The Baroque Era and the Reformation happened. Pope Sixtus V decided that rather than fight the Protestants, he’d reform the Church’s administration and make the cathedrals so gorgeous people would want to stay for the party. Of course, having the biggest bankers in Italy backing you didn’t hurt.
Martin has really nailed this one; the Pope just reamed the Church hierarchy for having, among other things, “spiritual Alzheimer’s”. The cardinals looked very uncomfortable.
I’d suggest that the people still want to glorify God by offering their best—the artists and workers, and the parishioners.
Yes, some pastors and bishops go overboard on the richness of the churches—but remember that often what we see is the result of generations of offerings over centuries.
But, in the end, the finest and most beautiful church building, or the most over-decorated and richest church building is nothing apart from the beauty of the community that uses it.
Miny Boy about 10 years ago
Sadly people like stuff and think others should too.
ladykat about 10 years ago
From what I’ve read, politics got involved.
rilla7979 about 10 years ago
What happened? The love of money.
Jogger2 about 10 years ago
Part of it is that artists wanted to praise God by giving the best they had.
AliCom about 10 years ago
Corruption is what happened. The ‘men of God’ are no longer men of God. They are men of greed.
Zen-of-Zinfandel about 10 years ago
We can live in luxury in our big houses but must we worship God in gymnasiums or glorified barns?
ehtaniguchi about 10 years ago
The Baroque Era and the Reformation happened. Pope Sixtus V decided that rather than fight the Protestants, he’d reform the Church’s administration and make the cathedrals so gorgeous people would want to stay for the party. Of course, having the biggest bankers in Italy backing you didn’t hurt.
kaffekup about 10 years ago
Martin has really nailed this one; the Pope just reamed the Church hierarchy for having, among other things, “spiritual Alzheimer’s”. The cardinals looked very uncomfortable.
kaffekup about 10 years ago
It did say Marrin until autocorrect got it.
bmonk about 9 years ago
I’d suggest that the people still want to glorify God by offering their best—the artists and workers, and the parishioners.
Yes, some pastors and bishops go overboard on the richness of the churches—but remember that often what we see is the result of generations of offerings over centuries.
But, in the end, the finest and most beautiful church building, or the most over-decorated and richest church building is nothing apart from the beauty of the community that uses it.
rossevrymn 4 days ago
And a woman was the first witness……………………….but allow a single one of them to be ordained……………………………….Baroque God forbid.