Architectural Designs

Has anyone who has never been in a Catholic church has ever been curious to go inside one?

Or any large church that looks elaborately built, like it's from medieval times? Although I'm an atheist, I'm extremely curious about observing the sermons and taking note of any of the artistic structure and designs that are inside these buildings. I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and their so called, "Kingdom Halls" are pale in comparsion, to the rich, artistic work they put into these other churches. (Just mostly large rooms) I was thinking me and a friend would just go around the city someday soon and just spend a few minutes in each of these buildings to just check them out.

Public Comments

1. I'm not christian, but i love going into churches. catholic churches were designed to be humbling, and are they ever!
2. I go to one every sunday. But ours is not elaborate. There are elaborate cathedrals and churches of all kinds all over the world. I t is not just a Catholic thing. The large Cathedrals were meant to express the Glory and majesty of the Almighty God. Though they do not even show a shadow of it. Art and Architecture attempt to praise God in thier own ways. But many times the beautiful house of God is not full of praise and song to him. Mine is.
3. No, I like old buildings, but Im not interested in the catholic religion.
4. never been there dont want to not curious i mean who is the stupid person that gets curious about knowing mostly lies?
5. You're always WELCOME to come by. Spend one hour in one church, observing. the best time is on a day that services are being conducted.
6. I doubt if you could tell the difference between a Protestant church and a Catholic Church. I know, I can't, and I,m Catholic.
7. Dude, definately do it. I'm not a religious person either, but I think that the old cathedrals are beautiful and they are something to be admired regardless or your religious feelings. Think of ancient chinese temples with Buddhas that are 100 feet tall and made out of solid gold. These are all just examples of man's accomplishments and faith and they are amazing to see and observe objectively.
8. I think JW's Halls are humble. It shows that their is no need for extravagant surroundings to be with the lord. Besides do you not realise how distracting the artistic designs in a church are. Your trying to say you will enter a church just to look at these buildings and not to listen to the word of god.
9. If you're curious, find out when the times for mass are and go. Hang out in the back. depending on if it's a church or cathedral, you might be able to walk around afterwards and look at the artwork (churches are more modest). I find them to be very beautiful, even in my wiccan days. You don't have to convert to enjoy the beauty of the churches.
10. I am not a christian myself. and no I am not interested in going in a catholic church, or anyother sunday going church. it says God created the world in 6 days and on the seventh he rested the seventh is saturday. and God created the day of rest at creation week. 2,500 yrs before the first jew ever lived on earth so saturday is not the jewish sabbath. but i don't go to church anywhere myself.
11. Many Catholic Churches leave their doors open for the benefit of parishioners who just want to go in and pray or meditate. We don't mind non Catholics coming in as long as you respect the sanctuary. No loud talking and do not go near the alter. Obviously, do not touch anything. If you are not sure about entering then find someone and explain to them that you are curious and would like to look inside... Many will offer you a tour so that you know what you are looking at and the significance of it to the Catholic Religion. Don't worry, we won't bite!!!!
12. Just one more detail to remember during your visit to a Catholic Church: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior of all mankind, is substantially and sacramentally dwelling there, body, blood, soul, and divinity, 24/7 and 365. The church, along with all its' art and architecture is there mainly to help you properly experience that divine presence.
13. Assuming the church was opened and you were respectful of the surroundings, there would be absolutely nothing wrong with that. If you wanted, you could even go to one of the services and sit in the back and just watch. I say go for it and if anyone questions you, just tell them honestly that you were curious to see the inside of their church. Some larger, older churches and cathedrals have guided tours where someone will give you the background on what you are seeing. I know I personally am very curious to go inside a mosque. I just don't know if it would be impolite to do so.
14. While it could bother the conscience of individuals, there is nothing in the Jehovah's Witness religion that prohibits physically entering a non-Witness church of Christendom. It is only an actual "act" of interfaith that a true Christian would avoid. Learn more: http://watchtower.org/library/jt/article_03.htm http://watchtower.org/library/pr/article_04.htm
15. I been in several during my travels, especially I went to Rome, Italy. There's nothing wrong in going inside and look if your curious.