Duncan Stroik, "is a professor of architecture at the University of Notre Dame where he helped implement a new curriculum in classical architecture in 1990. He played a central role in the revival of interest in sacred architecture that led to the formation of the Society for Catholic Liturgy and the journal Sacred Architecture of which he is editor."
He wrote today at Crisis Magazine, a piece entitled: The Crisis of Contemporary Sacred Art," in which he describes the state of sacred art today as "mediocre, impoverished, or in crisis." One need only enter one of today's many modern churches that can easily be confused with a waiting room at a greyhound bus station to understand Dr. Stroik's complaint.
Stroik lists the many reasons that sacred art has become almost extinct, but argues for its return:
"...why should the Church commission original art? First of all, to commission art is to acknowledge the importance of art as a living tradition. In patronizing art we speak to modern man through the vitality of the arts. We try to touch hearts and minds through beauty and originality. Portraying religious subjects in art can be likened to a sermon in paint or bronze."
You can read the entire essay by clicking HERE.
