Thinking
about church architecture has come to an impasse. Reformers and
traditionalists are talking past each other. Statements from both sides
are often strident and dogmatic. In Theology in Stone, Richard
Kieckhefer seeks to help both sides move beyond the standoff toward a
fruitful conversation about houses of worship. Drawing on a wide range
of historical examples with an eye to their contemporary relevance, he
offers refreshing new ideas about the meanings and uses of church
architecture.
Kieckhefer begins with four chapters on the basic elements of church architecture-the overall arrangement of space, the use of an altar or pulpit as a centering focus, the aesthetics of church design, and the functions of sacred symbols.
Kieckhefer begins with four chapters on the basic elements of church architecture-the overall arrangement of space, the use of an altar or pulpit as a centering focus, the aesthetics of church design, and the functions of sacred symbols.
He goes on to offer three extended historical studies, dealing with churches of medieval England, revival-style churches of America, and modern churches of twentieth-century Germany. Drawing on these case studies, he concludes with a vision of a new theology of church architecture--historically grounded, yet framed for our own time.
Theology in Stone by Richard Kieckhefer
Oxford University Press, 2004 | 390 pages | PDF | 3.4 MB
No comments:
Post a Comment