The question originally framed by Mr. Crosbie was about "...post-
religious..." architecture. This discussion would benefit from a consideration of the terms
religion and
relationship.
In evangelical circles, Christianity is described NOT as a
religion but as a
relationship. "Followers of Jesus" describe themselves as disciples, co-laboerers, or "fishers of men" that want to obey the teachings of Jesus. Relationship implies dialogue. God became a man to have a relationship with us, to show his love for us. The walked in our sandals. He invested himself in the lives of those around him, and told them they could be "born-again". So the architecture is looking for an expression of
relationship that is transformative.
Religion is a human construct. Church is a place, a sacred space, a "house of God", a place to go, in which one worships or meditates. Religions are inventions of man to describe the infinite and unknowable. Religions are marked by hierachy, order and rigidity. Dogma can have positive connotations to the devout. It represents the truth made solid and reliable in a positive way. Ritual, mystery, rhythm, non-verbal expression (or in Latin when spoken) are treasured. His name is above all names. The cathedrals of Europe are a magnificent expression of the almighty awesomeness of God. The cruciform plan maps the life of the adherant from baptism at the entrance to death at the altar and resurrection with The Christ on the cross. Church architecture is religion codified into its own frozen music.
"Post-religious", is almost synonymous with "Information Age". The truth has not changed. But the ways of discovering it, experiencing it, and being transformed by it (Him, Him, Him) are now more self-directed. Truth used to be known because an authoritative voice in Rome, or a cathedra, or in a high pulpit told us what it was. Now we "seek" the truth with a search engine. If we find some, we tweet about it. Church has become (some would say returned to being) a verb.
"Post-religious" architecture will not adhere to the design dogmas of religion. It will be an architecture born out of a desire for dialogue between the creature and the creator. It will be a vessel
for the church.
Discussion Forums: Committee on the Environment and Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art, & Architecture .
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With the decline of organized religion and the rise of the spiritual, what will a post-religious architecture look like? More:
http://bit.ly/OwOadX -------------------------------------------
Michael Crosbie FAIA
Faith & Form
Essex CT
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