The Architecture of Eco-Theology: Towards a New Typology for Christian Sacred Space
This paper will begin by exploring the underlying scriptural and theological foundations for a Christian response to the ecological crisis with particular focus on the writings of cultural historian, Father Thomas Berry, CP. It will then describe the first worship space in Canada that attempts to em...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-12-01
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| Series: | Religions |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/13/1/29 |
| _version_ | 1797490789686706176 |
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| author | Roberto Chiotti |
| author_facet | Roberto Chiotti |
| author_sort | Roberto Chiotti |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This paper will begin by exploring the underlying scriptural and theological foundations for a Christian response to the ecological crisis with particular focus on the writings of cultural historian, Father Thomas Berry, CP. It will then describe the first worship space in Canada that attempts to embody the emergent “Eco-theology” to invoke both the transcendental and imminent presence of the divine by reconsidering every design decision from first principles. As articulated in its architecture, the traditional elements of Roman Catholic sacred space have been re-imagined and given unique expression to emphasize that when we gather for Christian worship, we do so within the greater context of creation. St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish church therefore represents a distinctly new typology for Christian Worship that contributes towards an understanding of early scriptural teachings which emphasized the sacredness of all creation and not just the sacredness of humankind. The new building as sacred space presents a “Gestalt whole”, and like the medieval cathedrals of Europe, becomes itself a form of Catechetical pedagogy, engaging the senses, demanding reflection, and inviting transformation. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T00:38:05Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-220028e7fb26469e954910e48e8753e3 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2077-1444 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T00:38:05Z |
| publishDate | 2021-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Religions |
| spelling | doaj.art-220028e7fb26469e954910e48e8753e32023-11-23T15:13:27ZengMDPI AGReligions2077-14442021-12-011312910.3390/rel13010029The Architecture of Eco-Theology: Towards a New Typology for Christian Sacred SpaceRoberto Chiotti0Founding Principal, Larkin Architect Limited, 238 Broadview Avenue, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M4M 2G7, CanadaThis paper will begin by exploring the underlying scriptural and theological foundations for a Christian response to the ecological crisis with particular focus on the writings of cultural historian, Father Thomas Berry, CP. It will then describe the first worship space in Canada that attempts to embody the emergent “Eco-theology” to invoke both the transcendental and imminent presence of the divine by reconsidering every design decision from first principles. As articulated in its architecture, the traditional elements of Roman Catholic sacred space have been re-imagined and given unique expression to emphasize that when we gather for Christian worship, we do so within the greater context of creation. St. Gabriel’s Passionist Parish church therefore represents a distinctly new typology for Christian Worship that contributes towards an understanding of early scriptural teachings which emphasized the sacredness of all creation and not just the sacredness of humankind. The new building as sacred space presents a “Gestalt whole”, and like the medieval cathedrals of Europe, becomes itself a form of Catechetical pedagogy, engaging the senses, demanding reflection, and inviting transformation.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/13/1/29sacred spaceworship spaceseco-theologycosmologyphenomenology of religionphenomenology of architecture |
| spellingShingle | Roberto Chiotti The Architecture of Eco-Theology: Towards a New Typology for Christian Sacred Space Religions sacred space worship spaces eco-theology cosmology phenomenology of religion phenomenology of architecture |
| title | The Architecture of Eco-Theology: Towards a New Typology for Christian Sacred Space |
| title_full | The Architecture of Eco-Theology: Towards a New Typology for Christian Sacred Space |
| title_fullStr | The Architecture of Eco-Theology: Towards a New Typology for Christian Sacred Space |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Architecture of Eco-Theology: Towards a New Typology for Christian Sacred Space |
| title_short | The Architecture of Eco-Theology: Towards a New Typology for Christian Sacred Space |
| title_sort | architecture of eco theology towards a new typology for christian sacred space |
| topic | sacred space worship spaces eco-theology cosmology phenomenology of religion phenomenology of architecture |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/13/1/29 |
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