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(click on the photos to see a larger image)
If you had no other choice, which one would you choose to worship at each week for the next year: A or B?
Can you state your reasons for us?
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Picture Source
Cistercian Abbeys, History and Architecture, Photos by Henri Gaud and Text by Jean-François Leroux-Dhuys, (China, Könemann, 2006)
Tags: Beautiful, Beauty, Chancel Images, Church Architecture, Liturgical art
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I would choose A, primarily because the layout and adornment of the sanctuary reflect more fully the sense of sacrifice that ought to be palpable in the Mass. While B can be described as having “noble simplicity,” I think it tends a little too much towards the Puritanical for my taste.
A. Because the contrast between A and B reminds me of a part from Simon Schama’s History of Britain episode 6 “Burning Convictions” where he asks the question, “What happened to Catholic England?” and shows a modern, barren church and computer simulates what the church used to look like (looked like A) before the statist ransacking.
Youtube comes through: See http://youtu.be/Tq6e6V3btp8?t=6m56s. The whole episode is worth watching because it resemembles much of the new scholarship on the English Reformation like Eamon Duffy, Christopher Haigh, etc.
I see nothing noble about the simplicity in B.
A is my choice.
I agree with Dr. K in that I prefer A as far as the beauty of the nave and the sanctuary, but permit me to point out that B has great potential! It is a suitable canvas upon which the visual art of the Church might be displayed, and within which a beautiful altar might be erected.
Now, please don’t delete me if I point out that, in the context of my dear parish church, which has the potential in its style to be a nifty carousel, I’ll betcha “B” already has wonderful acoustics which afford we the faithful to raise our voices in praise, without a demon “sound system”, or a demon “leader of song with a mike”. So be gentle in your estimation of pore ol’ “B”! Happy St. Wenceslaus Day! Less than 3 months til Christmas!
Definitely A because it has what appears to be nice liturgical art. Also appears to be a well place altar in the center with a crucifix.
I would also pick A. I like the warmer and more colorful liturgical art, but also the steps leading up to the altar.
A – because it just feels right 😉
I would prefer B. Less distractions with all the art. I prefer being able to concentrate on the Altar.
The sanctuary should invoke Heaven. I don’t see how B does that. It should be obvious that we are somewhere special and A accomplishes this goal. Some will say that this is a totally subjective argument, but the Church does speak of using art to convey Christian Truth and beauty. While B reveals a type of simple architectural beauty, I don’t think it says anything particularly Christian.
I would have to pick B. I am a “noble simplicity” kind of girl,
although I do find this a little too simple- though it does have wonderful potential! 🙂
I do not dislike A- it is a beautiful space, and I think it would be OK once in a while.
However, and I say this with all affection, I find too much “Catholic eye-candy” 😉 to be a bit of distraction.
A, for sure. It gives me a better sense of what I’m striving for…heaven.
I would choose “A” if it was part of a “celebration” of the Mass with other people and we were worshipping in communion. It looks decorated for a festive occasion. However if I went alone to church to worship God , I would choose “B” because I would not want to be distracted in my conversation/worship of the King.