Visual arts and architecture in ecumenical statements of the Holy See and the World Council of Churches, 1982--1997: Issues of theological anthropology

During the modern ecumenical movement, dialogue and activities that begin the shared community life that is the goal of ecumenism have been among the most important and fruitful initiatives and activities engaged to promote the unity of Christians. In ecumenical documents of the World Council of Churches and the Holy See of the period 1982--1997, one finds references to visual arts and architecture with a variety of contexts and theological presuppositions, and of varying levels of specificity, formality, and ecclesial authority. Historical-critical examination of the Vatican and WCC statements suggests that development toward coherent, productive ecumenical dialogue and shared life in connection with visual art and architecture might be fostered through exploration of pertinent concerns of theological anthropology. The dissertation begins with the history of the twentieth century ecumenical movement, development of the hermeneutical method of the project, and an overview of the conflicting theological anthropologies that lie behind and within late twentieth century ecumenical discussion of visual art and architecture. Analysis of specific texts follows: "Mission and Evangelism" of the of the WCC's Commission on World Mission and Evangelism (1982); "Perspectives on Koinonia: Final Report of the International Roman Catholic/Pentecostal Dialogue (1985--1989);" the WCC's Faith and Order Commission's Icons: Windows on Eternity (1990); the 1993 Directory of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity; Pope John Paul II's Orientale Lumen and Ut Unum Sint (1995); "The Holy Spirit and Ecumenism" of the Ecumenical Commission of the Central Committee of Jubilee 2000; and "Towards a Common Understanding and Vision of the WCC: A Working Draft for a Policy Statement" (1997). The dissertation offers suggestions for informed ecumenical praxis, research, and dialogue about visual art and architecture.