How great thou art: beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder when it comes to religious art. Although they may disagree about traditional versus modern art, U.S. Catholic readers responding to our survey do agree on the importance of art in spirituality and worship.

THERE WERE AT LEAST 90 OF us, and we were herded around Europe in large buses the summer of my junior year of college. It was the first time I'd traveled with anyone other than my family, and I quickly learned that everyone has a different notion of what it means to sightsee.

My best friend Betsy was raring to go each day to squeeze in as many sights as possible, especially the historical, primarily Catholic churches that seemed to mark the first, middle, and last destination of every stopping point on our trip. The dazzling architecture, the history, the stained glass--it was magnificent, and each one made Betsy hunger for more.

While I was delighted and impressed, I could only take so much of the ornate and found myself more interested in staying outside in parks and streets off the beaten path. One day I set up a small chair, skipped lunch to buy an expensive can of Coke instead, and spent hours alone enjoying the natural beauty of Kensington Park.

The different types of art that inspired Betsy and me in such different ways are much like the varying tastes of U.S. CATHOLIC readers. In a survey about art--religious art in particular--there were almost as many different tastes as there were respondents. Nearly all of the 140 readers who replied to the survey, however, agreed on art's importance to the church and to the faith life of individual believers.

Just as religiously inspired art looms large in the minds and hearts of most tourists, it also, it turns out, speaks to Catholics in their everyday lives. With, or perhaps despite, all of its shortcomings, the church hasn't lost its people's reverence for its appreciation and patronage of the arts.

In fact, Gertrude Reynolds of Scituate, Massachusetts went so far as to say, "One of the finest attributes of the Catholic Church has been the inspiring and fostering of the world's greatest art in music, painting, and architecture"

In the eye of the beholder

What exactly constitutes great art is another question. Although 95 percent of U.S. CATHOLIC readers say that art of any form can bring them closer to God, a clear divide emerges between those who are moved by ornate, traditional religious art and those who enjoy the contemporary, and at times more restrained, Catholic expression of spirit.

Reacting primarily to what they see in their home parishes, readers for the most part think that the arts are used well in their churches (53 percent). But the divide over what works and what doesn't is clear--and church interior and exterior seems to be the major battleground.

"When our big Gothic-style church was redecorated over 20 years ago, we went to neutral colors and lack of clutter," says Diane Brimmer of Independence, Iowa, who adds that she feels very comfortable praying in that atmosphere.

A similar simplicity in her church's architecture helps Lynn Hogan of Pittsburgh to "focus on living simply."

Another fan of contemporary church architecture decries a pastor who, during his short tenure at the parish, deemed the church's glass windows "psychedelic" and had them replaced with traditional stained glass. Now that that pastor has left, "we are stuck with windows that no longer match the modern design of the church."

At her church in Eureka, Illinois, Marjorie Crowe says that "the last two pastors brought statues and candlesticks in that were too ornamental for the contemporary sanctuary. It's like going to Mass in a flea market. "Another reader agrees. "Most local parish art simply isn't! It's more religious decoration."

But austere settings are not for everyone. One reader says that his most negative experience with the use of art in church was "when all the marble statues and carvings were taken out of the church and away from the altar."

When a church is pared down to the basics, some Catholics think it's also been stripped of its vibrancy and vitality. Joe Yochasz of Elk Rapids, Michigan mourned when his church went from classic and traditional to "factory modern"

Shirley Morris of Cedar Rapids, Iowa says, "Our liturgists and church architects are emphasizing the congregation and have lost sight of the mystery, majesty, and awesomeness of God. Our churches have become sterile auditoriums in the process. There is no church art today."

Next time you're passing through the Midwest, a reader alerts us, take note: "There is a church that looks like a canned ham in Illinois." You'll need a mighty big can opener to get into that one.

Another reader cites her most negative experience as "walking into a 150-year-old cathedral in Madison, Wisconsin that was beautiful on the outside--only to find an ugly, dark-tiled, modern sanctuary, and new windows--all not appropriate for an old building."

Louise Kloepping of Pearly City, Illinois sums up the view of many regarding the Catholic contemporary art aesthetic: "Some newer churches are so clean and white they lack any art or colon I feel something is missing." Likewise, Christine Mulligan of Owensboro, Kentucky says that "some of the abstract art to me seems very barren and irreligious."

Despite the divide in taste, some readers do appreciate their churches just the way they are. "When we built our new church, it included murals, paintings, stained glass windows. Our own parish artists and art lovers were involved in the process, and some of the art is by parishioners." says Mary Okapal of Findlay, Ohio.

Susan Stoodt also finds her church inspiring. "My church, St. Pat's in Wadsworth, Illinois, has done a beautiful job incorporating architecture, sculpture, and stained glass as well as its music ministry to bring our hearts closer to God. If that weren't enough, the floor-to-ceiling windows behind the altar engage us in the beauty of God's holy creation. Art is inescapable and highly treasured."

Patron of the arts

There is little question among readers that the Catholic Church is, and should be, a patron of the arts. In fact, 58 percent of respondents said that it is essential, given the important relationship between religion and the arts. Twenty-eight percent thought that patronizing the arts would be a great thing for the church--if we only had the money for it.

"I'd rather think of it as being 'partners' than patrons and somehow also serving those who are poor," says Shelley Douglass of Birmingham, Alabama.

More than a few readers suggest that art and the church's other missions don't have to be an either/or proposition. Terry Cloyd of Sterling Heights, Michigan views the church's patronage as integral to the sustenance of its people: "The poor do need food, clothing, and shelter, but they, and all of us, also need beauty as well."

A majority of readers--76 percent--believe the church should play a role in encouraging artists to create religious art. Though many admit they haven't a clue how the church ought to go about this, just as many think it ought to be looking in its own backyard for artistic talent.

"The church can support artists not just by commissioning their work but simply by acknowledging and celebrating the creative efforts of its own members and the larger community," says Kathy O'Keefe of Omaha, Nebraska.

One reader thinks the church will inspire and encourage religious art by eschewing what he calls "saccharine kitsch pseudo art." He thinks far too much in our parishes comes out of catalogs when it could come instead from talented local artists. Father Dave Pleier of Green Bay, Wisconsin would also like to see the church commission artists rather than buying from catalogs.

Several respondents mentioned the need for art that reflects a wider variety of ethnicities and cultural groups within the church. Mark Patino of Kansas City, Kansas, who is African American, asks, "How would white Catholics feel if they came in and saw their churches filled with depictions of saints and Mary and Jesus as brown, yellow, or black?!"

Sing a new song?

"Music and art and poetry attune the soul to God." the contemplative monk Thomas Merton wrote. The transcendent power of art is recognized by an overwhelming 96 percent of the readers surveyed. The remaining 4 percent clarified that nature or only certain types of art work for them.

Just as music calms the savage beast, it also calms the Catholic. In fact, music earned more votes than any other type of art, including the visual arts, with 88 percent of respondents saying that music most appeals to them.

"I've often allowed CDs from the monks of Weston Abbey to 'pray for me' in times of difficulty when other prayer was impossible," says Bernadine Icklan of Bricktown, New Jersey.

Comfort often finds its home in our hearts through the familiar. Several readers remarked that the use of contemporary music in church throws them off; they come wanting the familiar hymns or even Gregorian chant but instead get a contemporary approach at some liturgies.

"Music continues to be a very important part of worship," says reader Marcia Stolley of Georgetown, Texas. "I deeply regret that in most parishes I've visited, traditional hymns have been replaced by contemporary, often hard-to-sing, songs. I find this very sad."

But it's not just liturgical music that lifts the spirit of U.S. CATHOLIC readers. They find music of all sorts attunes their souls to God. One respondent recalls being moved when he heard Maria Callas singing Madame Buttery. For another reader, the finale of Les Misdrables," To love another person is to see the face of God." was sublime inspiration.

Most respondents say they use music as part of their spiritual practice because they find it encourages contemplation, reflection, and prayer.

"It is not only the visual arts that have carried the spirit over the course of the last century," points out one fan of jazz music. "John Colirane's music was an expression of his spirituality, and Duke Ellington wrote four sacred concerts."

But just as good music transports our spirits heavenward, bad music can be damning. Respondents remarked again and again that there's nothing like bad liturgical music to offend their artistic sensibilities and derail their worship experience.

One reader says that she's simply disappointed to get to Mass and not hear any familiar songs, but also to hear songs that most of the congregation can't sing along with because they're strange and difficult. E Nichols of Sacramento, California puts it succinctly: "I don't care to listen to high-pitched sopranos--my ears hurt."

The good ...

Pablo Picasso noted, "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." It pulls us both out of, and into, ourselves and helps us form all manner of existential questions and answers. By far the most revered artworks among readers are in Italy: the Pieta, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's. Reader Mary Govka of Beavercreek, Ohio says that seeing the Sistine Chapel after its cleaning "was truly a 'Wow!' experience."

Readers also love Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son and Dali's The Crucifixion. About the latter, Mary Ann Lagy of St. Pete Beach, Florida says, "It pulls Christ from the cross and into my heart."

But art doesn't have to be exhibited in a gallery to provoke and inspire survey respondents. A statue of Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman moved Daniel Brick of North Tonswanda, New York. "You could almost hear the dialogue," he says.

A retreat center was the home of another inspirational sculpture--this one of the Prodigal Son kneeling at the feet of his father. "I was feeling 'far away; and it inspired me to 'return,'" one reader says. "After Reconciliation I felt tremendous peace."

Although music, painting, and sculpture topped most respondents' lists, others were inspired by other media, including dance and film. "I could name 50 films, especially Moonstruck" says Dominican Sister Alice Uhl of Verona, New Jersey. The more overtly religious movie Jesus of Nazareth moved S. Linda Joseph of Riverhead, New York.

Finally, when thinking about art that inspires their spirituality, many readers remember that nature itself is a work of art created by the master artist himself. "Any time I see a landscape or water scene, I am deeply moved by God's handiwork," says Susan Stoodt of Gurnee, Illinois.

... the bad, and the ugly

Half of the U.S. CATHOLIC survey respondents take art simply for the spiritual dusting off it offers them. As one reader says, "I don't let art get to me. If it offends you, you probably don't get it."

But art can also just plain infuriate. The other half of respondents have been offended by art that doesn't respect their religious beliefs. Most of these qualify their resentment to say that they wouldn't necessarily want those artists to be silenced, but nonetheless their work can get readers' ire up.

"American artists and media supporters seem to focus on obscene images and poor theology," says Lt. Col. Thomas Mills of Alexandria, Virginia.

Numerous readers cited the scandal at the Brooklyn Museum of Art in 1999. The exhibit, "Sensation," lived up to its name, inspiring a scandal and court challenge for its inclusion of Chris Ofili's Holy Virgin Mary. The painting of the Virgin was created partially out of elephant dung.

"I really could see no value of this art from any perspective, not just from my personal view," says Veronica Sweeney of Lewiston, Montana.

Fake lilies of the valley on a fussy wrought iron stand may not be quite so iconoclastic, but fake flowers in church do seem to offend more than a few readers. One reader said the fake floral arrangement in the baptistery "looks like someone won them at an amusement park."

Some readers cite experiences in their own churches that they deem offensive. Kathleen Cox of Indianapolis describes a battle over the display of the Infant of Prague statue in the church. "He was up one week, down the next, depending upon who ran the liturgy that week," she says.

Whether they find artistic inspiration in church, at the museum, or in the park, the U.S. CATHOLIC survey confirms that Catholics love to be inspired by art of many forms and many styles. They would likely agree with their beloved Michelangelo, who said, "The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection." USC 

AND THE
SURVEY SAYS ...

1. I have found that art can bring
   me closer to God.

agree              96%

disagree           0%

other              4%

2. The types of religious art that
   most appeal to me are: (May
   check more than one)

88%                Music.

74%                Painting, textile, or other
                   visual art.

64%                Sculpture.

59%                Architecture.

54%                Poetry or literature.

26%                Dance.

26%                Film.

7%                 Other.

3. Art doesn't have to be explicitly
   religious to bring me
   closer to God.

agree              95%

disagree           4%

other              1%

4. I have been offended by art
   that doesn't respect my religious
   beliefs.

agree              50%

disagree           50%

other              0%

5. I feel the arts are well used in
   my parish.

agree              53%

disagree           32%

other              15%

6. The idea of the church as a
   patron of the arts:

58%                Is essential, given the
                   important relationship
                   between religion and
                   art.

28%                Would be great if there
                   were money for it.

5%                 Was a nice part of our
                   history but is not appropriate
                   now.

1%                 Was never a good idea.

8%                 Other.

7. I think the church should do
   more to encourage artists to
   create religious art.

agree              76%

disagree           11%

other              13%

These results are based on survey
responses from 140 U.S. CATHOLIC
readers and Web site visitors.

RELATED ARTICLE: Your favorites.

The Pieta was the clear front-runner in the favorite religious art contest, according to survey respondents. Many said they were moved by Michelangelo's powerful marble depiction of Mary's grief and tenderness. Not far behind were the Sistine Chapel (especially the illustration of God reaching out to Adam), Rembrandt's Return of the Prodigal Son, and Salvador Dali's The Crucifixion. Other favorites included works by famous artists as well as unknowns in a variety of media:

Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky

Dante's Divine Comedy

Bernini's The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

Tiffany's Resurrection stained glass

Photos of my family

The grotto at the University of Notre Dame

El Greco's Annunciation

A tree

Fritz Eichenberg's woodcut Christ of the Breadline

The film Jesus of Nazareth

My wooden crucifix

Ford Madox Brown's Jesus Washing Peter's Feet

Requiem by Durufle

"Here I Am Lord" by Dan Schutte

Handel's Messiah

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar

National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C.

Headstones in a cemetery

San Damiano cross

Picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Saxophone music

Dali's Christ of St. John of the Cross

Raphael's Madonna and Child

A poem by my 10-year-old granddaughter

St. Anne's Basilica in Jerusalem

Chartres Cathedral in France

Domenico Morelli's Virgin and Child

The Laughing Jesus

Robert Lenz's icon of Christ the Good Shepherd

Join the conversation--online.

In addition to a sample of subscribers, all are invited to respond to U.S. CATHOLIC'S monthly Sounding Board survey at www.uscatholic.org.

This month, join U.S. CATHOLIC readers as they give their two cents about the topic of the church and money.

By MAUREEN ABOOD, literary editor of U.S. CATHOLIC.