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Some people, whether they are religious or not, believe that grand religious buildings should be sold, and the money used to help the poor. They may feel that there is no need for believers to gather in such buildings and that alternatives should be found; perhaps simple, inexpensive meeting places, community halls or even each other’s houses. Others feel that such buildings are necessary to reflect their beliefs or the greatness of God, and to give thanks and praise.

Explore the issues

The cost of religious buildings

Most religions encourage their followers to help the poor and warn people that worldly possessions (like money, jewellery, designer clothing and cars for instance) are not important. Sometimes though, it seems that these teachings are forgotten about when it comes to places of worship. Many religious buildings are decorated with expensive materials and artworks, whilst some are very old and cost a lot of money to keep in a good state of repair.

Many people, whether they are religious or not, are critical of the way that wealth is used by some major religions. For example the Vatican (the headquarters of the Catholic Church) is home to many priceless works of art. Hindu temples are usually made of valuable materials like marble and covered in expensive carvings, but are often located in the poorest parts of India. Even some faithful followers of these religions, as well people outside these communities, feel strongly that these buildings, or at the very least some of their decorations, should be sold to help the poor.

Words of wisdom

What do religions teach about helping the poor and starving? Click the image below to find out.

Historical buildings

The Church of England owns land worth around £2 billion. Many of its churches are built on some of the most expensive land in England. Selling this land and the churches on it would certainly raise a huge amount of money that could be used to reduce the suffering of many people. However, some may argue that these buildings are part of the country's history, and once sold they may be altered, or even destroyed meaning they would be lost for future generations to see and enjoy. Churches also have an important role in many communities across the UK; they bring people together, not only to worship, but also to feed the needy with food banks, and as centres for education and all sorts of charity work.

On the other hand, lots of people argue that a beautifully decorated building, with no expense spared, honours God. Such people may also say that if everyone lived by the teachings of their religion regarding kindness and generosity to the poor, then many people could be helped out of poverty, without the need to sell places of worship.

Religious buildings and the community

With declining numbers of people attending places of worship, is it time to start thinking about alternatives? Perhaps religious groups could hire spaces or even share a building with other religious communities as many already do. Some religious communities are already finding different ways to gather, without the need for a special building to worship. For example, the ‘house church’ movement of Christians meet in each other’s houses just like the very first Christians did. We live in a digital age, so could religious communities move online and make forms of worship available on the internet?

Many religious buildings were built by and for the poor. They are places where members of faith communities can come together to celebrate life’s big events, such as births, weddings and funerals. They are also places where many of the poorest in society can turn at times of their greatest need. Without them, some would argue, helping the poor would be even more of a challenge. Many religious buildings do not just help believers in their relationship with God but also in their relationships with the needy.

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