[f_allwein]

Why? There is no evidence for that, is there? Also, look at the great cathedrals of the middle ages - people built them during several lifetimes and at huge expense, and the only "practical" purpose was to have a space for religious services. That and maybe the hope for eternal life after death etc...

[petecox]

There's a cathedral in Catalonia that began construction in 1882. Its practical purpose is to attract tourists to Barcelona; maybe some day it'll be fully completed as a place of worship.