One of the great marvels of our Christian God is His character of presence. That is to say, he mediates himself to human beings in time and space. One can trace the Old Testament theology of presence, especially as it is connected to the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and subsequently the great Temple of Solomon. All of these pale in comparison, or in other words are foreshadows of, the temple that “neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt 6:20). The Christian life celebrates and embraces Jesus Christ as the eternal temple, the place of mediation between God and man. In fact, he is the personification of God’s presence.
Following His ascension, Christ left his disciples saying, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt 28:20). Christ is still with his Church. Believers still touch, receive, and commune with the body of Christ, albeit through the mediated presence of the Word and sacraments. Furthermore, the Word and sacraments find their home within the architecture the church's structure. It is therefore of chief importance for the Christian to be cognizant of their physical surroundings; it is these that teach about the spiritual surroundings that are viewed only through eyes of faith.
Three seminarians, myself included, recently spent a day contemplating great works of architecture: The Stonehedge, Old Sarum ruins, Salisbury Cathedral St. Mary’s, and subsequently the Chapter house of St. Mary’s . While these later locations are distinctly Christian, the Stonehedge remains in clandestine obscurity.
Insofar as we celebrate the true temple of Jesus Christ, it is also edifying to study earthly temples. Stonehedge, for example, informs primarily about humanity. At this point, I would like to evoke Kant’s distinction between the Beautiful and the Sublime. The Beautiful, by way of definition, is that which is pleasing to the eye. It evokes admiration and gives pleasure. The Sublime on the other hand induces “an overwhelming loftiness or vastness” often tantamount to terror (http://csmt.uchicago.edu/glossary2004/beautifulsublime.htm).
Now, I believe that our little adventure appropriately demonstrates the boundaries of the Sublime and the beautiful. Its unknown origins contribute to the arcane character of Stonehedge. Experts are uncertain of its construction, its original architects (it was completed over a number of centuries) and the original purpose of the structure. Yet, thousands of tourists flock to the British country side each year to wallow in the shadows of these stones. For us, the lugubrious and forlorn weather multiplied the Sublime character impressed upon us.
If we had just seen Stonehedge that day, I am sure that we would have been left in quite a melancholy disposition, if not for it its Sublimity then for the mere fact that we were drenched. But, Wes being an adventuraous fellow directed us to the Old Sarum ruins- the archaic site of Salisbury. Serendipitously, and to our astonishment, the weather turned very nice. The swift breezes harmonizing with the sun quickly dried our clothes and warmed out spirits. We took this opportunity to have a bite to eat on the castle ruins. 
Reinvigorated by the weather, we traveled to Salisbury Cathedral. This feat of architecture, with its imposing steeple, ominous statues, and Gothic pillars drove the viewer to sublime terror (incidentally, it began to rain again). Simultaneously, the salvation story told in the stained glass, the music of the Choristers, and the baptismal font all evoked grand expressions of beauty. Attached to the Cathedral is the ‘Chapter House,’ containing yet another great testament to the Human Race: the Magna Carta. This document signed by King John in 1215 marked the beginning of limited monarchy and contains articles defending the church's and individual rights.
Despite frigid temperatures, chilling winds, and voluminous downpours; we persevered and admired these various British architectural endeavors. It is our prayer that the descendants of the same would honour their great heritage, and in turn worship the God that has showered innumerable gifts upon their country.
Blessed Jesus, whose Holy Temple gives eternal rest to our souls, may your Church always testify to the treasures which neither rust nor corrode. Build us as living stones upon your firm foundation fortified against all torrents of the devil and the world. We entreat you for those peoples scattered throughout this land who have wandered outside the protection of thy bulwark. Guide them into thy truth, our only hope and source of mercy.
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