Architecture, Theology, and Ethics

This book explores why and how the design of architecture contributes to Christian pursuits of social and environmental justice. Edwards offers a new understanding of architectural design’s relation to Christian ethics and proposes five moral commitments for orienting the design process towards the flourishing of humanity and God’s creation.

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Architecture, Theology, and Ethics: Making Architectural Design More Just argues that architecture, design, and creativity are theological-ethical concerns that ought to be considered more deeply by Christians who are committed to social and environmental justice. Elise M. Edwards discusses the significance of architectural design, entering into ongoing conversations in theological ethics and aesthetics. She argues that architectural design is not just a professional practice for wealthy clients, but rather an activity that everyday people undertake when making choices that shape the spaces they inhabit. If Christians think theologically about their agency in these decisions, they will discover that architectural design becomes an opportunity to contribute to the flourishing for humanity and God’s creation. Edwards proposes an approach to architectural design that presents it as prophetic action with the power to shape our world. This book then presents five moral commitments that guide design intentions and the process of design towards justice and inclusion. Grounded in liberationist, feminist, and womanist thought, Architecture, Theology, and Ethics makes a compelling case for architecture’s relevance to Christian ethics and theology.