Shaping the Assembly: How our Buildings Form Us in Worship

The importance of the built environment in shaping our lives and worship is explored in this book, which brings together nineteen Christians from various churches and countries to discuss how space affects us in worship. The role of light, the need for space for dance, the varying needs of spaces for different liturgies, and the ongoing liturgical renewal in Vatican II are all covered.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Messenger Publications

Space is an omnipresent aspect of our lives, and we frequently use it to describe our surroundings. He is occupying my personal space! This place feels warm and inviting! This room lacks a personal touch. We need more space to feel comfortable. It's time to declutter and organize our surroundings. I felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the hall, and I felt trapped inside. I needed to step outside and regain my sense of freedom.

We understand that the arrangement of space can significantly impact our experiences. We desire open and inclusive discussions, and we do not wish to be relegated to the back row. Churchill eloquently emphasized the significance of built space in a couplet: "We shape our buildings, and then our buildings shape us." Throughout history, buildings have been utilized to project power, authority, and regulate society. In every society, structures have served as a means to convey a group's self-perception.

Interestingly, we often overlook this aspect of space when it comes to liturgy, yet every religion, including every Christian denomination, has incorporated buildings into their worship practices. From the ancient Newgrange to classical temples and modern churches constructed with steel, concrete, and glass, religious spaces have played a central role in worship. It was this concern that drove the changes in Catholic Church arrangements during the 1960s and 70s, following the Second Vatican Council. However, the religious significance of space, much like the reforms mandated by Vatican II, remains relatively underappreciated and misunderstood.

This book brings together nineteen Christians, including liturgists, pastors, architects, and artists, from various churches and across the globe. Their collective effort is to explore how space affects our worship experiences. The topics covered in this book range from the role of light in religious buildings to the importance of providing space for dance as an integral part of worship. Different liturgies require different spaces, and the book offers accounts of communities that have creatively repurposed spaces for worship. Additionally, it raises questions about how the liturgical renewal initiated in Vatican II should continue to evolve today.

By delving into these topics, this book aims to provide a deeper understanding of the impact of space on worship and offer insights into how we can enhance our spiritual connections through thoughtful and intentional design of religious spaces.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 150 x 211 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788126113