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ABSTRACT
Connections
are made between the Christian Scriptures and axiological
(values-related) issues arising in the professional practice of
Building. The underlying concept is that of dialogue between two equal
participants.
Four
dyads are set up in which Building and scriptural materials are set out
and compared. Building and Scripture alternate in opening the dialogue.
In the first dyad, the restoration at
Windsor
Castle
following the 1992 fire is related to Solomon's construction work in
Jerusalem
involving temple, palace and other buildings. In the second, the
prophets' allusions to housing in their general advocacy of social
justice are related to contemporary housing issues. In the third, the
1994 Latham Review of building procurement and contractual arrangements
is considered in relation to the Mosaic Law, the torah. In the fourth,
resonance between Wisdom and contemporary professionalism is identified.
In
each dyad, three kinds of connection are made between Building and
Scripture: first, historical continuities are traced; second ethical
matters are discussed: and third metaphorical interplays are drawn out.
At
the end of each dyadic discussion, significant embedded axiological
aspects are noted.
The
Building and scriptural elements of each of these four dyads are taken
forward into a fifth, focussed on the New Testament and the sacraments,
and the experience of each individual in Building. They are related to
the concepts of every person in Building being adam
and of Christ being new Adam, fulfilling Old Testament perceptions
of temple, prophecy, law and wisdom. Connections are again made in terms
of historical continuities, ethical discussion and metaphorical
interplay. The sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper/eucharist, as
enacted Scripture, are related to the ethical and metaphorical strands
of connection respectively.
The successful making of these connections
demonstrates the comprehensive relationship that can be held to exist
between Scripture and Building.
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