My last day here in Europe and still more churches to see. With history comes religion and with religion a church. Much has been made the last few years about the declining numbers active in religious life or from another perspective the attack on religious values and practices. Whatever your point of view there is no disputing the role religion has played in human history so evidently displayed here in Europes churches.

From small simple chapels tucked between two larger buildings to the monster domes and basilicas filling several city blocks – churches here reflect the culture and history of each individual town and village. Some are active daily centers of worship while others host art exhibitions, homeless centers or a throng of tourists eagerly viewing the structures.

From my point of view religion is changing. The frescos depicting biblical events for me are simply that. Depictions. They no longer represent modern day culture or perspectives. Overlaying current day events onto fresco’s hundreds of years old creates a contrast unimaginable for me.

The doors here at St. Martin’s Cathedral in Utrecht, Netherlands were built in 1254. Framed by the columns of the hallway they provide a dramatic contrast. A homage to the contrast of the old and the new religious order.