Narrow Doors at Christ Church, Skipton

Christ Church is Skipton is the lesser-known Anglican parish church. Its worship was traditionally a little 'higher' than its older sister in the town, though its internals a little lighter and less cluttered. I have not been able to obtain access for some years, so I rely on memory. Nevertheless, I was struck by the narrowness of the tower door, which I presume to be an external entrance to the bell ropes. I fear for the chances of any tower captain or bell ringer of rotund proportions who must needs pass through this entrance to peal the bells. Though he may enter sideways and push his excess flab into various shapes, those two door jambs look most unforgiving.

Although a rather simplistic poster was on the church’s gates (‘Pray for Peace’), a Bible verse is found on its website, which seems a remarkable, though welcome, extravagance in today’s Church of England. Still, that doorway speaks volumes. Although the gospel is open to all who will come, we are reminded of the Lord’s words in Matthew 7:14:

Because the gate is strait, and the way narrow that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Geneva)

That means, unfashionably, that other religions and apostate forms of Christianity will never lead one to heaven. It means that those who cram good works and piety into their bosoms will find that there is not room for them, no matter how they squeeze and writhe; those who are shorn of all self-righteousness and pride, however, will find there is space aplenty. Only Christ can get a human into paradise; by any other means you simply will not fit.