What is Lutheran art and architecture like?

Answer 1

What is Lutheran art and architecture like?

The manner in which Lutheran churches have been built and decorated has varied considerably among different places and times. Generally, however, Lutheranism has been very receptive toward fine architecture and rich art. This reflects the "catholic" heritage of the Lutheran churches, which have retained more of the Roman Catholic doctrine and liturgy than have other Protestant churches.

The architectural pattern of most Lutheran churches is very similar to that of Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. The focal point of nearly every Lutheran church is the altar, which is located at the front of the church in the so-called chancel, which is reserved for clergy and their assistants. The centrality of the altar reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the "real presence" of Christ in the bread and wine of the Sacrament of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Congregants usually sit in the so-called nave, facing the chancel. The chancel usually is separated from the nave by a railing at which people kneel when they receive Communion. Following the post-Vatican II practice of Roman Catholics, most Lutherans during the 1970s moved their altars away from walls into a free standing position in order that the pastor could face the people during the celebration of the Eucharist.

Since Lutherans emphasize preaching, the pulpit is located in a prominent location, but usually not in front of the altar. Many Lutheran churches also are designed to accommodate large organs since Lutheran services are highly musical. Many of the compositions written for Lutheran services by composers such as Bach, Telemann, Buxtehude and Praetorius practically require the use of a substantial organ.

Unlike many other Protestant reformers, Martin Luther appreciated art and valued its use as an aid to religious devotion. He opposed iconoclasm (the destruction of religious art and imagery), and Lutheran churches with rare exceptions were spared the destruction of art which occurred in Reformed (Calvinist) areas of Europe during the 16th Century and in Anglican churches in England during the early years of the Reformation and again during the Puritan Revolution of the 17th Century.

Many European Lutheran parish churches and cathedrals were built before the Reformation in those areas (large parts of what is now Germany and all of Scandinavia) in which the rulers adopted Lutheranism as the the state religion during the 16th century. Since Lutheranism took the place of Roman Catholicism in these areas, Lutherans worshipped in the same buildings that previously had been under the jurisdiction of Rome. These churches underwent little change at the time of the Reformation and most continue to retain their pre-Reformation character. Most are adorned with beautiful statuary, paintings, and elaborate reredos (decorations behind the altar). Some of the larger churches and cathedrals are built in the form of a cross, with side altars and chapels. Some fell into disrepair during the centuries after the Reformation but most of these have been carefully restored. Many American tourists who visit these buildings mistakenly believe that they are in a Roman Catholic church.

Since these Lutheran churches are in northern Europe, most are Gothic. A few of the oldest ones (notably the cathedral in Lund, Sweden) are romanesque. They include many of the largest and most impressive European cathedrals. Notable examples are the cathedrals of Trondheim (Nidaros) in Norway, Uppsala in Sweden, and Lubeck in Germany. The immense Lutheran cathedral at Ulm, Germany has the world's highest church spire.

When Lutherans began building new churches after the Reformation, they generally followed the traditional Catholic forms. When baroque architecture became popular during the 17th and 18th centuries, many European Lutheran churches were built in this style. Perhaps the most famous example is the Frauenkirche (the Church of Our Lady) in Dresden, which recently was reconstructed after its destruction in a 1945 air raid. Many Lutheran churches built during this period are notable for their elegant brass chandeliers and the oil portraits of clergy and bishops that line the walls. Many of these churches also have stained glass windows.

Lutheran churches built in Europe and the United States during the 19th century tended to be built in the neo-Gothic style that also was popular with many other denominations. Many were notable for their tall thin spires. Others were built in a neo-classical style; examples are the cathedrals in Copenhagen and Helsinki.

Many Lutheran churches built in Europe and the United States during the 20th and 21st centuries have featured innovative modern designs.

Lutheran churches in the United States generally have been less richly decorated than their European counterparts. This also tends to be true of the growing Lutheran churches of Africa and Asia. This may reflect economic restraints as much as taste. In American suburbs and in Africa and Asia, Lutherans have been more concerned about providing places of worship for burgeoning congregations than in creating architectural gems. American Lutheran churches constructed during the 19th and early 20th century usually had reredos, stained glass windows, and at least some statuary, but many of those built in the past half century have been plain and even stark, even though virtually all have continued to give the altar the place of primacy.

Although nearly all Lutheran churches in Europe have crucifixes, American Lutherans have preferred the bare cross.

In building and restoring churches, Lutherans have taken care to maintain a sense of proportion and harmony. Even the most elaborately decorated Lutheran churches rarely are "overdone." Rich works of art often are set against plain backgrounds in order to accentuate their beauty.