Church buildings (churches :-) ) were for very long time (mostly for whole middle age and most of the modern times) clearly recognizable and everybody knew that this particular building is a church. But this clear difference started to disappear in the society of the 20th century. It seams for me like return to the origins.
At the beginning of the church Christians met where ever it was possible. In the market places, cellars etc. One part still these days meets at the church buildings which were built centuries ago but the others moved to old industrial buildings, schools, multi-functional buildings etc. We are meeting in old church and I think that we should move somewhere else for very long time because the church it self is very nice but the other parts doesn’t satisfy me at all.
There is a question inside me about how big positive impact the space itself provides for the people to come. Do I care because I am too spoiled by our culture? Aren’t mine expectations too high? Shouldn’t I be thankful for the freedom to meet?
These are very interesting questions and they do not have just one correct answer. Yes in some other lands people would be glad just for having cold church where that could meet freely but Czech man/woman is not touched by cold churches. What more when there is no place to go with the kids so they do not disturb the adults except the entrance room to church…
What to do with it? The building itself will not “save” us. But it can help. When there is appropriate content added than the help in the shape of new building doesn’t have any mistake. And I have to admit that I would welcome such a help presently…
What do you think? How are you influenced / affected by the look of the building where you are at the service?