Different forms of Church Design and significance

Question 1

Ornate design:

Answer 1

• Grand design, belief in the importance of the building
• House of God, treated with great reverence and respect
• Sign of devotion ot God
• Materials of good quality + high standard
• E.g. Notre Dame

Question 2

Catholic →

Answer 2

• Focus on the crucifix, reminds Catholics of Jesus’ Sacrifice
• Statues - importance of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and the Saints to Catholics
• Tabernacle (where mass is kept) - shows importance of mass A SPECIAL BOX BEHIND THE ALTAR
• Focus on altar - reminds them of Jesus’ sacrificial death, mass is served from here

Question 3

Orthodox

Answer 3

• Focus on icons - brings the mysterious God within this realm??
• Altar - behind the iconostasis which shows the holiness of the bread + wine (divine liturgy) which is prepared behind it
• Iconostasis - shows the Orthodox belief of the huge divide between the almighty God and human beings
• Focus on Icons brings the Mysterious God within reach. They are meant to be earthly copies of heavenly images

Question 4

Methodist

Answer 4

• Focus on the ‘word of God’, seen in the raised pulpit used to give sermons from
• The decoration is simple
• Importance of Jesus dying to bring new life is remembered at a simple communion table

Question 5

Quaker Meeting House

Answer 5

• The decoration is simple, almost bare so there are no distractions
• The chairs are set around the focus
• Focus on the ‘word of God’ seen with the simple table

Question 6

Salvation Army

Answer 6

• Focus - the ‘word of God’, seen in the reading desk, but there is no Holy Communion table, action is important in the Salvation Army
• The decoration is simple
• Reminders of the safe protected place you are in - the flag, officer’s uniform, etc.
• Always a place for a band - it led the army of officers into ‘war’ to help the poor

Question 7

Baptists

Answer 7

• Decoration is simple, focus on the authority of the Bible
• Focus on the ‘word of God’ seen in the raised pulpity used to give sermons from
• Unique baptistry, usually hidden under a communion table. Importance of believing for yourself