A deep strain of tribal politics is dividing societies around the globe. Organized religions are also coping with scandals, disappointments, and polarizing ideologies. The history of Christianity reveals that such frictions deeply wound the church. Fr. Richard S. Vosko recognizes that liturgical buildings are metaphorical expressions of the people of God. He proposes, in a relational way, that when all physical and psychological boundaries in a place of worship are removed people will discover a common ground. Building on theological foundations and design principles, Vosko envisions what an egalitarian "servant church" can look like. In a bold but thoughtful manner, he presents progressive insights into the fields of church art and architecture.
"A compendium of Richard Vosko's life-giving liturgical knowledge. He has a rare gift for presenting divisive issues in clear-cut language, riding the pendulum of conflicts between Vatican II Reformers and the Reformers of the Reform. While he explores the significance of architecture as metaphor, central to his thinking is the challenge of building a building to worship a God who is simultaneousl
Rev. Virgil C. Funk, president emeritus, National Association of Pastoral Musicians
"Vosko's extensive experience designing, constructing, and furnishing places for worship is guided by his abiding and ardent belief that those places should help to shape justice-seeking, compassionate, and God-centered Christian communities. His vision is evident on every page of this accessible, theologically-grounded, and inspirational book."
Robin Jensen, Patrick O'Brien Professor of Theology, University of Notre Dame
"In a time of strident civil and ecclesial divisions Richard Vosko argues for scientifically informed and theologically grounded assessment of how liturgical-space design contributes to or detracts from assembling the local faith community as members of Christ's one body missioned in the world. Vosko is at his best teaching about the bodily, neuroscientific, and ritual dimensions of worship spaces
Bruce T. Morrill, SJ, Vanderbilt University, author of Divine Worship and Human Healing
