Different Christian denominations uphold distinct doctrines, which results in vastly different artistic styles. In this lesson, we’ll explore the differences in artistic forms across the three major Christian denominations.
Differences in Artistic Understanding Among the Three Major Christian Denominations
- Although Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism are branches of Christianity, their doctrines, management structures, and religious systems vary widely, leading to significant artistic differences among them.
- Today’s churches are focused on spiritual realms, but before the 19th century, they held considerable secular authority, particularly within Catholicism, where the Pope’s power sometimes exceeded that of secular monarchs. Catholics were required to pay tithes, giving a tenth of their income to the Church, and many countries were united under church and state. This influence extended to European politics, economy, and military, as well as art.
- Art continually reinforced Catholic authority in Europe, and the Catholic Church invested heavily in art to strengthen its power. Renaissance art, including masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, and numerous works by Raphael, depicted religious themes, greatly contributing to Catholic dominance.
- Structurally, Catholicism is relatively simple, with a strict hierarchical pyramid in which the Pope sits at the top, followed by archbishops and bishops in each region, each paying tribute to the level above—a governance style akin to a “monarchy” in the spiritual realm.
- Orthodoxy integrates religion and state, with the chief religious figure being the bishop of the emperor’s diocese, though the emperor is ultimately the supreme leader. Compared to Catholicism, Orthodoxy holds less secular power and is more spiritually focused, resembling a “republic” in governance.
- Protestantism, in contrast, has a loosely organized structure with no true clergy hierarchy. Instead, there are pastors who preach without distinction between clergy and laity, leading to diverse Protestant beliefs. Protestantism thus functions more like a “democracy.”
- All three denominations follow the Ten Commandments, but their interpretations of “no graven images” create stark differences in their artistic approaches, visible in their iconic church architecture.
- Catholicism is the least strict in observing the commandment against idolatry, embracing art forms like painting and music to inspire believers. Its grandiose church buildings aim to give followers a glimpse of paradise, with artworks like those in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican embodying Catholic artistic values.
- Orthodoxy takes a moderate stance, allowing art to enhance worship but with strict guidelines, especially for depictions of holy figures. This has led to Orthodox art that emphasizes vibrant colors, such as the stunning Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
- Protestantism adheres most strictly to the commandment against idolatry, rejecting decorative art entirely. Protestant churches typically contain no sculptures or paintings, only a simple cross, with some buildings resembling ordinary houses. England’s St. Paul’s Cathedral is a prime example, embodying Protestant emphasis on introspection over exterior decoration.
Catholic Church Representative – St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican
Orthodox Church Representative – Hagia Sophia in Turkey
Orthodox Church Interior – Hagia Sophia in Turkey (Interior)
Typical Orthodox Church Interior – Characterized by lavish colors
Protestant Church Representative – St. Paul’s Cathedral in London
Typical Protestant Church Exterior
Protestant Church Interior
To quickly identify the denomination of a church, here are some key features for each:
- Protestant Church: Protestant churches are often very plain and minimally decorated. If you encounter a church with little to no interior decoration, it is likely a Protestant church, as Protestantism traditionally values simplicity and avoids ornate adornments.
- Catholic vs. Orthodox Churches:
- Geography: Location can be a helpful clue. Churches in Russia, Turkey, or Greece are often Orthodox, as these regions were part of the Byzantine Empire, where Eastern Orthodoxy was dominant. In contrast, Catholic churches are more common in Western European countries like Germany, France, and Italy.
- Architecture:
- Orthodox Churches: Known for their distinctive onion-shaped domes, which are particularly prominent in Russian Orthodox architecture. Interiors are often richly decorated with icons and vibrant colors but generally do not feature as many sculptures.
- Catholic Churches: Characterized by lavish decoration, often with an abundance of sculptures, stained glass, and detailed architectural elements.
