The designs of synagogues and churches are acknowledged to be very alike. But the designers procedure was confidential; and so far standard explanations have been unsatisfactory. A synagogue should express heavenly values with earthly materials. This combination was in fact expressed in numbers; for; as Plato said; they linked heaven and earth. Scripture described both the Jewish Tabernacle and Temple with a wealth of numbers. Proportions based on these numbers were used to design synagogues. Only a few Jewish documents survive; but they reveal a symbolism; which Christians sometimes repeat. The synagogue sanctuary was designed to contain the Holy Ark; and the mosaic floors reveal the point Before the Ark for the prayers and readings. These places faced each other; with the idea that God was facing his people. The synagogue was seen as facing heaven and in church buildings Christians repeated the same proportions. This was a joint tradition among Jews and Christians. It was easy to design; was carried out secretly and accurately; and - without a computer - was extremely hard to unravel. This book; for the first time; does just that.
#38252 in eBooks 2014-04-15 2014-04-15File Name: B00JH8H4EG
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Marissen makes the excellent argument that you cannot separate the music of Bach ...By JBFowlerMarissen makes the excellent argument that you cannot separate the music of Bach from Bachs spirituality and fully understand its aesthetic. At the same time; one cannot determine the true personal nature of Bachs spiritual thought; try as we have with the clues we have been left. Many in the past have taught that to be properly understood; Bachs music should be approached from a purely musical standpoint apart from any spirituality; or as absolute music: music for musics sake. While Bachs music is a marvel on any level; its full realization is incomplete when the door is shut on the "foolishness" of the Holy.8 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Super writing on an often-vexing subjectBy A. JohnsonSuper book on a vexing subject. Anyone into theology or music mdash; or both! mdash; will;find this a compelling read.2 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Little music; much theology. Bo-RING!By William QuinnI care about Bachs musical ideas; including ideas applied to religious thought. This book for the most part skipped the music.
