A theology of architecture

If you want to know the theological viewpoint about something, always consider the very beginnings of that thing ... and also the very endings of that thing. You'll gain a lot of insight about whatever it is you're theologizing about.

Take architecture.

What would a theology of architecture be like?

Well, in the beginning there was a garden ... but no buildings.

And at the end, there is a city ... but no buildings.

In fact it says clearly that there will no longer be a temple, because God and the Lamb will be the temple. This is not poetry. This is simply a glimpse into a condition we just do not yet understand.

The implications are profound:

1. In the original paradise of Eden, there was no house. Paradise itself was house. There was no need for a membrane of protection to be placed between man and nature. Nature was house.

2. In the New Jerusalem, there will indeed be constructions, fabulous constructions. But somehow dwelling in the New Jerusalem will not involve individual shelters. Again, man will not need any architectural membrane of protection between him and the larger realm he dwells in.

3. All architecture in the interim between Genesis and Revelation bespeaks of a temporary condition. Man uses architecture for shelter because, due to sin, he and the elements are not on totally friendly terms.

But of course man uses architecture for much, much more than shelter.

He uses it for power. He uses it for displays of wealth. He uses it to keep up with the Joneses. He uses architecture to clothe himself with all sorts of costumes.

Because in his present condition, man is essentially naked.

In the Alpha this was not so.

Neither will it be so in the Omega.

Logos2Go

Genesis 2.8 Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.

Revelation 21.2-3 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

Revelation 21.22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Matthew 8.27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”