a member of a church enables you to meet, connect, and share community with people more easily.  This is especially useful when you're new to a place and feeling a bit disconnected and lonely, as at times are we.

INSIDE SANTA ROSALÍA, THE LITTLE CONVENT CHURCH NEXT DOOR.

My intention here is not really to share my religious beliefs or to argue against those of anyone else.  It's just that, as I mentioned, Sevilla is filled with churches and religious history.  The history of religion in Spain is very troubling.  But it remains fascinating.  And the work — the architecture, sculpture, paintings, and more — created over the centuries to honor Sevilla's religious and political history can be majestic and inspiring, whether you believe in a greater power or not. 

It's also a comfort to know that so many talented artists and artisans have had gainful employment over the centuries.

THE CHURCH, BASILICA, AND PLAZA OF SAN LORENZO (TAPAS ON THE RIGHT). 
JUST UP THE STREET, AND A HUB DURING HOLY WEEK IN APRIL.

A VERY POPULAR PUBLIC SQUARE.  UNUSUALLY QUIET WHEN I TOOK THESE PICTURES.

SAN LORENZO'S BELL TOWER, RINGING AS I TYPE.
THERE'S A VERY TRENDY (AND GOOD), TAPAS BAR IN THE WHITE BUILDING AT LEFT.

LOCALLY CREATED CONTEMPORARY MOSAICS ON ANOTHER NEARBY CHURCH.
I THOUGHT THE ONE ON THE LEFT WAS A BIT CAMPY.