Why do catholic churches spend millions on intricate buildings and ornate interiors when...?

Question

...they could be using that money to start programs that benefit the less fortunate in the community.

Thanks for taking the time to write some great answers, both sides. I don't want to take away from the good things the catholic church has done because they have done many wonderful things in my local community and abroad. Can't argue about that. But please don't call me a heretic because I am simply asking a heart felt question. It's just hard for me to accept the fact that we need extravagent buildings to worship in. Because when we reach Heaven it won't matter what we worship in, whether its a grand building or a shoe box. We make our mark by serving those around us with compassion, not by the size of our steeple. And we can reach more people by not spending 30 million for the revitalization of a small church, but rather pouring the money into things that will impact our community for Christ. I know I have much work in this area too. And if you have lots of money that is great, you have been blessed, but imagine the difference you can make by using what God has given to you wisely.

Answer 1

I thank you for your kindness. Most times I see similar questions like this one, but they are insulting and rude. You didn't do that, which was refreshing.

I get what you're saying: you're just looking to make sure that the resources are put to their best use, which I totally agree with. I don't know much about church finances, other than that it's income is totally from donations (correct me if I'm wrong). I think it's amazing that Catholic churches have such beautiful cathedrals and shrines and the money that built them was 100% charity, whereas most Protestant churches I know of require a 10% tithe from their member's annual incomes, and their churches don't do nearly as well as the Catholics.

Personally I have no problem with the size or grandeur of the buildings. I like being able to walk inside and enjoy the beauty, stand in awe of the craftmenship, decor, etc. It makes me feel like this is a taste of what heaven will be like.

To the people who insult the Church for Her grand buildings, I usually ask them what are they doing for the poor. Isn't that what Jesus would want to know?

Again, thanks for your kindness. It was really appreciated.

God bless.

Answer 2

The ornate buildings you refer are cathedrals and churches, which are intended for worship to the Almighty. Would you want to scrimp on worship, or settle for cheap things for serious and important matters that relate to God? Some people, particularly fundamentalists and Protestants forget that the Hebrews were very delicate, indeed offered up to God the best that they had. What's wrong if Catholics try to give the best of what they have for God?

Churches, furthermore, are intended to encourage prayer by the faithful, in such a way that they would be able to place themselves before God, and thereby consider loftier things. Thoughts of divine mercy, the power of God, heaven, peace, beauty, truth, and so many other things come to mind. It is the same principle that Protestants, Orthodox, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists observe in erecting beautiful places of worship. If you fault Catholics for this, why not fault the Protestants, Orthodox, Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists too?
Hmmmmm.

Besides, you ought to remember that the Catholic church either directly through the Holy See or through the initiatives of countless religious orders, priests and ordinary laymen, have taken upon themselves to render services to the poor and the needy. These forms of assistance persist to this day, and many are being formed. Let me mention names, for your benefit: Mother Teresa of Calcutta and the Missionaries of Charity, Father Damien of Molokai and his lepers, St. John Bosco and the Salesians, the Jesuits, Dominicans, etc. There is even a lay grouping providing free housing to shanty dwellers in the Philippines, with close to a million families as beneficiaries. The Catholic Church, more than any other institution, has been helping the greatest number of AIDS patients worldwide.

Fr. Damien was so much envied by Protestant missionaries in Hawaii that some of them launched a campaign to malign his name and efforts. The poet Robert Louis Stevenson quickly rose to his defense in an essay addressed to those envious Protestants. Is it possible that you harbor and nurture prejudices - either based on hatred, envy, jealousy or downright malice - against Catholics and the Catholic Church?

Well, since you're so concerned about the less fortunate, tell me, what is it exactly that you did for them lately?

Answer 3

Catholic Church-based charities have helped more people and given more money than any other charity in the world.

That said, there is nothing wrong with possessing weath. The Church merely teaches that those with wealth are morally obligated to assist the less fortunate - and the Church does that.

When it comes to Catholic houses of worship, you need to know that there are many more small humble houses of worship than there are the large ornate ones. God gave us five senses, and we should use each of our senses in worship to God. Therefore, there is nothing wrong for a Catholic house of worship to be a feast for the eyes (art), ears (music), nose (incense), and touch (Holy Communion).

Answer 4

Hi,

You can ask the same of any Christian denomination starting with Robert Schuller's crystal palace to Tammy Faye's air conditioned dog house or those fancy Mormon temples

Anyway as Christ said in part when a lady was rebuked for pouring expensive scented oil on his feet, "the poor will be with you always." Buildings that hold a few hundred to a few thousand for purposes of worship and meditation cost big money to construct, run and maintain realistically.

As Christ himself said, pull the pole out of your eye before picking at the splinter in another's eye.

Mike K

Answer 5

I'm not Catholic but I would say that they prefer to make God's house look nice and NOT like a WAREHOUSE! I don't feel God's presence very much when surrounded by mikes and wires and drums. Whatever floats your boat I guess...I dislike warehouse churches. A traditional looking church creates a feeling of reverence. God deserves better than a warehouse. Those mikes must cost a lot of money too.

Answer 6

You didn't know that the world's leading charities are Roman Catholic? The amount of money, time and resources they donate to the less fortunate is astounding, and far surpasses any other single organization. And many of their largest constructions were built in the Middle Ages as public works programs to sustain local economies, similar to the projects that helped bail the United States out of the Great Depression. A single Cathedral, for example, was typically funded by the rich, and employed several entire villages for over a century at a time.

Answer 7

It's a good question, but to be frank to them, those churches were built decades ago ; for all kind of reasons at that time which might be indirectly good for the community at the time.
I believe the money came from donations and of course the outcome were according to the expectations of those peoples at that time, whatever it was.

Now that it's done, it's no point for us to critizised .
Hopefully, these days they collect enough money from their members for the community BUT dont forget , they do that for their own community or to get more members of their religion. All religion organizations seems doing the same tho, at least similar.

Answer 8

There are several community projects funded by catholics to help the less fortunate. It's an over generalisation to say they spend millions on buildings and not in the community.

Answer 9

You are just being jealous of the Catholic Church. Well then, please go to Singapore and visit the almighty City Harvest Church. That building can house 2000+ worshippers at any one time, and it looks GORGEOUS and its not even a Catholic-owned building. They persuade their members to give 10% each month, almost similar on how people in the olden days persuaded others to pay indulgences for their sins. I mean, history is repeateing itself.

Answer 10

many catholic parishes have programs that benifit the less fortunate. we have food drives, soup kitchens, clothing drives, plus the catholic church donates lots of money to feed the hungry. and churches should be beautiful. after all the church is GODS house. when you go to church you should be reminded that youre in a special place. its a way of showing reverence to GOD.