Posted on 06/08/2010 5:02:05 PM PDT by Desdemona
I have recently struck up a very enjoyable correspondence with Prof. Peter Kwasniewski, of the excellent Wyoming Catholic College, and read with great interest an article he recently wrote for the next edition of Latin Mass Magazine on the philosophy and theology of church architecture. (More information can be found at the magazine's website here.) Particularly interesting for me is his innovative but sound idea of linking the built structure of the church to the four marks of the institutional Church--One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic. This is the first time I have seen such an idea advanced and I find it elegant and eloquent. Prof. Kwasniewski has been kind enough to secure permission for us to publish his article at The New Liturgical Movement, and you can find it below. Some highlights, with my comments and expansions:
We identify her four “notes” or essential characteristics when we say that she is “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic.” Almost in the same breath, we then link the Church to her life-giving Sacraments and the ultimate goal to which our membership in her carries us: “we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” An entire understanding of church architecture is sketched out in these few words of the Creed.
[...] “One.” We are talking about one and the same Church across all the ages. [...] So the church building and its furnishings ought to convey a sense of something one, visibly and tangibly one, that is greater than all of our differences. [One is reminded of Ninian Comper's synthetic unitive eclecticism: "All generations shall call me blessed." I would also remark that the "oneness" of the church building should also be manifest in a clarity of liturgical form and focus. --MGA] We concretely express this mystery by an architecture that remains in continuity with ecclesiastical Tradition. [...]
“Apostolic.” I jump ahead to this note of the Church because it clarifies that the unity or oneness just spoken of consists in belonging to the Church founded by Christ on the Apostles, especially on Peter, the Rock. Our Lord Jesus gave to the Apostles the Deposit of Faith, what we call Apostolic Tradition. [...] The church building, for its part, passes down that same Tradition in artistic form, in a kind of silent visual preaching.
“Holy.” This characteristic is arguably the most important of all when it comes to architecture. A church should represent and reflect and remind us of the holiness of God, the holiness to which we have been called and in which we share. Hence, verticality—the upward thrust of architectural and decorative elements—is crucial in a sanctuary. When we enter a well-designed church, our mind, our feelings, are immediately drawn upwards to God, the Holy One of Israel; to the Divine, the Transcendent, the Infinite.
[I'd also remark that there are various ways of expressing this verticality, this exchange between God and man exemplified in the Incarnation--in Gothic it goes up, while in Byzantine architecture domes recall God's enclosing movement downwards to man while retaining a sense of loftiness. Baroque creates a sort of aerial, spiralling ballet that has elements of both upward and downward verticality to it. --MGA].
Anyway, have a read through the article: it is excellent work, and innovative while being firmly grounded in tradition. It is good to see, in this article, and in other works (like Dr. McNamara's new book) that we are now examining in great detail and with great theological seriousness what a church should look like, as well as what it should not look like. I hope to hear more in this vein from the good professor in the future.
What is a Church Supposed to Look Like? Peter Kwasniewski
I think Beauty is Beauty and it comes from God. Man can be an instrument for this, as he can be for love, truth..
Christ expects me to be inspired by His Words without seeing anything.
I think that's one interpretation, certainly valid for some specific instances - I would agree with it as regards miracles for example - we should not require them.
However, I remember an Einstein quote something like: "There are two ways to see the universe: Either there are no miracles or everything is a miracle." I think Christ would advocate the latter: seeing God all around us, in awe and wonder and beauty. Not as something separate or apart or detracting from God, but as a whole - holy.
Therefore, I simply focus my spiritual efforts on ADORING Christ, not anything that man creates or fashions.
I think that is on the level of a personality difference. I remember early in my conversion telling the nun who was one of my guides: "I have trouble being in Church because there's so much activity and so many people. To me, I'm closest to God in silence."
She told me there were some like me, but others for whom it was being together in communion with others and that I should for a little while take it as my purpose to be there for them.
I'm a little more comfortable now, Eucharist is still my focus for going to Mass. However, it is still in silence or surrounded by nature's beauty and silence that I'm most comfortable being with God and adoring Him.
The Episcopalians I meet with believe in the real presence, although that’s “not required” :) I’ll defer to you on the official theology.
Lutherans believe in consubstantiation, at least I think most do, which is a little different.
I *think* it would be accurate to say that Eucharist or Communion experiences a more radical difference between the other Protestant Churches than it does in these two.
Did you read the whole passage. Because you MUST HAVE MISSED THIS PART. He said what He meant. "Let her keep this for the DAY OF MY BURIAL." I didn't say it. He did.
He was talking about selling the oil for money.
i was just looking for chapter and verse-10-4.
To anoint Him, just as she was doing. Only the best for God. The one who was to betray still was the one advocating for giving 300 pence to the poor, and my bible says not because he cared for them.
Same reason non-catholics do not understand our devotionals its like pouring heartfelt perfume on the Lord. But doesn’t fit the boxed bible worldview assumptions.
I *think* it would be accurate to say that Eucharist or Communion experiences a more radical difference between the other Protestant Churches than it does in these two.
I agree with that. Most Protestants see it as a type of “Memorial” service. “This do in remembrance of Me”.
That is right. But what you people were doing was accusing me of being a judas because I talked on and on about the poor. What I was trying to explain was that the conversation with Mary, Jesus and Judas centered around the oil, Judas wanting to sell it, and Jesus rebuking him, telling Mary to “keep this for the Day of My Burial”. so far, we’re on the same page, I think. What I said, is this is not the case today. What do we do with our precious items today, our “oil”, it certainly isn’t to be saved for the day of Christ’s burial. That’s done, HE’s resurrected now. So what is to be done with it? Is it to be used on buildings, used for the Gospel, either/or both? This was the point I was trying to make before I became the Judas of this thread.
I happen to be a Lutheran - Missouri Synod ...I was too, for 33 years; I'm now a Roman Catholic. I could never go back to a symbolic Jesus in the Eucharist. And then there's Confession, belief in Purgatory, etc. My taste in music changed as well. Here's a link to our Christmas Mass: Link.
Who do you think is most impressed by the grandeur? God or man???
Psalm 51:16-17
For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Believe me, we know about the poor. More than anyone can possibly imagine. There are whole orders organized around feeding and caring for the poor. There is an organization named for a great saint, St. Vincent de Paul, who was dedicated to the care of the poor that is supposed to be in parishes for this purpose. In my parish, the budget for this ministry is about $50K annually. And that's just my parish. People give food and cash to help the poor. We have a food pantry and pay utility bills, among other things. And then there are the charitable wings of Catholic hospitals, which were set up originally as a place for the religious to serve the sick who could not afford in-home care. This is all IN ADDITION to paying craftsmen and artists to help inspire us. It's been estimated that the material assets of the Church could be sold off and the proceeds could feed the world for less than a week. Then where would we be? The poor will always be with us. With the beautiful art and architecture dedicated to Christ, the poor may be rich right alongside those of us who are better off.
Bedtime. ‘Night.
Hey, I’m as “Protestant” as you are. These things mentioned previously have nothing to do with the plan of Salvation. I believe we are saved by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ.
End of Story.
And in that, we will agree that we will never agree. That said, may Christ be exalted above all and may His truths be seen by all who will open their eyes and their hearts. Maranatha
Good article.
That said, may Christ be exalted above all and may His truths be seen by all who will open their eyes and their hearts.Amen!
Thanks...I agree. My response was geared towards our FRiend, vlad, and you were courtesy copied. I know where you stand and was trying to show someone how silly the "My church is better than your church" argument is ESPECIALLY when it's about church buildings.
Thank you for that scripture mlizzy.
The last few threads I have read such things that you were answering to that scripture came to mind.
Glad someone posted it.
(been low energy so not up to a whole lot outside of in-home commitments off screen)
I find the history of the art/achitect/science/medicine ect...via the teachings of our Catholic 2010 years facinating and how the common thread links all.
I have learned more in the few years of study than all my years on this earth.
A freind (non Catholic) just came from a trip from Italy and seeing the Churches and brought us a DVD on the history of the Vatican.
She said you probably know this..
Oh no and thank her so much adding there is so much to learn in our history in all subject matter life is not long enough.
That is whats so appealing to me and has my attention when exploring new areas like nothing I have ever experienced in my life.
Its beautiful!
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