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Church Architecture as an Approach to the Study of Religion

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 September 2014

Robert S. Brightman
Robert S. Brightman*
Affiliation:
Boston College
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Abstract

In the course Architecture in Worship, the interior functional design of churches is taken as a point of departure for the study of the theological beliefs and liturgical practices of various periods of church history and of different denominations. Using an inductive approach, the course provides a unique approach to the study of church history and sacramental theology, and thus is useful as an alternative among the varied departmental offerings.

Type
Creative Teaching
Information
Horizons , Volume 3 , Issue 1 , Spring 1976 , pp. 75 - 82
Copyright
Copyright © The College Theology Society 1976

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References

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Bieler, André. Architecture and Worship: The Christian Place of Worship trans. by Odette, and Elliott, Donald. Edinburgh & London: Oliver & Boyd, 1965. An exposition of reformed theology using architecture as a way of making a point. Includes a discussion of the transformation of St. Peter’s in Geneva by John Calvin.Google Scholar
Bruggink, Donald and Droppers, Carl J.. Christ and Architecture: Building Presbyterian Reformed Churches. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1965. Discussion of how the principles of reformed theology are to be expressed in church buildings. Excellent photographs and floor plans. See also When Faith Takes Form (1971) by the same authors.Google Scholar
Filthaut, Theodore. Church Architecture and Liturgical Reform trans, by Roettger, Gregory. Baltimore: Helicon, 1968. An architectural commentary on the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Argues that the Baptistry ought to be located near the entrance.Google Scholar
Hammond, Peter. Liturgy and Architecture. London: Barrie and Rockliff, 1960. High church Anglican call to theological integrity in church building in place of uncritical reduplication of traditional patterns. The first important book on the subject in England, where architectural reforms has moved more slowly than on the continent.Google Scholar
Lynn, Edwin Charles. Tired Dragons: Adapting Church Buildings to Changing Needs. Boston: Beacon Press, 1972. The thrust of the book is clear from the subtitle. The emphasis in on flexibility and multiple use.Google Scholar
Sovik, E. A.Architecture for Worship. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1973. Especially useful for combining the architectural skill of the author with sound theological insights, for its non-denominational approach, and for its stress on the need for flexibility in the physical arrangement of the worship area.Google Scholar
White, James F.Protestant Worship and Church Architecture: Theological and Historical Considerations. New York: Oxford University Press, 1964. Used as textbook for the course. Liturgical and theological factors in architecture noted. Numerous floor plans shown in simple line drawings.Google Scholar