Second Day part 2

Leaving the Archives we set out on our pilgrimage to the Lincoln Memorial(1.5miles away). The heat and humidity were daunting. Lydia and Joel were fading fast in the double-stroller (A million thanks to Jason and Lisa for loaning it to us.) We opted to wait for a bus, but finally realized they only run during rush hour. This left the use of feet.

So the journey began. We came in sight of the Washington Monument still committed to the cause.

The treeless plain was just ahead.








In sight of the Memorial but still 3/4 of a mile. Like Napoleon's march against the Prussians(?) this alien weather was bent on defeating us.

The WW2 memorial is in the foreground where we stopped for a 15 minute rest. Still 1/2 mile to go.







The umbrella at the end of the reflecting pool called to us and we all got frozen lemonade things. Everyone was toast including Joel and he enjoyed his first frozen treat. He didn't need any instruction.















Finally, Paul reaches the end of the journey and stands in the object of our perseverance.


For those theologically inclined you might notice the inscription above Lincoln. The question occurred to me whether a God-fearing Christian should be seen in such a place. The shape of the structure is Greek-ish. In a thousand years will they discuss the religion of America and its city of temples that rivals Athens?

Yet it is fundamentally Christian to tell the stories of God's working in the world and to ensure they are told to future generations. I doubt anyone comes to pray to Lincoln, but there probably plenty of non-God focused worship that occurs. All right, I'm tired and rambling. The question is without the Christian context of history how do people view monuments like these? I imagine it could lead some to believe in the religion of man. (IE we can do it if we just try hard enough.)