Do you have any insight into the possible connection between mental illness and the people who construct these storefront churches? In graduate school I did a little research into abnormal psychology as it pertains to religion. I have always been fascinated with kitchy yard art structures, such as roadside grottos, and why they primarily exist in poor demographic areas. In my research I found that some people who are afflicted with mental illnesses, such as paranoid schizophrenia, tend to latch onto mechanical processes and/or religion in a detrimental way. I would tend to think that their is a higher level of mental illness in lower economic groups, and therefore the storefront churches, but I would like to learn more. If you have recommendations on books or journals on the subject, please let me know. Most things I have found, primarily under Folk Art, don't go much beyond simply stating that the artist suffered from alcoholism or led a ruff life.
What a fine example of how American democracy has given birth to the idea that no one has to be obedient to the holy Catholic Church which our Lord established, but instead, can make up these HORRID looking little assemblies, have the nerve to call them a "church" and give such a sorry impression in general of Christianity to those who view them.
What kind of "god" would be worshipped in a place that looks like these places do? The Church is supposed to be a type and shadow of the reality of the heavens (Hbr. 8:5, 9: 23 - 24). In other words, when we see the Church building, we should see a picture of what Heaven looks like.
Since when does Heaven look like a badly painted, filthy, ruined old junkyard?
ooops, it seems we share a common passion. Check out my churches at "NYC churches" album. Mostly from Harlem, I wanted some ethnic diversity and added a few Chinese and Ukrainian places (will upload them soon). Weird to see such a similar project on the web, another hint that ther is no such thing as individuality. Marc
Wow, thanks for doing this project! It was amazing to hear this is the first thing you've done for yourself creatively in a long time...we hope you will continue.
We have wanted to do a similar project in our own city...maybe this will get us going. The architecture around here (southern Cal) won't hold a candle to Brooklyn...but the fences and bars on the windows will be the same.
Great collection! I've always wanted to do this. I particularly like #11 The Philadelphian Sabbath Cathedral. Obviously an old theatre. Is there anyway to tell what the name of the orginal theatre was? Best wishes, JTC
Great idea, and excellent documentation. The thing I really noticed, was the amount of security these places of worship have to employ.Most of these places were gaurded by bars, fences, and gates. A church should be open and welcome to all. It's sad that these churches can't do so.
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