Final answer:
The use of spolia in early Christian churches was influenced by practical considerations like cost and speed, as well as symbolic reasons such as continuity and authority. Architects utilized these materials while adapting the basilica model to suit the purposes of Christian worship, signaling a break from pagan practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the architects of early Christian churches used spolia columns because there was no money for new ones is an oversimplification and cannot be strictly labeled as true or false. While financial constraints might have been one of the factors, the use of spolia, or repurposed materials from older buildings, had broader implications beyond cost-saving. These included building with spolia to speed construction, symbolizing the acceptance of past authority, and establishing continuity with local heritage. The Roman Columns and architectural elements used in Christian architecture provided not just functional support but also conveyed a visual message of the new authority of Christianity.
Moreover, the transition to using the basilica model, as opposed to classical pagan forms, was significant in early Christian worship as it emphasized the interior space for worshippers and differentiated itself from the pagan temples whose functions and architectural emphasis were different. Architects of early Christian churches were creating new forms to meet the functional and symbolic needs of the Christian community.