Why are churches decorated

This allows worshippers to reflect on the splendour of God. This creates an atmosphere of respect. Anglican churches are an example of decorative churches. Buildings The Church is the people — it is not simply a series of buildings. Or maybe it's just a reinforcement of the hierarchy, power and control of the priesthood. In the c16th the rood screens were taken away from both Catholic and Protestant churches. Though the rituals and symbolism in both differed, they both agreed that the laity needed to participate and see what was happening.

Also it turns out that churches are like classrooms, when the teachers aren't looking, there is bad behaviour. People were coming into church but not necessary being good The removal of the rood screens was just the beginning.

Shrines, offerings, ceiling hangings, religious clutter, multiple altars were cleared - all of these were an accumulation and religious detritus from centuries and cults gone by. A form of conceptual clutter which could be seen as idolatrous; people should be focussing on the one main altar. Santa Maria Novella in Florence was one place which was opened up. St Croce was an example of where the altar was moved forward to the transept, enabling a visual and physical connection of the masses to the altar.

He had been a soldier and ascribed his survival to the Virgin Mary. On his return he set up a preaching order which was to be orderly, centralised and structured, like an army. He wanted this order to spread the word of God as it should be heard and absolutely loyal to the pope. Despite the richness of their church, they weren't always in funds.

They moved around Rome, often using places which were old and in bad states of repair. It took them a while to find a home, finally settling in Santa Maria delle Astelli, authorised by Paul Farnese. It tool a long time to get to a final design, with many architects involved, including Michelangelo.

Jacopo Vignola and Della Porta got to work on their design in Building on the above comments, comparison can be made between churches pre- and post Trent: 1.

But that is the only specific thing this document has to say about seasonal decorations. The bishops of the United States have published guidelines for church art and architecture that also touch on seasonal decoration, Built of Living Stones.

Enhance, not overwhelm! And it gives a few specifics: Living flowers and plants are preferred to artificial greenery; seasonal decorations should remain throughout the whole season; traditional objects such as Advent wreaths and Christmas cribs should be proportional to the space; banners are most effective when they do not carry words including joy , hope , and peace.

That may seem a lot to ask of a few poinsettias or a banner or two, but even these humble additions to our churches should point us toward prayer and praise. Noble simplicity with elegance. Not rules. Protestants and Catholics had very different ideas about religion.

Their different ideas are compared below. During the period Protestants could practice their religion freely during the following dates:. Churches should be plain, not decorated, so that people can concentrate on what the minister is saying.

Everyone should be able to read the Bible for themselves. It should therefore be available in English. Priests are ordinary people, they do not have the power to turn bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus.

During the period Catholics could practice their religion freely during the following dates:.