Doorly traces the principles of modern architecture to the ideas of space that spread rapidly during the 20th century. She sees a parallel between the desacralization of the heavens, and consequently of our churches, and the inward search for a god of one's own. This double movement?away from the transcendent God, who reveals himself to man through Scripture and tradition, and toward an inner truth relevant only to oneself?has emptied our churches of the majesty and beauty that once inspired reverence in both believers and unbelievers alike. Illustrated with many photographs.

"A Catholic architect examines the modernist movement in architecture and its implications for Catholic church buildings. She sets out to show the incompatibility of this movement with Catholic theological understanding and the inability of the buildings it produces to serve the liturgy adequately. This book should stimulate further discussion and encourage dioceses and parishes in building churches that are beautiful settings for liturgy and devotion."
—Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago.