Architecture in Communion: Implementing the Second Vatican Council Through Liturgy and Architecture

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Faith set in stone

REVIEW BY STAINED GLASS ARTIST OF 90-YEAR OLD FAMILY FIRM

An excellent source book for Catholic church design

Architecture in Communion: Implementing the Second Vatican Council Through Liturgy and Architecture
Steven J. Schloeder
Manufacturer: Ignatius Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
General | Building Types & Styles | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Religious | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Catholic | Theology | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Ritual | Other Practices | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Customer Reviews:

Faith set in stone.......2005-09-15

Steven Schloeder has written a book in which he attempts to capture what he describes as the 'true spirit of the Second Vatican Council' in architectural design for churches. Schloeder identifies difficulties in theology and liturgy that have, in his opinion, translated also in problem architecturally. With regard to modernism, he states, 'Many prominent Catholic thinkrs have not discerningly separated the wheat from the chaff and have accepted certain secondary issues as primary ones.' Among these are issues of the Eucharist being a sacrificial meal vs. a communal one, or the difference between the ministerial priesthood and the common priesthood of all being downplayed - these and others are issues that he discusses briefly in theological and historical terms, but quickly develops the way in which architecture shapes and is shaped by such ideas.

Schloeder's vision for the book is set out in the introduction: 'Our goal is to enliven the parish community - which is the true Church built of living stones in Christ - with a material church building designed to serve and further the primary vocation to become a community of love, which must mean a people of sacrifice and redemption.' This is a constant theme throughout the entire text, always present in the spirit of the photographs, drawings, and essays.

Even the structure of the book speaks of an underlying theological bent - three clusters of three chapters. The first three chapters explore issues of history, sociology, theology and liturgy with regard to the modern Catholic church building. The nature of the church is a primary consideration when considering what kind of design and structure its physical enclosure and manifestation should bear.

The second cluster of three chapters look at particular architectural aspects. One chapter examines the needs of the santuary itself, another chapter more broadly at other services and sacramental needs, and the final chapter the wider considerations of the church family and its place in the community. In this later aspect, the church building can grow from being the domus ecclesiae (house church, or home of the church) to being a civitas dei (a city of God).

The final three chapters look at artistic and aesthetic elements, particularly the icon; Schloeder strives to regain the iconographic aspect of the church in the community. The building itself can be a symbol and a work of art, and most certainly should be a sacramental space.

Schloeder is honest about this book not being an answer book - to many of the issues he explores, he has no concrete answers to offer, but rather serves to highlight particular issues for consideration. Indeed, in the creativity of modern architecture, there are often multiple solutions to the same problems.

This book has hundreds of photographs, examples of architecture modern, medieval and ancient, works of art, and outside symbols and examples. It is rather fun, for example, to see a picture of the British House of Commons chamber as an example of similar types of church architecture, then to know that the British HoC is modeled on the older structure in which the Members met in the choir stalls of a chapel.

The writing is crisp and flowing, and fits very well its topic and the surrounding images. This is a good book for all those interested in architecture, church design, liturgy, and the intersection of theology with material arts.

REVIEW BY STAINED GLASS ARTIST OF 90-YEAR OLD FAMILY FIRM.......1999-05-23

ARCHITECTURE IN COMMUNION gave an excellent insight into the challenges and crises that Catholic church art has faced since the Second Vatican Council. Mr. Schloeder really understands the anguish that many traditional church artisans faced following the aftermath of the Council--when confusion seemed to leave traditional Catholic church arts at a crossroads.

An excellent source book for Catholic church design.......1998-11-05

"Architecture in Communion" is a detailed, yet highly approachable, weaving of theology, liturgy, architectural history, and iconography. Schloeder's vision for a restoration of beauty and meaning in Catholic church design is both original and solidly rooted in the traditions of the faith.

His central premise is that Catholic church architecture is essentially "sacramental", that is to say, the material building is meant to be an icon or an image of the spiritual reality of the Church. Drawing upon sources from Scripture, the Church Fathers, architectural history, conciliar documents, canon law, and the Catechism, Schloeder shows us the symbolical language that has traditionally underpinned Catholic church design, and examines each part of the church (nave, sanctuary, altar, ambo, baptistery, etc.) with respect to its function, traditional form, symbolic meaning, and canonical status.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Theological Studies, published by Theological Studies, Inc. on September 1, 1999. The length of the article is 743 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: ARCHITECTURE IN COMMUNION: IMPLEMENTING THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL THROUGH LITURGY AND ARCHITECTURE.
Author: James L. Empereur
Publication: Theological Studies (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 1999
Publisher: Theological Studies, Inc.
Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Page: 574

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Unforgettable stories by women, for women . . .

Celebrate the boundless spirit of womanhood with A Cup of Comfort for Women, the third book in the bestselling A Cup of Comfort series. The fifty uplifting stories in this collection present everyday women living, loving, and accomplishing-often against overwhelming odds.

Lift your heart and enliven your spirit with real women's remarkable stories:

-A mother and grown daughter travel to Italy together—and find each other

-A woman in her nineties inspires others with her philosophy: "You know you can't keep me down"

-A young girl's reaction to a stranger's gift of a bicycle transforms a woman's life

-A forty-year-old learns to pay attention to herself and the woman she's become-and finds the results exhilarating

-A beloved tea cup holds the sweetness of love and friendship even when it must be mended

-A fourteen-year-old sends her babysitting money to tide her grandmother over until her Army widow's benefits begin

Savor the warmth of A Cup of Comfort for Women with your daughter, your mother, your sister, your grandmother, and all of your female friends, coworkers, and neighbors.

Customer Reviews:

AWESOME!.......2004-09-02

I love the Chicken Soup books, so I thought I would try this one out. It is very similar and I absolutely loved it. I cried and I laughed throughout the book. These stories really touch your heart.

These Stories Will Make You Laugh, and Make You Cry.......2002-09-02

This was my first CUP OF COMFORT experience. I bought it because my friend Dera Williams has a story in it, and I wanted to read her story about quilting as a legacy. Well, I thoroughly enjoyed Dera's story, and then I started reading the book from the beginning and was quickly pulled in by the beautifully told stories by women who, although just like me, each had her own story to tell. Stories that uplifted me, and made me think of life's possibilities. I highly recommend this book to any woman who needs a little inspiration to kick-start her day, or week, or year!

A Cup Of Comfort Foor Women - Stories That Celebrate The Strength And Grace Of Womanhood

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A Cup Of Comfort Foor Women - Stories That Celebrate The Strength And Grace Of Womanhood
Colleen - Editor Sell
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corp.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VDLD4S

A Cup of Comfort for Women: Stories That Celebrate the Strength and Grace of Womanhood

Average customer rating:

A Cup of Comfort for Women: Stories That Celebrate the Strength and Grace of Womanhood
Colleen Sell
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NSMN8Q

Book Description

The art of action photography and portraiture is brilliantly displayed in this stunning collection of Neil Leifer's best color and black-and-white images.

From sports to politics and from celebrities to celebrations, Neil Leifer has traversed the world since 1960, capturing major events for Sports Illustrated, Time, Life, Newsweek, and other leading publications. His artistry, composition, and unerring instinct for photographing just the right moment are evident in the memorable pictures included here. Among his best-known images are a triumphant Muhammed Ali defeating Sonny Liston, thought to be the best sports picture of all time; a dazzling Kristi Yamaguchi in midair on her way to Olympic gold; Michael "air" Jordan slam-dunking; and countless other sports superstars. For decades Leifer has attended premier sports events, and the photographs he has taken at them allow us to have ringside seats at many of the most exciting competitions of the last half of the 20th century.

But as this collection amply displays, Leifer also offers awesome views of many non-sporting subjects, including popes, presidents, prisoners, African wildlife, aircraft carriers, and Hollywood celebrities. Accompanying the images are Leifer's lively, anecdotal accounts of the events and personalities he has photographed, as well as an insightful introduction by George Plimpton. Filled with familiar faces, extraordinary events, and evocative scenes, this mesmerizing book will be a prized gift for anyone interested in sports or great photography.

Other Details:
173 illustrations, 139 in full color. 256 pages. 11 x 11" trim size. Published in 2001.

Customer Reviews:

A Celebration of American Photojournalism.......2002-01-09

More than just a good-looking coffee table book, and much more than simply a book of sports photography, this is a celebration of American photojournalism in the last half of the 20th century. When I first leafed through it, I was amazed at how many iconic photographs were taken by just one man. Leifer has a gift, and we are fortunate that he is willing and able to share it with us. Highly recommended.

More than just a sports book.......2001-10-14

The image on the cover of the book is perhaps the most famous sports image of the 20th Century. While at Sports Illustrated, Neil made incredible pictures by capturing the "decisive moment" in sports both on and off the field. But many people do not realize that Leifer also covered celebrities and political events for other publications. This book is long overdue and should place Leifer on everyone's top ten list of great documentary photographers. A must have for photography book collectors and popular culture fans.

Amazon.com

Sometimes the success of an experiment is the experiment itself. That is to say, sometimes the experiment is more important than its outcome. Such may very well be the case for Art Spiegelman's exquisite-corpse experimental comics, The Narrative Corpse. Sixty-nine cartoonists were asked to draw three panels continuing a story featuring a nondescript stick figure based on only the previous three panels. As a story, it's less than fulfilling. As an experiment and as a collection of incredibly diverse artists, it's certainly interesting.

Customer Reviews:

All Star game.......2001-10-11

This is a wonderful comic publication, and there's never been anything like it.

Because of the unusual nature of its creation, there is no "story" as such. After all, no creator saw more than the three panels that preceded his or her own, and each could only add three panels to the narrative. This method makes it zoom along with no concern about continuity or plot development, but with a wild, Tex Avery-like abandon.

Get it for the mad mix of creators and the insanity of its conception, not for its "story." You'll love it!

We Are the World.......2000-03-25

Like many publications spearheaded by Art Spiegelman and Raw Graphics, Narrative Corpse has great presentation. The large format and "tabbed" pages add a nice elegance to this "jam" comic. It's a real treat to see so many artists contributing a few panels to a single storyline. Unfortunately the story itself doesn't hold up but I guess that's to be expected in a project like this.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting, engaging, but not brilliant.......2006-01-13

I read this book soon after it came out, as a middle school student. I remember being fascinated by the author's experiences and depictions of life in post-soviet Russia. I went on to study political science, become fluent in Russian, and pursue a masters in Russia itself. I remembered this book recently, though I've not seen it since I first read it, and I was compelled to get a copy... remembering how initially enthralled I once was. Perhaps due to age... personal experiences... etc, this book is just not as good as I remembered. I almost wish I had not gone back to read it, as I was a little disappointed.
I still have to give it four stars, however, for the immense influence the book had on my own life. I think it's an account that is not going to appeal to anyone who is knowledgeable in Soviet studies or Eastern Europe etc... particularly from an academic standpoint. However, as an adventure story... of another young girl to whom I related at one point, it's an interesting read and a good story.

An extended tabloib column.......2003-09-09

This is not a profound book. Though at times comical and endearing it reads a bit like an extended tabloid column. There is a tendency at trivializing the events in the former soyuz (the union) with the aim of offering us a pastiche of civil society there, but there is little effort to go beyond the events. The post-modern title is very telling in that sense.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!.......2002-11-14

As a young woman in my late-20s with a passion for politics, travel, and brainy adventure -- I couldn't recommend this book more highly... I looked forward to reading each chapter: each one a portrait of a people and a culture, painted so vividly I felt like I could jump right in. I read this book for the first time a few years ago... it was a gift that I received before beginning my own adventures in grad school where I'm studying Eastern European politics. Of the many books I have read about Russia, this remains my favourite -- Gould's down-to-earth writing style, lively descriptions, as well as the sensitivity and warmth she brings to her subjects -- are nothing short of inspiring. Not only have I read this book many times over the past few years, but also it remains a favourite to give as gifts for friends... Go ahead, take the journey to the FSU with a funny, bright, clever and downright wonderful writer... it'll be the best armchair adventure you'll ever take!!!

A slight book.......2002-06-21

... I have to agree that this book doesn't say much about Russia. It's kinda fun, in its own way, but the coverage of some of the major world events of the 1990s is so superficial as to leave the reader wondering if the author really understands the importance of what was happening in Russia. Stories about taxi drivers and neighbors don't really tell you much about anything, and even something that could have been fun and interesting like the interview with Lee Harvey Oswald's wife doesn't deliver the way it should. ...

What's good about this book? It's a fast read, it isn't difficult to understand, even without a basic understanding of Russia. But, that's about it. There are so many better books about this period out these days, so I can't recommend this one.

Best book I read this year!.......2002-03-28

This book was fantastic--I couldn't put it down. It's funny, moving, intriguing, and well written. I learned so much through the writer's insight into Russian culture, people and politics. Gould's personal viewpoint made me feel as though I were experiencing her travels with her. Her stories cover so many aspects of Russia that you're sure to learn something you didn't know before. I recommend this book very highly.

VODKA, TEARS, AND LENIN'S ANGEL: MY ADVENTURES IN THE WILD AND WOOLLY FORMER SOVIET UNION.

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VODKA, TEARS, AND LENIN'S ANGEL: MY ADVENTURES IN THE WILD AND WOOLLY FORMER SOVIET UNION.
Jennifer. Gould
Manufacturer: St. Martins Press,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0394281551

Book Description

Many researchers have studied people's everyday use of time. National and international agencies increasingly collect and analyze time-use data. Yet this perspective and its techniques remain a black box to most social science researchers and applied practitioners, and the potential of time-use data to expand explanation in the social sciences is not fully recognized by even most time-use researchers.

Sociologist William Michelson's unique book places the study of time-use data in perspective, demystifies its collection and analytic options, and carefully examines the potential of time-use analysis for a wide range of benefits to the social sciences. These include the sampling of otherwise socially "hidden" groups, bridging the gap between qualitative and quantitative phenomena, gender studies, family dynamics, multitasking, social networks, built environments, and risk exposure.

Book Description

A unique contribution to the continuing debate over one of the most important international conflicts to emerge as the century turned, Schwartz offers a readable, profound, and multifaceted overview of the long Albanian-Serbian controversy over the troubled province, drawing on sources previously ignored by non-Balkan authors. He presents an original and detailed analysis of the collapse of Yugoslavia, a penetrating critique of Western inaction in the face of the long-festering Kosovo crisis, and a rare, unblinkered diagnosis of the weakness of Western and international policies in the Balkans following armed intervention.

Features include:
** Unique perspective of a long-term resident in the region.
** Draws on information unavailable to non-resident authors.
**Highly readable yet thorough history of the ethnic violence in the Balkans.

Customer Reviews:

Objectivity Might Be the Key Word Describing this Book.......2003-06-12

Considering its location, in the continent considered as the hearth of modern knowledge, culture and science, there hardly exists any other place about which the world knows less than Kosovo. So every attempt to enlighten this obscure part of Europe should be congratulated. The matter becomes even more important after one of the most recent wars, where NATO, the world's biggest and best-equipped military force, was involved.
Schwartz begins with discussing the origins of Albanians and Slavs, their first historical evidences about the inhabitation of the region, and their encounter from the Slavic invasion of the Balkans throughout the Ottoman era. He then goes through the post Balkan Wars and the two World Wars - when Serbia conquered and consolidated its rule over Kosovo, backed by the victorious powers, as a reward for being their war ally. Kosovo was added to the big newly formed YugoSlavia, and with the isolation of its motherland Albania by the communist regime of Enver Hoxha who did or could do nothing about Kosovo; it was left alone like an orphan amidst Slavs, its eternal enemy. The author in the following section focuses on this part properly, since it forced Kosovars (as the Kosovo Albanians are called) to rely on and organize among themselves, under the continuously growing discrimination and pressure by Slavs. Lastly, Schwartz analyses the post-communist period, overloaded with significant developments for this case. Loss of trust to nonviolence resistance, which was surprisingly "rewarded" with massacres by the Milosevic regime, led to the formation of Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK). This is the starting point of armed conflict between Serbs and Albanians, which brought NATO airpower on the skies of Yugoslavia for 78 days.
The author could do better in the last chapter 1999 - Intervention and its aftermath. He is not able to make a clear analysis of the consequences of the intervention, probably because time is needed for these fresh events, whose impact goes on even today, to become pure history. He could also give some alternative or prediction about the final status of Kosovo, which is still unresolved and unknown even to those interested most: the Kosovars, the West, and the Balkan countries.
But Schwartz has special merits for successfully referring to and examining both Slavic and Albanian non/official sources, considering the huge inconsistencies among them, to make the book clear and highly readable. He also seems to successfully reach his goal of writing this book, giving a "background to a war", by analyzing and combining history, culture and even myths or other psychological factors, which contributed to the formation of the identities involved in the conflict. He extracts old and new, well-known and usually unknown facts and evidences to many of the Westerners and even domestic inhabitants, evaluates and serves them in a easily comprehendible fashion to all readers who want to have an insight in the case.
So the book deserves an important place among many of the books that are being written recently about Kosovo. It is highly recommendable especially to those exploring the conflict in depth since "it is drawn on sources previously ignored by non-Balkan authors" and maintains an impartial position, different from that of Balkan writers who advocate their own or particular group/countries' interests.
Klediol Murati, June 11, 2003
IR Student, Middle East Technical University

Kosovo (Anthem Slavic and Russian Studies).......2001-12-01

Only intellectual blindness may prevent reader to instantly recognize Stephen Schwartz subjective and groundless interpretation of history.
His comic conclusions, and irresponsible pro-Albanian propaganda are only surpassed by his blunt and mindless hatred of anything and everything that is Slavic.
Don't waste your money...

Exceptional historical insight in region.......2000-08-31

KOSOVO: Background to a War (UK) by Stephen Schwartz provides a concise yet detailed account of the main historical and cultural political currents that created the necessity for the NATO intervention and occupation. Schwartz is an especially astute observer of telling historical parallels and refined ethnic sensibilities, probably because he speaks the languages and makes himself available to discuss the political and religious implications with soldiers, politicians, scholars and common people. The study represents a political analysis of the central issues between the Serbs and Albanians that continues to exasperate the area.

Unlike many political commentaries this work provides glimpses of the history, culture, literature, poetry and passion of the people making this account rich read with the narrative flow of a novel.

Exceptional political insight into Kosovo.......2000-08-25

KOSOVO: Background to a War by Stephen Schwartz provides aconcise yet detailed account of the main historical and cultural political currents that created the necessity for the NATO intervention and occupation. Schwartz is an especially astute observer of telling historical parallels and refined ethnic sensibilities, probably because he speaks the languages and makes himself available to discuss the political and religious implications with soldiers, politicians, scholars and common people. The study represents a political analysis of the central issues between the Serbs and Albanians that continues to exasperate the area. Unlike many political commentaries this work provides glimpses of the history, culture, literature, poetry and passion of the people making this account rich read with the narrative flow of a novel.

The Journal Of Psychohistory. The Background Of The Kosovo War Issue. Fall 1999 Volume 27 Number 2

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The Journal Of Psychohistory. The Background Of The Kosovo War Issue. Fall 1999 Volume 27 Number 2
Various Authors
Manufacturer: Journal Of Psychohistory
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N31N4G

Book Description

This book examines the marked increase in the number of Asians emigrating to the United States in the early 1990s to identify 1) the role of their hard work played in their migration to America and 2) what the labor market realities were once they arrived. Investigating the labor supply (labor force participation and hours worked) and occupational structures of Asian immigrants in the U.S. labor market, this study argues that not only are diligent people more likely to emigrate to the U.S., but their work habits remain steady. An empirical analysis, using the most recent data set 1990 Census, examines the impact of various socioeconomic variables on labor force participation and hours worked for male and married female Asian immigrants. The tied-mover issue is also addressed for married couples.
Why is immigrants' occupational structure different from that of natives? This study answers this question both theoretically and empirically by proposing that employers' discrimination against immigrants and the source of job market information determine the immigrants' occupational structure. Since different occupations embody varying degrees of social and economic prestige, it is not surprising that an immigrant's occupation directly effects his social network. This is important because one's social network affects opportunities for success.
(Ph.D. dissertation, Johns Hopkins University, 1997; revised with new preface, bibliography, and index)

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