Balance

Sunday I was sitting in church admiring the rose window above the alter and finding myself amazed at the beautiful balance and symmetry involved in such artwork. I then found myself examining the whole of the worship space and realizing, specifically, the balance throughout the space. The alter itself, one of the old, ornate ones done in dark wood with smaller statues of the 12 disciples, is completely balanced across the front of the nave. Four columns stand sentinel on each side of the nave, pews tucked around them in perfect symmetry. We have identically sized small balconies on each side just past the alter area with seating space beneath, on the main floor. Everything is symmetrical, even, balanced.

From an architectural perspective I am certain the quest for balance and beauty is primary. Is this a theological stance as well? Is this what we believe the church should be; balanced, symmetrical, un-conflicted?


Which led me to ask myself...does faith bring balance? Or, does faith bring necessary imbalance?


Now, I am no expert on the theological ramifications or synodical standings on these questions. I ask them and consider them only as they apply to what I see around me, the struggles of those I encounter. I have no answers. I have only...thoughts, perspectives. As a theatre practitioner I often strive to create conflict on stage using elements of both staging and various design techniques to reflect the tensions inherent in a dramatic work. I do this purposely; to make visual the often subtextual tensions that lay at the foundation of the relationships and situations placed on stage. It is often a necessary choice in my discipline. What about the visual aspects of a church?


The answer to the above questions is...yes. Yes, to all.

Faith brings balance. Life is off kilter and often out of whack. There are not many who would disagree. We are in a constant search for balance whether it be between work and home, career and family, and the hundreds of other variables we juggle. We are constantly searching for that answer, that something that will help us make sense of it all. Faith does this. It brings meaning, helps us prioritize, and allows us to believe in something beyond ourselves which often puts the rest of life into some sort of balanced state. It gives us a counterweight when things seem out of symmetry; the realization that when things are tough we are still loved, provided for, and will be lifted up as only our God can do. Faith balances the scales of life.

But Faith also brings about a necessary imbalance. We have been told that we are to be "in the world but not off the world." With this awkward state comes a necessary imbalance. As a Christian we need to recognize that our lives should be those of imbalance, of discomfort. We are first and foremost, sinful human beings. That alone should put a damper on any notion of balance we claim. Sin will always cause imbalance. Secondly, as His people, do we want balance, symmetry with the world? No. If we are truly a people set apart we should strive to weigh the scales in our favor at every turn so that those who see our joy in the imbalance can ask why it is so and thus share in our joy at the providence of our God.

When we become too comfortable, too balanced, it is easy to think it is all part of God's plan. "I am now in perfect harmony with my world therefore, God is good and all is right." This, to me, is complacency and denial. These get us nowhere. At the same time someone who thrives on conflict may believe it is there due to be in this state. Often do we hear people bemoan their life; "But, these are the trials God has given me..." As if these imbalances, these conflicts make them right with God and more in line with His will. Either one of these options is simply our way of making ourselves feel better about the condition of our lives. They are based on our own egos, our need for recognition and acceptance; not the way God would have us live in His grace and truth. It is when we see our imbalance and rejoice in it; when we allow God alone to balance the scales for us that we truly live in faith.

So, what about Church architecture? I am no expert but I can tell you this--when I design a set and I want you to focus on something other than the picture, I strive for balance and symmetry. When the play is calm and results in a happy ending I want a harmonious picture. Thus, I can only surmise that the goal of a church in creating a beautiful structure in full harmony with itself is attempting to create...a haven, where it's people can come and not be distracted by the conflicts, the imbalances of life. Where they can come and focus on the word and sacraments and not be distracted by visual conflicts and tensions. These churches become places of peace and quiet, of momentary balance and evenness where hearts can be filled and souls can rejoice in a God that brings both balance and challenge and sustenance through it all.