Catholic church architecture and the spirit of the liturgy / Denis R. McNamara

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I: Architectural theology -- 1. Lex orandi, Lex credendi, Lex aedificandi : architecture as the built form of ideas -- 2. An architecture of joy : beauty and liturgical art and architecture -- Part II: Scriptural foundations: 3. The time of shadow : the Temple and salvation -- 4. Living stones : the New Testament and the temple -- 5. Architecture of the Sabbath : the church as image of the heavenly Jerusalem -- Part III:The classical tradition: 6. Decoration : clarity through revelation of structure -- 7. Ornament : clarity through revelation of use and purpose -- 8. Columns and pillars of the church -- Part IV. Iconic imagery as eschatological flash: 9. Sacred image and iconic revelation -- 10. Historical, devotional, and liturgical images : principles for contemporary church builders and renovators -- Part V. Introduction to the twentieth century: 11. The liturgical movement and church building -- 12. The texts of Vatican II : looking again at Sacrosanctum concilium -- 13. Meeting house or church : the hermeneutics of discontinuity and reform -- Conclusion: Urbs beata Jerusalem -- Q&A -- Index.

This unique book delves into the deep meanings of liturgical art and architecture, and by association, the Sacred Liturgy itself. It is meant to help pastors, architects, artists, members of building committees, seminarians, and everyone interested in liturgical art and architecture come to grips with the many competing themes which are at work in church buildings today. The object of Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy is help the reader to drink deeply from the wells of the tradition, to look with fresh eyes at things thought to be outdated or meaningless, and glean the principles which underlie the richness of the Catholic faith.