They were preparing to build a new cathedral and the designers were desirous of utilizing architectural patterns from European cathedrals of centuries past. It was determined that gargoyles should be sculpted, which would serve as spouts for rain-water to run off at a distance from the edifice rather than down the sides. This was the purpose of gargoyles on such cathedrals as the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.

A sculptor was commissioned to shape the gargoyles into fierce animalistic forms. Creating such ugly and grotesque statuary would at the same time serve the purpose of identification with the local animistic religions, who would perceive that the gargoyles would scare off any evil spirits that might approach.

   The cathedral was constructed over a period of many years and duly dedicated. It was regarded as the foremost symbol of the Church in the area. Visitors came from far and wide to ponder and photograph the cathedral and its unique gargoyles.
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   Religion is a gargoyle! It is an accretion upon the spiritual building of the Church of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:20,21). It is a spout that diverts true appreciation of the "water of life" (John 4:14) in Jesus Christ.

   The farcical and fictional form that religion attaches to the edifice of Christianity, serves as a grotesque caricature of God's creation. Religion caters to the superstitions of men, encouraging them to use it to scare off evil spirits, rather than to personally know the Spirit of God.

   Christianity is the beautiful reality of the life of Jesus Christ. Do not be deceived by the ugly gargoyles of religion.