Comments on: Sacred Space and Revolving Christmas Trees

By: klaudek » Sacred Space and Revolving Christmas Trees

klaudek » Sacred Space and Revolving Christmas Trees — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:46:48 +0000

[...] Check it out! While looking through the blogosphere we stumbled on an interesting post today.Here's a quick excerptVery different messages are sent with a room full of stained glass and pews all oriented to a pulpit as compared to a room full of couches arranged in a circle. The latter focuses one on receiving blessing, instruction, and edification … [...]

By: christmas decor

christmas decor — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:52:11 +0000

[...] Sacred Space and Revolving Christmas Trees [...]

By: Mark Cork

Mark Cork — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 21:25:51 +0000

I have worshipped in similar spaces and what a blessing to sometimes interact with just the ordinary stuff of life. In your case, to be surrounded by those things created by members of the mentally handicapped community. I think that in itself could be a very pleasing thing to God. Why could that not be incorporated into your worship experience. At this point in my life I'm so convinced that God is thrilled when we turn ourselves toward him — no matter that place, the surroundings, the time or whatever. Yes, unfortunately I think those can be limiting factors for others but not for God.

By: real live preacher

real live preacher — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:43:45 +0000

I too have run up against this paradox. On the one hand, I like that space matters, and as a person who appreciates beauty and depth, yes.

On the other hand, I would shudder to think what the Church has become if we can't appreciate the worship of simple people in simple places. It's oddly contextual. In the right context and with the right spirit, it all works for good. Even tackiness.

By: endlessly restless

endlessly restless — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 18:27:27 +0000

I agree with most of the comments here. The comment from Paul really resonates with me. We too have a flexible space – nothing bolted down. But I don't remember the last time that the arrangement was changed to any significant degree (apart from removing all of the chairs for a ceilidh!). The point is do we come expecting to meet and engage with God or to come to familiar, comfortable surroundings and not be disturbed?

By: Paul Walker

Paul Walker — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 17:30:44 +0000

I don't see it as being the case that anything in the worship space makes worship more or less 'worthy' than any another space.

But I do think that that the worship can help to facilitate or stifle worship. We are blessed with a functional building where literally nothing is bolted to the floor ,and we quite often put out chairs and furniture in different configurations – circles, rows, cafe style, informal clusters etc. It definitely sets a tone. And how we have the space, along with the variety of how we have the space, can certainly enhance the worship experience.

I don't think God is bothered about the aesthetics of the building – but he is pleased if the aesthetics help people to give themselves in worship!

By: Julie Clawson

Julie Clawson — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:47:09 +0000

Scot – Yes, there is the place for it. It is finding what exactly that place is that proves difficult. At what point does the space become a distraction? Or at what point does the space become a substitute for God (one has to have the space in order to worship)?

Geoff – good point on the obstructing worship thing. Although I can see how personal preference and church consumerism can drown out one's ability to worship if people are in the habit of trying to remove anything that might obstruct their worship.

Ed – you raise a good point about what worship really is. I think there is a need for corporate worship with symbols and rituals, but that is just one type of worship. Service must always be emphasized as well.

By: Ed G

Ed G — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 01:53:34 +0000

Worshipping in spirit and truth… very cool. I am currently reading "Today at the Mission" (one of my four alloted books for the year) and I've been thinking about an insight the author shares… that the cross, the holiest of all places, is not found in the Temple, or in the Holy City, but outside the walls.

Makes you think… maybe its not what occurs on Sunday morning that makes it a better worship service… but what that service inspires you to do the other six days a week.

By: Geoff

Geoff — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 22:56:32 +0000

It seems to me that the value of discussing sacred spaces has more to do with what "obstructs" worship rather than what makes "better" worship. And I think that tends to be different for different people – some of the things you've listed there (cough – american flag) would hinder my ability to come into a place of worship. Which suggests that there's something wrong with my theology because I'm also pretty sure I'd be able to block out plastic witches and skeletons

By: Scot McKnight

Scot McKnight — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 22:16:11 +0000

Julie,

I'm with you on this completely. I like the aesthetics and I like a big cross and an altar and the like … but none of it is necessary. The early churches of Rome at times worshiped in the catacombs and the early Jewish Christians perhaps alongside other Jews in the synagogue. The "sacred space" theory can get too much play at times.

Having said that, though, I value space.