The second photo reminds me of the KKK.
I realize the catholic church puts great value on how their leadership adorns their bodies.....and each piece has a meaning as do all things in the catholic church....art work, idols, design of the cathedrals....all about lifting up the building and the leadership.....but it is this very reason IMO that all these things are distractions....though catholics seem to think they enlarge their worship.
I suppose to some they need the stage affect....but for me I do far better with a simpler and unencumbered worship service that is more central to Christ Himself and not the leadership, rituals, and church building itself.
Pictures on the wall serve no purpose, yet everyone (except Muslims) have them. Decorative, expensive furniture serves the same purpose as cheap and plain furniture does, so why have them.
Unseasoned food is also nutritious, so why waste money on spices, and fine china? Why not simply wear the cheapest slip-on shoes you can get your hands on in a dollar store, and instead of fancy clothes wrap yourself up in bedsheets when you go out? Think of all the money you'd saveit's utilitarianism 101!
Why waste time and money on decorations, paint, style, pictures, etc. if they serve no purpose? Why drive fancy cars when any beat up vehicle will do?
It's funny how we all find reason for style, and not to talk about tradition, and "idols" such as flags and secular symbols, in everyday life, but expect naked utilitarianism when it comes to the Church.
You can keep your Spartan way of life, and unseasoned food if you will. It doesn't make you better anything.