Why should church buildings get so much of the financial, physical, and social attention that is rightly due to the needs of Christians and others? Asked by Kofo Olomu, Cotonou, Benin
Answered by Howard A. Snyder | posted 04/28/2005 09:30 a.m.
Interestingly, church history shows an inverse ratio between dynamic church multiplication and preoccupation with buildings. Emphasis on buildings is generally linked with relatively slow growth or even decline.
Rapidly growing movements generally put little stress on buildings, tending toward pragmatism and flexibility, meeting wherever they can. The exception: If large subsidies are available, rapid church growth and focus on buildings may go together for a generation or two before the building-centeredness begins to sap church vitality.
Jesus showed a radical attitude toward the Jerusalem temple. He claimed that he himself fulfilled the temple's meaning and function.
Through Jesus true worship can occur any time, any place. Jesus says in Matthew 18:20, "Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them." The physical temple is now theologically unnecessary.
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