How Come?

Simply put we are trying to honor God. In the old testament you find that the building of the Temple was an elaborate project with gifts of great wealth being offered to honor God. The Holy of Holies where God would be found was made with the finest materials that could be found. Throughout the ages Christians have honored God with their material goods in many ways. Some in giving to the poor, others in creating a beautiful setting for Him as He resides in the tabernacle of the Church. The ornateness is not for the people who come but for God Himself. Now having said that I will also offer that the stained glass windows, paintings and carvings all serve as reminders and instructors of the faith to those who enter the Church. Back in the day many people were illiterate but they knew the stories of the bible because they were told the stories and the stories were depicted in the church.

After Vatican II you will find that many churches were built more simply. This was more geared toward the people who enter than toward God. I personally love the older Church as they hold such a wealth of information in their architecture and design as well as a reverence for the One whom they honor.

I highly recommend a book by Fr. Robert Barron, Heaven in Stone & Glass. This book explains the form and structure of cathedrals, where symbolism is rampant from the number of aisles and pillars and archs to the differentiate between light and dark as you enter the building. You will learn so much about the history of churches and how the building effects the worshipper. Great book!

Wow! You are actually the very first person that I have ever heard say that. With the renovations and gut of older (more ornate, but far more edifying) churches in the past few years, and the building of new ones that are on the scale of a school gymnasium, I've only heard vast dissapproval--even to the point of brides "shopping" for a edifying church to be wed and strained whispers "Are they in financial trouble--to want THIS for GOD? Don't they want the best for GOD?"