I think Jesus would be appalled. jim_darwin's question reminded me of this. I can't think of a more useless way to spend church income. Who cares what the building is, if a building at all? I thought it was the spirit of the people gathered in his name that makes a "church."
2006-10-19 12:42:37 · 13 answers · asked by Sinner & Saint 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know, but I've noticed the trend, too. A lot of our local Fundamentalist churches seem to be on this kick right now. An absolutely huge Baptist church is being constructed even as I sit here typing. I know of several colossal church buildings that have relatively small congregations. A new wing has to be added for the children, and then for the kitchen area, and then for the "worship center" and the "family center" and all that.
But, having said that, it's nice to go into a beautiful church building sometimes. I'm Catholic. My own church is fairly small, by Catholic standards, but sometimes I really do feel inspired by the older cathedrals. They're ornate and awe-inspiring, and they do make me meditate upon the glory of God. I think of all the work that went into them by the various craftsmen and artisans, and how those people felt that they were truly glorifying God by using their talents to create something breathtakingly beautiful. Sometimes, aesthetics really do count.
In essence, though, you're right. We don't really need church buildings at all. And that was proven during Hurricane Katrina and other disasters, when many churches were wiped out, but people kept on having services wherever they could manage.
2006-10-19 12:48:25 · answer #1 · answered by solarius 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes they're missing the point. It is the people & the word of God that matter not the building. Jesus used to give sermons on a hilltop with no building at all. Still, I suppose the building is meant to inspire. Look at St. Peter's in Rome, or any of the beautiful cathedrals in Europe. Awe-inspiring, extraordinary works of art. (Ok, as an artist myself I have to admit I swooned in the Sistene Chapel...) Still, nature is a work of art in itself. & even the most humble building can be inspiring if a few people have gathered with love.
Jesus certainly didn't tell us to build grand mansions to worship Him. "Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am also".
Maybe they're hoping to attract more parishioners? Is it about profit? Is it pride?
Anyway, I've been a naughty Catholic. Haven't been to church in a while...
2006-10-20 02:39:10 · answer #2 · answered by amp 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The same reason why municipalities are spending millions to build new schools, - vanity. I am a Christian man and I don't believe in spending God's money on new and modern Church buildings and projects but like most people, Christians sometimes fall into the same trap as everyone else. I would just as soon worship outside, but when you see your neighbor building a new house, or school, or in this case, church, you've got to have one too.
2006-10-19 13:10:22 · answer #3 · answered by paulsamuel33 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree- there is way too much emphasis on the building. But to answer your question, I think many churches see this as a "marketing tool." More visibility = more $$$ for "ministry." Not saying this is right- if someone becomes a Christian, they truly do so because the Holy Spirit guides them, not a building. But the mega churches don't make it their priority to save people.
2006-10-19 12:46:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here Here!! I totally agree.
75 million dollars for a football stadium to use as a church? That's nuts. You could end hunger in a several small nations with that money.
2006-10-19 12:46:07 · answer #5 · answered by Max Marie, OFS 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The best church we can build to worship God is in our hearts.
2006-10-23 02:28:44 · answer #6 · answered by jb1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they would rather have the pride in their church and theirselves for building it rather than actually helping someone with no extra motive behind it.
2006-10-19 12:48:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What plain, ordinary looking church is going to find new members? Looks count.
2006-10-19 13:41:32 · answer #8 · answered by Shossi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pride and if you look wealthy, emotionally and spiritually needy people will think your god is blessing your church materially and might join and give you more money.
2006-10-19 12:44:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are trying to attract a generation who would be to embarresed to enter a building if it werent state of the art. i personally dont like it, however it can also be neccesary if the church is growing.
2006-10-19 12:45:05 · answer #10 · answered by Lfeata 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋