Simplicity and a degree of austerity can be conducive to prayer, and a help in focussing on the liturgy. For some of us, a load of gaudy Tat has the opposite effect.
Musicians in the US tend to dislike carpeting churches because the carpet dampens sound, the singing of the congregation in particular. GIA Music, a Catholic publisher of liturgical music in the US, used to offer items that said “Carpet Bedrooms, Not Churches.”
Bear in mind that many if not most churches in the US tend to be newer constructions that lack the acoustic liveliness of many older churches in the UK.
Bear in mind that many if not most churches in the US tend to be newer constructions that lack the acoustic liveliness of many older churches in the UK.
A seven second reverberation time creates its own problems.
Bear in mind that many if not most churches in the US tend to be newer constructions that lack the acoustic liveliness of many older churches in the UK.
A seven second reverberation time creates its own problems.
There is, however, a place for beauty - unless the beautiful objects become themselves the objects of veneration and lead us away, rather than to, God.
There is, however, a place for beauty - unless the beautiful objects become themselves the objects of veneration and lead us away, rather than to, God.
Yes. I wouldn’t say churches should be “austere,” which Merriam-Webster defines as “stern and cold in appearance or manner; somber; grave.” That doesn’t sound consistent with what the church gathers to celebrate in the church building.
Rather than “austere,” I think what might be commended is “simplicity.” Simplicity can be quite warm and beautiful.
So does my wife. Loose rugs (over brasses etc) can also be trip hazards.
Nonconformist churches tend to be "functional" rather than beautiful, although some of the older ones (with carved woodwork, decorative plastered ceilings, ornate columns under the gallery and jolly paintwork) can be rather lovely. The oldest are austere and homespun: https://walpoleoldchapel.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/architecture1-1.jpg
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Cistercians. Quakers. Respected RC liturgists like the late Aidan Kavanagh. And me! But I am happy for others to disagree.
Bear in mind that many if not most churches in the US tend to be newer constructions that lack the acoustic liveliness of many older churches in the UK.
Austere is fine, but astringent suggests off-putting to me. Im not so happy with that.
And there no excuse for tat ever.
Rather than “austere,” I think what might be commended is “simplicity.” Simplicity can be quite warm and beautiful.
Nonconformist churches tend to be "functional" rather than beautiful, although some of the older ones (with carved woodwork, decorative plastered ceilings, ornate columns under the gallery and jolly paintwork) can be rather lovely. The oldest are austere and homespun: https://walpoleoldchapel.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/architecture1-1.jpg