Being an architecture student, I am curious to find out what people think about the architecture of churches. Many churches these days I find it hard to tell that they even are churches because the building style has become secularized; as opposed to the great cathedrals and buildings of Europe. Many don't even have pews anymore. What do ya'll think?

Personally, to me it doesn't matter what the building looks like, but the fact that Jesus Christ is lifted up.

A church building could be traditional and the Word of God not be preached. A church building could be modern and the same thing be going on.

It isn't about the container, but about what is going on inside and if the people take what they are learning inside outside.

I have gone to both and I have found that God is in both, but there is just something about being able to dance before God that I love.

I guess to me it isn't about the building, but what I feel in it. Can I be me in the church or not?

I never quite feel the same worshiping in a building instead of a church. Although I do like a more modern service. I'm not saying the former is bad, or any less full of the Holy Spirit it's just not as nice.

Doesn't matter to me.

My church is a simple little building, with a little stage for the musical instruments, and chairs for people to sit in.

I go to a charismatic non-denominational Bible church. As long as there's music, great sermon, and readings out of the Bible...I'm a happy person all day..."Oh, Happy Day..."

you didn't have the best one!

the best architecture is HIS and outside with the rest of creation!

Originally Posted by chicken little

the best architecture is HIS and outside with the rest of creation!

... except that the roof leaks every time it rains.

I am not sure if the building style has become secularised or just modernised. Don't older churches reflect the architectural styles of their day too?

To answer the question, though, I love older churches. The sense that I am entering a place where faithful people have worshiped for generations is powerful for me: I am reminded that it is not just about me, here, today, but about all the people of God past present and future offering their praises to God.

I know that a lot of people are uncomfortable with symbolism, but the symbolism of many church buildings really works for me.

Originally Posted by AudreyNicole

Being an architecture student, I am curious to find out what people think about the architecture of churches. Many churches these days I find it hard to tell that they even are churches because the building style has become secularized; as opposed to the great cathedrals and buildings of Europe. Many don't even have pews anymore. What do ya'll think?

Isn't the idea that the church (ekklesia) is a man-made building secular?

Originally Posted by jiggyfly

Isn't the idea that the church (ekklesia) is a man-made building secular?

Hmmm... that would be one interpretation. But I suppose I was defining secular as something pertaining to worldly things or to things that are not regarded as religious, spiritual, or sacred. In other words a church building that looks no different from a retail building.

Originally Posted by Hekuran

... except that the roof leaks every time it rains.

I am not sure if the building style has become secularised or just modernised. Don't older churches reflect the architectural styles of their day too?

To answer the question, though, I love older churches. The sense that I am entering a place where faithful people have worshiped for generations is powerful for me: I am reminded that it is not just about me, here, today, but about all the people of God past present and future offering their praises to God.

I know that a lot of people are uncomfortable with symbolism, but the symbolism of many church buildings really works for me.

Well it is true that we are living in a different style era/art movement, so that does have some effect on what our buildings look like. But I read something in one of my books that said some architects are intentionally leaving churches "blank" because they want them essentially to "blend" with the rest of the world. That really got to me because I really feel that churches should be completely different than the rest of the world's buildings. If I, as an architect and designer, have the opportunity to design a church, I would make absolutely sure it does everything possible to encompass God's beauty and elevate souls.

Your reason for liking older churches is very interesting though. I had never thought of the historical aspect of it. But I do agree that entering such grand spaces is very powerful, and I guess that's the main reason why, for me, churches are so different than other buildings (or they should be at least). Stepping in a church should evoke a sense of awe that other buildings don't have.

Well I don't have much affection for "blank" buildings of any kind. Who would!

I do love older church buildings, but in fact the church I attend meets in a fairly ordinary 1960's building.

Patterns of worship, and expectations of church life have changed hugely. We now need church buildings to be places where we can build relationships and community.

Older churches with pews facing the front simply don't do that very well. It is not easy to have fellowship with some when you are looking at the back of their head.

I imagine if you received an architectural brief to build a church today, it would have a lot more mentions of "flexibility", "community", "openness", than it would "grandeur" and "transcendent".