The Notre Dame de Paris is an awe-inspiring edifice, one of the most renowned examples of French Gothic architecture, home to countless histories of immense importance, and a representation of Catholics’ devotion to their God.
Just days after the historic landmark suffered tremendous damage in an accidental fire, a fundraising effort amassed more than one billion dollars to restore the structure to its former glory. Donors included Apple’s Tim Cook, the Walt Disney Company, Ubisoft, the CEOs of LVMH Group, Kering, L’Oreal, President Donald Trump, and many, many others.
The immediate rallying cry surrounding the desecration of this symbol of God’s glory calls into question our priorities as a civilization and our hubris as a species.