Paul Tillich's Theology of Church Construction : An Essay on the Theology of Protestant Church Construction

Paul Tillich’s theology of church construction is based on his theology of art. He sees art as that through which the ultimate is represented, and he thinks that expressionistic style is the best style to express the ultimate to the congregation. Therefore, good art for theology should not stress the concrete form of its subject, but that which comes through the concrete. The stress should be placed on that which is present through the form of the subject matter of artistic works. In the case of church construction, the sacred emptiness of a church is one of the best ways to express the ultimate, because it is a space that is ready for that which any finite thing cannot be filled with. Furthermore, every arrangement should follow Protestant principles regarding worship and the role of congregations. However, Tillich’s argument puts too much stress on principles and loses view of particular churches, and finally may undervalue Christianity itself. When we think of a chapel and its arrangement, we must consider whether accords with Scripture and traditions of one’s own church.departmental bulletin pape