The Art of Worship - Part I

Although it's been several months since my trip to Argentina, among my favorite memories is from the day we enjoyed a walking tour of downtown Cordoba.  This city is rich with culture and pride in their colonial heritage. 

I love history, and am especially fascinated about places other than the United States.  What was most significant about this tour was the profound beauty of architecture.  Most notably, the detailed workings of Cordoba Cathedral and the National University of Cordoba.
Not having been raised in the Catholic church, my Protestant eyes were mesmerized by the minute details of art in these Catholic places of worship.  As I roamed through these quiet places of worship, I noticed themes spread from room to room, the story of Christ was visible through paintings and icons expressing the immaculate conception to the death and resurrection of Christ.  I found myself in a state of awe and worship as we wandered from room to room.  Later, as we visited the National University of Cordoba, (formerly a Jesuit place of worship still used today), the design was simple and plain, yet, still radiating perfection in detail and care in the creation of this peaceful place for worship.  Confessionals and altars were made of wood, colors were much more subtle.  But, as the tour guide described the artistry, she directed our eyes to the ceiling which displayed a most amazing mosaic of leather inlay design!  The patience of time and thought that went into this could only have resulted from a love for God - an act of worship.

I had not given much thought to design or art in my youth.  Yet, this experience awakened - stirred - something deep within.  What were the artists thinking as they carved each form?  What did the painters imagine as they carefully brought color to the sanctuary?  What about the inlay of pattern on the floors, or the pews, or the very foundation of the buildings?  These and other questions stir in my mind continually since this visit.

I think of the building of Solomon's Temple in the book of I Kings from the Bible - the artisans were of high standard, the finest materials and the exact details were of great importance.  This was a place for worship: "...also, concerning the foreigner....when he comes from a far country for Your name's sake ...all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, to fear You...and that this house which I have built is called by Your name." (I Kings 8)  The house of worship is a testimony to all those who don't know God, and those who may hear of Him from every nation - to come and find Him within these walls.
My simple upbringing in the Protestant church was definitely simpler than the Cathedrals mentioned.  A plain wooden cross hung on the front wall of the sanctuary, with a "halo" circling the center.  A Communion Table inscribed with the words, "In Remembrance of Me" stood below the cross, a gold goblet set on top representing the communion cup.  These were the symbols I grew up knowing that represented Christ's presence in those early years of worship.

Fast forward to today: many places of worship are now held in gymnasiums and warehouses. Some churches have turned their focus to assimilate a coffee house or shopping mall, with fold up, portable chairs.  Some of the denominational churches still hold the tradition of stained glass windows, offering the quiet respite for prayer and communion in a sanctuary with permanent pews.
Does this mean that decorative churches are required for true worship?  I don't think so - but, I do wonder at why the Art of Worship in this manner has declined.  Why is it disappearing from our churches?  Are we to become like the world in order to reach the world?  I wonder - considering the passage noted above - are we erasing our testimony of Christ by our modern ideas?

As I walked through those cathedrals, something inside me stirred.