Memory and Tradition in the Book of Numbers Scribes, Visionaries, and the Politics of Second Temple Judea Women in the Sex Texts of Leviticus and Deuteronomy: A Comparative Conceptual Analysis The Bone Gatherers: The Lost Worlds of Early Christian Women Reconstructing the First-Century Synagogue: A Critical Analysis of Current Research The following new reviews have been added to the Review of Biblical Literature:įighting Words: The Origins of Religious Violenceįrom David to Gedaliah: The Book of Kings as Story and Historyįrontiers of Faith: The Christian Encounter with Manichaeism in the Acts of Archelausīakhtin and Genre Theory in Biblical Studies It is a real beauty where theology and architectural design converge to make a powerful and dynamic statement concerning our vibrant faith. This is one excellent example of how by paying close attention to architectural and conception design would go a long way in inviting those who walk into the sanctuary to rightly focus on God and to worship him and him only.
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This visit to the Church of St Mary of the Angels is truly unforgettable. My thoughts lead me from the earth to the cross, and from the cross to the heaven, and from the heaven back to the cross, and from the cross to the earth.Ī visit to this church has not only reminded me of the work of the cross, it has also caused me to pause for a moment to ponder over the purpose of my existence in this world, to reflect on the calling of God in my life and to reorientate my focus on Christ and his cross. At I reflect on this, it is only natural that it draws me to fall down on my knees in worship of the creator God, constantly being reminded of my sinfulness and wretchedness who is in need of God’s grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness that flows through Christ on the cross to me. But as I lift up my head looking at the cross on the ceiling, I am reminded of the truth that it is God who initiates this work of redemption by sending his son for all humanity. As my attention focuses on the crucifix, my thought is drawn to the finished work on the cross. The clever design of using glass panel in the shape of the cross allows natural lighting to penetrate the sanctuary, giving one a sense of warmth. I can only imagine as I walk towards the altar to participate in the Eucharist, this sculpture would naturally evoke in me a reminder of the passion of Christ.Īs this sculpture invites me to focus on Christ, it also draws my attention to gaze upon the ceiling of the sanctuary where the shape of the cross dominates my attention. The strategically positioned gigantic crucifix hanging from the ceiling, and placed above the altar in the mid air, reminds me of Christ’s work of redemption. Not only is the concept contemporary, but what amazes me is that its simplicity does not rob the sanctuary from being reduced to a mere functional space, as seen in many construction and renovation of large church halls in the Klang Valley in Malaysia. I am struck at the minute details that have gone into the design of the sanctuary. The sanctuary of the Church of St Mary of the Angels is one example where the creativity of the human mind, the simplicity of contemporary design, the indigenous use of sculptures and spaces, and the emphasis on spiritual awareness for both the congregation and visitors collide to create an architectural wonder, inviting a sense of awesomeness from those who step into the sanctuary, calling them to worship the Creator and issuing a call for them to pause and reflect on their existence in this world.
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The design of the sanctuary has won the prestigious President’s Design Award, Singapore's highest recognition award, and has been favourably mentioned in numerous publications and exhibitions. I visited the Church of St Mary of the Angels, a Franciscan parish, in Bukit Batok. Last Saturday, I decided to take some time off from working on my book project to satisfy my fascination, curiosity, and interest in some of the interesting architectural designs of some prominent religious buildings in Singapore.