Formerly the Crystal Cathedral.
I came across an article from 1P5, posted by a friend, a critique of the renovation of Christ Cathedral, titled "The Dark Symbolism of California's Christ Cathedral", written by the well respected, Dr. Peter Kwasniewski. In the beginning of his article, he references other notable scholars who have offered critique of the building, as well as diocesan sources for commentary on the renovation and the art. The author in turn makes clear his intentions in his review stating: "My goal in this article is not to cover again ground that has already been covered, but to delve into aspects of the cathedral that raise serious questions about the vision that stands behind it."
Fair enough. I'm no expert to be sure, but even the author at the outset, makes a sort of disclaimer:
We cannot conclude with certainty that what I am about to cover is fully intentional on the part of Christ Cathedral’s designers, regardless of anyone’s pointed assumptions. What is clear is that a choice was made to avoid normative Christian symbolism and to make use of signs associated with other religious traditions — elements that narrate a tale as shocking and scandalous as any report covering the abuse crisis. - Dr. KwasniewskiAfter reading diocesan narratives, I'm not sure it is 'clear is that a choice was made to avoid normative Christian symbolism.'
I've always admired the original architect, Philip Johnson but I never detected a shred orthodoxy in his new age pavilion for Hour of Power. It wasn't protestant or Christian. The diocese seems to have been dazzled by all the 'crystal'. That said, there is plenty of Catholic-Christian symbolism within the renovated structure.
Dr. Kwasniewski's review is okay, but there's a lot of pickiness and suspicion expressed about the 'details' - as they like to say, 'the devil is in the details'. The Masonic sanctuary comparisons have been made time and again about many modern churches as well as the Novus Ordo arrangement. In this case, it really comes across like that - but, it's nothing new. Dr. Kwasniewski, his critique and questions, focused upon the mysteries apprehended by him, could be answered with a little research. (To be fair, he directs the reader to these links.) It's online and the artist - like his work or not - is accessible. The stations of the cross and doors were created by Pablo Eduardo, a renowned sculptor based in Gloucester, MA. The Diocese itself has posted details on the art and architecture.
Angel
Granted, the place makes for an ugly church by traditionalist standards, and some of the symbolism appears to be New Age, but I wonder if the angel earpiece the author links to the occult, isn't an indigenous reference, considering the Mexican influence in So. California. And don't forget, crystals are referenced in both NT and Old. Maybe the author and many Catholics are not be aware of it, but St. Hildegard wrote on the healing power and significance of crystals, and she's a Doctor of the Church.
It's fine to criticize the place on the basis of aesthetics; to not like the art and architecture, to protest the amount of $$ to renovate the place, and even to criticize the bishop, but I think it's a bit crazy to read occult messages and pagan intent into the assemblage of decorative art and sanctuary seating.
Non-Catholics and non-believers think religious people are nuts anyway. Just saying.
These are Christian symbols,
some predate Christianity.
Protestants and now
even Catholics think they are
pagan and/or occult.
I too admire much of Philip Johnson's body of work. The AT&T building in NYC and his home in Connecticut. Admire does not always equal like however. I remember Robert Schuyler's Hour of Power and his monument to himself, the Crystal Cathederal. As you know, I am a big fan of architectur, especially ecclesiastical architecture. Years ago I noticed with surprise and interest a swastika on a tile on the floor of a Buffalo, NY Church,, I believe it was Holy Trinity. It was built in early 1900's so predates Hitler and National Socialism. I discovered it was in vogue at that time as a borrowed Sanskrit symbol for good fortune. The last Tasrina of Russia, Alexandra used it in her palace decoration too. So, things are not always what they might appear to be. Likewise, much of modern architecture.
ReplyDeleteYawn ... I hope you told the doctor that EWTN has established or will establish an office there on the campus with rooms for radio and television too.
ReplyDeleteWould they not be scandalized to discover that they are setting up camp
near a church building with so-called nefarious dark symbolism?
Orange County has a strong thriving Catholic community made up of Vietnamise, Hispanics, Caucasian folks. The Bishop is solid too from what I have read and seen.
I say balderdash to what this doctor has to say. ^^)
Heather King had this to say: I’m no art critic, but if I were in charge of building a cathedral, I’d first off hire an architect who loves Christ and attends daily Mass. A Mass-goer would know a church is the last place you want to be exposed to the sterile glare of the operating room. A church should be hushed, with a gloomy corner or two, and the merciful twilight of a convalescent home.
ReplyDeleteI thought of her quote when I went into the church 2 days ago to have a good cry. I was thankful for the dark corner where I found myself.
This makes me remember those anti-rock'n'roll posts made by him. Maybe you should re-visit them!
ReplyDeleteI generally respect Peter but in the last couple years he has increasingly gone off the rails in the midst of otherwise good essays.
ReplyDelete