Vote totals:
Yes:
0%
No:
100%
Neutral:
0%
DEBATE: SHOULD CHURCHES BE FLOODLIT?
SHOULD CHURCHES BE FLOODLIT?
There would be serious security concerns with a lack of floodlighting
People use the floodlights as a walkway through the Church, and may decide to walk that way home or through the town/city, or they may decide to visit a beloved one. The amount of accidents would surely increase due to tripping and falling where there would be no light. It is said that the Church should use more effective measures of security than floodlighting, however an illuminated cross or notice board would not be as effective as 24:7 lighting on the premises, which the floodlights provide. It is also impossible to ask for the Church to supply people to regulate the premises as it may not be safe at night and if the Church decided to employ professionals to protect the building, this would not be very economical and cost-effective for them
It is common sense that at night time anyone could sneak up on you. For that reason most people choose not to walk alone at night. If churches were not floodlit, people would find alternative ways home, using main roads instead of back alleys through church yards; surely this is more desirable.
The fact that there would be safety concerns is not due to the floodlighting itself, but due to the society as a whole. Floodlights should not be used as an alternative to careful and vigilant policing. Crime is for the government to deal with, not the churches.
SHOULD CHURCHES BE FLOODLIT?
It is tradition and regarded as important
Floodlighting in churches symbolises a living building in the settlement, and the lights are kept on at night to show that someone is at “home”(1)The symbol of light is important because it means a lot for the Christian people who believe that the light is a symbol of Heaven and God and all that is good in the world. A Church in the dark could be perceived as unholy by the faith. At the end of the Second World War, the lights were switched on with enthusiasm once the blackout ended and in getting rid of the floodlighting, this may offend and cause upset to the older generation(2).Larger cathedrals and churches started off the trend of floodlighting and soon after churches such as St. Paul’s Cathedral became prominent in the cities as a tourist attraction; this also brings in money, makes the city more attractive and makes the local people feel proud. The tradition dates back to the Saxon times where the lighting and shade were regarded as very important. The design was originally that only the spire would be lit and not the entire premises, so perhaps instead of ridding churches and cathedrals of floodlighting, we should find a medium and reduce the amount of lighting.
(1)http://www.churchcare.co.uk/building.php?CDF
(2)http://www.churchcare.co.uk/building.php?CDF
In today’s secular society, Christianity is grappling with modernity to encourage people to believe in their particular sect. Protestantism allows for divorce, re-marriage and even gay bishops; since when has tradition been regarded as important? All the Church of England is interested in is gaining more followers. The only route they seek to achieve this end is by breaking tradition and following modern society’s trends. The modern trend now is environmentally friendly ways of life. If the church wishes to be consistent and “keep it real” they should scrap their floodlights and stop arguing on the basis of tradition.
SHOULD CHURCHES BE FLOODLIT?
Cutting down on lighting promotes greater environmental awareness
There is no reason why churches, like other consumers, shouldn’t make the most of energy saving technologies like solar power to reduce the environmental impact of floodlighting.
Church floodlights are not going to disturb animals any more than the streetlights and lit buildings in any built-up area.
It is more eco-friendly to cut down the use of floodlighting as it reduces carbon emissions. All Christians have a role to play in developing their own environmental awareness. There is a deep understanding in Christianity of Creation, and protecting the environment stems from that understanding. Even if the Churches were to eliminate the number of floodlights this would help to protect the environment and show that the Church cares and is playing its part in reducing carbon emissions. The cabling of floodlights may disturb graves and archaeological investigations and this is not considerate. An alternative to cables in the ground would be floodlighting in the trees, but this is also frowned upon because as the trees and vegetation grow they could obscure the lights and it cannot be very healthy for the environment (the trees and the vegetation). Floodlighting can also disrupt bats and be very dangerous to them therefore posing a problem for churches that wish to consider floodlighting.
SHOULD CHURCHES BE FLOODLIT?
Floodlighting was only common in the 1930s
Floodlighting was only common in the 1930s due to the fact that it was cheap to have floodlighting. In modern day, with our growing concerns for the environment (oil and thus electricity), perhaps we can no longer afford to leave the lights on all night, or even at all.
SHOULD CHURCHES BE FLOODLIT?
Floodlighting is expensive
We don’t hesitate to spend money on making our public buildings and monuments visually impressive, so why should we scrimp on our churches? Parishioners will be happy to contribute to the upkeep of the church as a demonstration of their commitment to both their faith and their community.
Churches have to consider capital and revenue expenses when deciding to go ahead and use floodlights. Maintenance and electricity charges are continuous over time, and the installation of the scheme in the first place takes time and money. Modern lights are also expensive to replace. A lighting consultant has to be asked to draw up where the lights would go around the premises and where it is suitable to put the cables. Altogether, floodlighting is very costly and time-consuming. There is also the problem with the choice of the colour and density of the light, and whether if the cabling was fitted, would it overrun into other’s properties. There is always the possibility of vandalism which makes it that much more expensive to floodlight churches. Churches can be a common target for teenage vandals. Moreover, the Churches have to ensure that their insurance will cover the lights.
SHOULD CHURCHES BE FLOODLIT?
Floodlights should only be used to commemorate a loved one or an anniversary
The church tries to emphasise that faith is important every day, not just on feast days and special occasions. This is part of what the floodlighting symbolises; they are not christmas fairy lights, but a symbol of the ever-shining light of Christ.
It would be special if the floodlights were only used to commemorate the death of a loved one or an anniversary rather than making it an everyday occurrence. The church uses floodlights on request, which symbolises that it is popular and well-accepted in our British culture to have lights for these special occasions.
