Sacred Spaces: Christianity

"Today Christianity is considered the world's largest religious faith, with around 2.2 billion followers. But Christianity is by no means a monolithic faith. Instead Christians are divided into a variety of denominations and sects—Roman or orthodox, Catholic or Protestant, Evangelical or Pentecostal, to name a few examples ... "

The article presents the author's reflections regarding Christian church architecture. Introductory remarks suggest that 21st-century church communities rarely look to build beautiful buildings. Topics then addressed include several theoretical excuses for why congregations do not invest in their church's architectural design, discussion of the significance and expressive power of church architecture, and Biblical passages that relate to the issue.

"Elevation isn’t alone in making such radical changes. Many modern congregations have abandoned or modified design features that have historically been associated with churches. Here are nine things you should know about traditional (mostly Protestant) church architecture ... "

"The earliest churches were based on the plan of the pagan Roman basilica (q.v.), or hall of justice. The plan generally included a nave (q.v.), or hall, with a flat timber roof, in which the crowd gathered; one or two side aisles flanking the nave and separated from it by a row of regularly spaced columns; a narthex (q.v.), or entrance vestibule at the west end, which was reserved for penitents and unbaptized believers; and an apse (q.v.) of either semicircular or rectangular design, located at the east end and reserved for the clergy ... "

"The relationship between liturgy and architecture—between worship and the space in which it occurs—has a rich history in the Christian tradition. Its roots go back well before the emergence of Christianity to origins in Jewish worship ... "

"One of the world’s most prolific designers of places of worship has said people can’t create a “sacred space”, but spaces become sacred when they foster transformation ... "

"Christian worship involves praising God in music and speech, readings from scripture, prayers of various sorts, a sermon, and various holy ceremonies (often called sacraments) such as the Eucharist ... "

This 10 part series investigates the architectural theology of the Catholic Church.