The Ugliest Churches in the World

RealClearReligion ^ | June 24, 2013 | Nicholas G. Hahn III

[EveningStar]

Fans of baroque church design are sometimes accused of snobbery. Yet after readers peruse this kaleidoscope of ugly houses of worship, you will likely have a little more sympathy for the stodgy.

Not only are these artistic innovations ugly, but also bizarre, weird, dumb, and gross. These holy train wrecks come to you from Monroe, Ohio to Uvari, India. Gaze upon these Catholic chapels and cathedrals, nondenominational megachurches, Baptist buildings, and even one mosque for good measure.

[DManA]

That place always reminds me of MacArthur Park

MacArthur Park is melting in the dark
All the sweet, green icing flowing down...
Someone left the cake out in the rain

[Alex Murphy]

St. Gregorius Catholic Church, Aachen Germany:

"Home of the angry aluminum Jesus"

[martin_fierro]

In my town. Cleverly disguised as a mall cineplex.

Also in my town. Hopefully there's something good going on inside, because outside ... bleah.

[Revolting cat!]

Here's a beauty. No "graven images", as you demanded!

[Revolting cat!]

'Nother architectural wonder!

[DaxtonBrown]

I think they are all beautiful in their own way.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

I used to think that until I actually visited La Sagrada Família a couple years ago with my daughter. It is truly breathtaking in its own way.

[Rodamala]

That looks like a “church” out of Logan’s Run.

[Slings and Arrows]

...damn.

[bonfire]

Flat Stanley Jesus.

[mylife]

[mylife]

Where I was taught.

http://www.remarkableohio.org/UserContent/107662/109349.jpg

[bonfire]

So did I!

[Slings and Arrows]

Much better.

[mylife]

Never been a mega church kinda guy.

[mylife]

The I.O.O.F Lodge was/is next door.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Order_of_Odd_Fellows

[SMARTY]

When I see this kind of tortured architecture, I am convinced that the architect and the people who paid him don't know what they are or want to be.

When you KNOW, it is expressed in your architecture. I believe that architecture is a premier marker for cultural health.

[fwdude]

When I see this kind of tortured architecture, I am convinced that the architect and the people who paid him don't know what they are or want to be.

The structure is very telling. Non-conventional with no order or reason. Says all you need to know about the commissioners of the work.

[EveningStar]

The fire was started by a lightning bolt on June 15, 2010. I guess God didn't like it either. :-D

[Wiser now]

That’s been the conclusion of lots of people who live nearby and have had to look at the thing for years. I always thought it was downright grotesque.
Have you heard the song “Big Butter Jesus”? It’s hilarious.