"Modern" churches

[gord44]

My Lutheran church, for all accounts, has a rather plain interior. With a simple plain cross adorning behind the altar. My understanding is that this "simpler" style became more normative among Lutheran churches in the US (including the use of a plain cross rather than a crucifix) largely through adapting to the already-established American Protestant aesthetic, which generally follows the iconoclastic tendencies of the Reformed Tradition.

I'd absolutely love going to a church that looked like this (link to picture, I didn't want to post it in the thread because of its size). This is from Immanuel Lutheran Church in NYC.

And I absolutely adore the aesthetics of traditional Eastern ecclesiastical architecture. I'm a definite iconophile.

-CryptoLutheran

That's a cool Lutheran church! Love the old architecture.

 

[Senator Cheese]

1) As a Muslim, a Jew, an atheist, etc (non-Christian), how do you perceive the more "modern" churches? If you've never attended a service in one, would you go? If you have attended one, how did you perceive the church - annoying, uplifting, something else?

Annoying much more than uplifting, but it was nice to see it. I like modern architecture, but I don't want it to become the standard in church services. The service I attended was in a hall much larger than I knew it.

2) Same questions regarding the more "traditional" format.

I like the more medieval or classical architecture.

3) In your place of worship (if applicable), are there any "modern" set ups similar to the modern church design described earlier (theater seating, etc)? If not, are you aware of any places representing your religion that are set up in a similar manner?

Not theater seating, but generally "modern" innovations in the sense that the songs or bible texts aren't distributed before the sermon anymore but instead are projected on the wall so everyone can look it up. And loudspeakers so that you can hear the pastor in the back. And electric lights.

I have a hard time from where I'm posting identifying all of the faith icons, so if you could please name your religion (or lack of) when posting your response, that would be great.

German Protestant.

 

[Eyes wide Open]

I've attended a few carol services at Winchester cathedral. There are various nooks and passageways that they pack the public into for the service as well as the normal seating and the choir reverberates around the whole place and the reverence for the place and its history can be felt. It's all flagstone floor, tremendous architecture and stained glass, and the hair stands up on the back of your neck listening to the simplistic beauty of the voices in that setting.


Winchester Cathedral Choir - Silent Night - YouTube