Architectural Theology

The other day I picked up a book at a thrift store which should prove to be an interesting read: "Ugly as Sin," by Michael S. Rose. It is a book about church architecture as it relates to our worship experience. The author, addressing the subject from a Catholic perspective, writes about how churches have been reduced from "sacred places" to merely "meeting spaces." He uses the term "architectural theology," which I found to be very thought provoking. What follows is a short excerpt from the Foreword that I thought was interesting.

    "Church architecture affects the way man worships; the way he worships affects what he believes; and what he believes affects not only his personal relationship with God but how he conducts himself in his daily life.
    "In other words, church architecture is not negligible but significant, not the concern only of architects but central to your life and mine."

As I work my way through this book I'll share interesting tidbits along the way.

Powerful Words from a 20th Century Martyr

Oscar Romero, martyr of the church in El Salvador, said, “A church that suffers no persecution but enjoys the privileges and support of the things of the earth—beware!—is not the true church of Jesus Christ. A preaching that does not point out sin is not the preaching of the gospel. A preaching that makes sinners feel good, so that they are secured in their sinful state, betrays the gospel’s call.”
~ ~ ~ from Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals

A Celtic Blessing

Bless to me, O God,

the earth beneath my feet,

Bless to me, O God,

the path whereon I go

Bless to me, O God,

the people whom I meet,

today, tonight, tomorrow. Amen. - unknown