A question for Americans

[muffins]

Watch this vid

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QSAmlCbUWC0

Would that kind of thing be acceptable in the US too? Either way, what are your thoughts?

[eugene40]

Watch this vid

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QSAmlCbUWC0

Would that kind of thing be acceptable in the US too? Either way, what are your thoughts?

Yea it would. In my old college town they turned the church into apartments. I was going to actually buy it and turn it into a club. Probably called Heaven and Hell to play on the whole church motif. But they do that there as well. I am in Edinburgh right now and there are a lot of reclaimed churches turned into pubs and cafes and what have you. I think it is better than tearing it down and building something new. But I am not a huge fan of churches to begin with. I say we take the vatican and turn it into a football stadium(tell me that wouldn't b considered)

[NiteGuy]

Watch this vid

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QSAmlCbUWC0

Would that kind of thing be acceptable in the US too? Either way, what are your thoughts?

Converting a church into a bar? Absolutely. As long as the price is right, once the purchase is made and the zoning is right. Heck, as Eugene notes, they can make a nice small set of apartments, or even a private residence. Elvis' Graceland was a small church before he purchased it, for example.

[BrokenDoors]

Watch this vid

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QSAmlCbUWC0

Would that kind of thing be acceptable in the US too? Either way, what are your thoughts?

How socially acceptable it is will undoubtedly depend on where you live. However, it is perfectly legal anywhere, and I suspect it wouldn't be much of an issue in most of the country.

[calean]

I have an issue with it. Shows that nothing is sacred anymore.

[AgentM]

I'm an atheist, so it doesn't really matter all that much to me. On the other hand, it'd feel a little strange having a pub or something in a church! I guess I'm kind of on the fence about this...

[serenity]

Some people might argue that certain churches--say, the American Evangelical MegaChurches--are primarily money-making machines. That that's their purpose. No doubt an oversimplified view, but making lots of money for individuals clearly IS part of their reason-for-being.

Not exactly what I'd consider "sacred."

[Sidgaf]

Watch this vid

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QSAmlCbUWC0

Would that kind of thing be acceptable in the US too? Either way, what are your thoughts?

Well as I see it, turn the church into a pub or tear it down and build a pub on top of it.

If that the only two options I think most people whould wheather have number one than number two. Of course this is from a preservations point of view.

BTW do you have a better link to the pub, look like a great place to have a drink.

[Atticus]

In the US, ownership is everything. You own it? Do what you like!

[AgentM]

Some people might argue that certain churches--say, the American Evangelical MegaChurches--are primarily money-making machines. That that's their purpose. No doubt an oversimplified view, but making lots of money for individuals clearly IS part of their reason-for-being.

Not exactly what I'd consider "sacred."

Well, some of those megachurches are basically just big stadiums anyways. I wouldn't care at all if those ones were turned into something else.

[cpwill]

Some people might argue that certain churches--say, the American Evangelical MegaChurches--are primarily money-making machines. That that's their purpose. No doubt an oversimplified view, but making lots of money for individuals clearly IS part of their reason-for-being.

Not exactly what I'd consider "sacred."

such people would likely be wrong, firstly to apply any kind of totalist viewpoint of such institutions, and secondly to ignore their most distinguishing factor: their size. People do not flock to join organizations that exist simply to take their money; clearly they are getting something out of it that brings value to their lives.

In the US, ownership is everything. You own it? Do what you like!

well, that is the ideal; but ever since the local county figured it had the power to take your property in order to increase tax revenues.... :shrug: actual ownership is more cloud-in-the-sky hope than fact.

[BrokenDoors]

well, that is the ideal; but ever since the local county figured it had the power to take your property in order to increase tax revenues.... :shrug: actual ownership is more cloud-in-the-sky hope than fact.

Many states have state laws against the use of eminent domain for that purpose. I know South Carolina happens to be one of them.

[Atticus]

well, that is the ideal; but ever since the local county figured it had the power to take your property in order to increase tax revenues.... :shrug: actual ownership is more cloud-in-the-sky hope than fact.I'm with you about being concerned about that--but if those local governments ever really use that authority, ALL churches are in trouble. After all, churches are non-taxed, so any church seized and turned over to even the least successful business would increase tax revenue. :cool:

[MikeD4o7]

People do not flock to join organizations that exist simply to take their money; clearly they are getting something out of it that brings value to their lives.


Not going to make a specific argument, but just logically speaking...

Just because there may be other reasons why people flock to organizations does not mean the primary purpose of that organization is not just to make money. The two aren't necessarily mutually exclusive.

[serenity]

such people would likely be wrong, firstly to apply any kind of totalist viewpoint of such institutions,

Sure, I said right off that it was doubtless an oversimplified view of things.



and secondly to ignore their most distinguishing factor: their size. People do not flock to join organizations that exist simply to take their money; clearly they are getting something out of it that brings value to their lives.

To reiterate Mike's point, it's not perfectly clear that the value felt by parishioners proves the motives of millionaire preachers.

But I'm not claiming the cynical view is incontrovertibly and always the correct one.

As for an argument because of their size, their popularity: American Idol, Dr. Phil. Etc.

[prst31]

I'm fascinated by the perception the guy in the video has (and Muffins?) that it wouldn't be allowed in America. And I've seen a lot of other misperceptions lately from our friends (maybe old friends) across the pond. Who is giving them these strange ideas? Heck, not only would a pub be allowed, a booby bar if someone was so inclined...or a porn store on the side of the highway... how about a skate park, paintball arena, or if they were smart, a Starbucks.

[Groucho]

I still remember going to the Limelight in Manhattan at night back in the 90s -- huge club in an old church,. Really great atmosphere, especially for the goth kids.

[Sidgaf]

I still remember going to the Limelight in Manhattan at night back in the 90s -- huge club in an old church,. Really great atmosphere, especially for the goth kids.

^ over the hill club kid ??

[Oliphaunt]

The country isnt a theocracy you know...

It would be perfectly fine :rolleyes:


There is a church near me that is used as a recording studio. The Decemberists recorded there, as have some punk and metal bands.

[muffins]

The country isnt a theocracy you know...


People outside looking inside sometimes wonder.

*cough*Palin*cough*

[Scaryclouds]

such people would likely be wrong, firstly to apply any kind of totalist viewpoint of such institutions, and secondly to ignore their most distinguishing factor: their size. People do not flock to join organizations that exist simply to take their money; clearly they are getting something out of it that brings value to their lives.

Couldn't this be applied to any entertainment though?