Along with this growth came a debate over the appropriateness of wealth for monastics, who after all had taken a vow of poverty. Apologists for rich monasteries argued that the poverty vow applied to the individual monks, not to the institution. Precious materials were seen as a way to give glory to God. We are fortunate that the writings of both have been preserved. The use of rare materials gives glory to God.
Light is a symbol of knowledge of divine truth.
The multifaceted beauty of God's truth is expressed by stained glass windows as well as by gold and silver, which reflect light. Gold and silver were used in Old Testament times to collect the blood of sacrificial animals. Abbot Suger's approach is seen in the silver gilt Benedictine chalice from Germany in the Cloisters collection. He did believe that churches should be beautiful and that art should be used to glorify God, but he rejected the lavish use of gold and precious stones. He wished to return to a simpler life more in keeping with the original rule of St. Benedict, and he used art to implement his reforms.