Medieval People Would HATE Modern Churches

Modern churches are often bland, utilitarian spaces, but medieval Catholics built cathedrals that were cosmic statements of faith. In this video, we’ll explore why medieval Catholic churches were designed to inspire awe, what every detail symbolized, and how these sacred spaces reflected a worldview radically different from ours today. From Gothic spires and stained glass to the eastward orientation toward paradise, medieval Catholicism saw churches as more than buildings; they were masterpieces of devotion, theology, and social order. We’ll look at key figures like Abbot Suger and William Durandus, examine the evolution from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, and consider whether we’ve lost something essential in our worship spaces.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: Why Modern Churches Feel Empty
0:47 - Medieval Churches as Works of Art
1:07 - Abbot Suger & the Basilica of Saint-Denis
1:26 - Should Wealth Have Gone to the Poor?
2:16 - William Durandus & Symbolic Architecture
3:13 - Eastward Orientation & Cosmic Symbolism
4:06 - Hierarchies in Church Design
4:57 - Chaos vs. Order in Medieval Worldview
6:12 - Romanesque to Gothic Evolution
7:09 - Gervase of Canterbury on Gothic Innovation
8:42 - Late Gothic Flourishes & Civic Pride
9:06 - Cistercians vs. Opulent Cathedrals
9:39 - Final Thoughts: What We’ve Lost