Monasteries & Churches Discover the beauty of religious architecture and feel the power of faith
Temples and churches are two types of buildings that play a pivotal role in China's religious culture, and although they have commonalities between them, there are obvious differences in structure, function and historical connotation. A monastery refers to a huge complex of buildings with many buildings that are mainly used by monks or nuns for their daily activities. And the cathedral is the place where the believers hold various sacrificial activities. Only with a deep understanding of the characteristics of the two can we more clearly understand the differences and functions of the two.
First of all, in terms of architectural structure, the temple generally consists of a church, bedrooms, a dining room, a library, a workshop, etc. They are usually arranged around a yard or a garden, so that they form a relative area. However, the church is often designed as a separate building with more in mind for the worship and worship of the people. In order to accentuate a sacred atmosphere, the cathedral will be built in a more ornate and dignified form.
Secondly, in terms of functions, the functions of the monastery are not limited to ceremonies, but include education, culture, medical care, charity and other aspects. Monasteries can build schools, hospitals, orphanages, etc., to serve the community. During this time, the monastery also became a place for monks or nuns to pray, meditate, and study the Bible. In contrast, the church is dominated by worship and prayer, where believers gather to pray, praise, and listen to sermons.
From an institutional point of view, monasteries are generally headed by a female abbot or abbot, and there are strict hierarchies and standards. The structure of monasteries is complex because they deal with various issues such as daily life and religious activities. Churches are generally headed by a priest or director-general, and their organization is relatively simple, with the primary goal of serving the faith needs of believers.
Third, the monasteries and churches have a rich religious and cultural tradition in the process of their development. The history of the monastery can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it began as a hideaway for monks or nuns, but later became a religious, cultural, charitable nucleus. The church is the center of the first religion activities, its development history is even longer, its architectural style, etiquette, etc. have undergone a long period of evolution, and it has become a symbol of the first religion.
Monasteries and churches belong to the same type of religion, but they are significantly different in terms of structure, function, organization, and historical connotation. A monastery is a huge complex of buildings where monks or nuns live or engage in various activities; The other is a place for ** believers to hold worship activities, and its role is relatively simple and concentrated.