Where's God in Post-Monty Python England?
 

Does God still exist in England? And if He does, where and how does He make His presence known? Is He passe or always in touch with the times? Yes, indeed, this is a deep, yet genuine, inquiry. Please share thoughts.

Rick, I don't get it. Why ask just about England? How does this relate to travel, or does it? <BR>Please don't misunderstand me. I am not opposed to the question, just a little confused. Well, maybe more than a little. <BR>OK, and if I really wanted to be picky, I guess I'd have to answer without the capitalized He, since in my mind God is neither a He or a She, but picky, picky, shame on me for bringing that up. At least it is nice you are thinking deeply, genuinely, about God. <BR>And what does Monty Python have to do with all this? Yeah, I know they did a film on the Life of Brian that was very loosely Biblical, but....still...?

Well, since I am going on a trip to England three weeks hence, and have a desire to research this question through my own experience while there, I thought it appropriate to vet the issue before arrival. <BR>Regarding Monty Python, beyond the shameless title appeal, they seemed to have an irreverant interest in things spiritual in general and God in particular.

Rick. Personally I THOUGHT I saw God once in a pub in Dublin, but it turned out he was just a drummer from Sligo.

I imagine God does exist in England--just as everywhere else. No dead parrot goes unnoticed. Every lumberjack is under God's care. <BR> <BR>Always look on the bright side of life.

Believe He recently blessed the Holy Hand Grenade near Camelot. <BR> <BR>Now, if you will just stay IN the room while I leave... <BR> <BR>And, anyway, moy brine 'urts...

Seems He united four lads in Liverpool in the early '60s. <BR>

Ok, serious answer. I found God in Salisbury Cathedral last fall, while the choir sang and I looked at centuries old tombs. <BR>Also found God at Stonehenge and Avebury, where our ancient ones must have worshipped in their own way. <BR>I found God also in the wonderful large gardens of England. <BR>On a previous trip I found God (note I am not using Him, see my posting above) at the church of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, my denomination. <BR>There, I've shared my thoughts, seriously, per your request. <BR>You should be able to find God anywhere you want in England, as you can anywhere in the world.

"...And did the Countenance Divine <BR>Shine forth upon our clouded hills? <BR>And was Jerusalem builded here <BR>Among these dark satanic mills?..." <BR> <BR>There are five people named Christ in the London phone book. <BR> <BR>

Dear Rick, <BR>Reliable sources have told me <BR>that The Almighty has slipped away <BR>to Barbados for a short early-summer <BR>holiday and won't be returning to <BR>'the sceptred isle' until your trip <BR>is over. Have a good time anyway. <BR>Regards, Mitch

I'm pretty sure God dropped in to give his blessing in Stratford Upon Avon on April 23, 1564. <BR>

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition.

Poor Jesus - luckily it was only a flesh wound.

I have found, and this is from personal discovery, and I can't claim that it's been verified through arduous research, that God can be found if you hollow out a coconut and clap the halves together, galloping over hill and dale. He will make his presence known in different ways to different people. Seek and Ye Shall Find. <BR> <BR>God Bless, <BR>Betty

I had a miserable day at work yesterday and I want you to know that pam's post made me laugh out loud so hard my dog came to find out what had happened. <BR> <BR>However, in fear of being gullibly trolled, the serious answer is that, of course God still exists in England. May I remind you of the old conundrum "Does a tree falling in the forest make a noise if there is no-one there to hear it? <BR> <BR>Just because most English people behave as though there is no God doesn't mean he left. After all, we have His own promise through the rainbow, and that of His Son, through His resurrection, that He will not abandon us again. <BR> <BR>And if you want to find Him, look in your heart. If you want to find him in other people and places, look at the millions of acts of gratuitous kindness made each day, and at the beauty of His Creation, even found in less obvious locations. <BR> <BR>Sorry to wax so lyrical. I had meant to say something like..."in the wild places"; but I do believe, and realised when I started that people are more important than scenery, as far as He is concerned.

The myth is gloriously represented in England's cathedrals. By all means go while the choir is singing. Listening to the beautiful treble voices will almost make one believe that there IS a god.

Sheila, <BR> <BR>That was beautiful. It really makes me feel guilty for the first answer that popped into my mind: Camilla Parker-Bowles' trousers.

Dear Sheila, Bede, Betty, kk, et al: <BR>Thank you for your insights, encouragement, and sardonic wit! Monty is alive and well and, truth be told, God can take care of Himself (yes, the masculine pronoun). Great food for thought and spiritual stimulation. By the way, isn't that what life is all about?!