Sense of the Sacred: Theological Foundations of Christian Architecture and Art [Paperback]

Kevin R. Seasoltz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 13, 2005

There have been many histories of Christian art and architecture, and many that have paid attention to the various cultural, social, and economic contexts in which the architecture and art appeared. Most of these accounts have been written by art historians. Kevin Seasoltz writes as a theologian, whose aim is to relate theological and liturgical developments throughout the course of Christian history to developments in sacred architecture and art. Believing that sacred buildings and artifacts have often been more constitutive of theological developments that constitutive of them, Seasoltz wants to help people discover architecture and art as theological loci—places of revelation. Following a chapter on culture as the context for theology, liturgy, and art, Seasoltz surveys developments from the early church up through the conventional artistic styles and periods. He pays particular attention to the conflicts that emerged between religion and art since the Enlightenment and to the significant advances made since the middle of the twentieth century to reconciling a wide range of competent architects, artists, and craft persons to the ministry of the Protestant, Anglican, and Catholic churches. Comprehensive, illuminating, ecumenical.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“This near-encyclopedic record of Western church worship spaces and their adornment, a courageous synthesis of critique and the theology of faith on which it is based, will be used as a point of reference for decades to come.” —Gerard S. Sloyan Professor Emeritus of Religion, Temple University (Gerar S. Sloyan )

“Kevin Seasoltz’s book brings scholarship and vision on an epic journey through time and space, illuminating key historical moments in the evolution of sacred art and architecture. He throws light on the importance of the arts in illuminating the world of transcendence and God’s presence in the world. From the general to the particular, this book never fails to demand attention. Highly recommended.” —Richard Hurley, Architect, FRIAI, ARCUK, HRHA (Richard Hurley )

“We have needed this book. It is a history of Christian art and architecture precisely by being, at the same time, a survey of the history of Christian theology and liturgy. It is a discussion of the best of the arts in Christian practice, while also being an introduction to the major monuments—and the influential monastic examples—of these arts. We have nothing else like it. Kevin Seasoltz has provided us with an insightful, comprehensive, ecumenically inclusive and foundational work.” —Gordon W. Lathrop Charles A Schieren Professor of Liturgy, Emeritus Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (Gordon W. Lathrop )

“Academically, the historical survey is illuminating and thorough in its investigation of cultural influences…A Sense of the Sacred is the fruit of a lifetime’s study and investigation by a distinguished liturgist and as such it will be welcomed…This masterly study has much of value to teach us…” –The Tablet, October 2005 (Tablet, The )

"Seasoltz, a Catholic liturgical scholar, uses art and architecture as a means to supply visual testimony to changes to and cultural interpretations of theology...Few other writers have devoted as much commentary to contemporary church art or architecture. This book will appeal to graduate students and faculty in art history as well as students and instructors of theology, especially Catholic theology... : Recommended."—- Choice, T. L. Wilson, Michigan State University (Choice, T. L. Wilson, Michigan State University CHOICE )

"...Seasoltz aims to reshape the worship setting in a way that will help drive the symbolism of the Eucharist home." -First Things, May 2006

The Catholic Press Association 2006 Book Awards

1^st place for a Liturgy title

"Seasoltz, a Catholic liturgical scholar, uses art and architecture as a means to supply visual testimony to changes to and cultural interpretations of theology...Few other writers have devoted as much commentary to contemporary church art or architecture. This book will appeal to graduate students and faculty in art history as well as students and instructors of theology, especially Catholic theology... : Recommended."—- Choice, T. L. Wilson, Michigan State University (, CHOICE )

“…Seasoltz aims to reshape the worship setting in a way that will help drive the symbolism of the Eucharist home.” -First Things, May 2006

About the Author

R. Kevin Seasoltz, OSB, is perhaps the leading Roman Catholic liturgical scholar in the English-speaking world. Editor of Worship for 18 years, professor of liturgy at the Catholic University of America for 25 years, and now professor of liturgy at St. Johns's University, Collegeville, he is the author of 4 books and over 200 academic articles and has lectured extensively throughout the English-speaking world. His "Sense of the Sacred: Theological Foundations of Christian Architecture and Art" won first place in the category of liturgy for the Catholic Press Associations's 2006 Awards

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (April 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826417019
• ISBN-13: 978-0826417015
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Arts & Photography > Religious

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