Why do you think Bernard of Clairvaux was so disturbed by the sumptuous art of t

Question:

Why do you think Bernard of Clairvaux was so disturbed by the sumptuous art of the churches?

Do you agree with him?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

from the Medieval Sourcebook:
"There is more admiration for beauty than veneration for sanctity. Thus churches are decorated, not simply with jeweled crowns, but with jeweled wheels illuminated as much by their precious stones as by their lamps. We see candelabra like big bronze trees, marvelously wrought, their gems glowing no less than their flames. What do you think is the purpose of such things? To gain the contrition of penitents or the admiration of spectators?

On vanity of vanities, yet no more vain than insane! The church is resplendent in her walls and wanting in her poor. She dresses her stones in gold and lets her sons go naked. The eyes of the rich are fed at the expense of the indigent. The curious find something to amuse them and the needy find nothing to sustain them."~ Bernard of Clairvaux

{yes, i agree with him. churches now as in his time, should not concern themselves with decorating themselves, but with helping the least of their brethren}