When we build, let us think that we build forever.” Nineteenth-century critic James Ruskin’s comment certainly doesn’t qualify as the watchword for today’s church architecture. These days, it might be more appropriate to think in terms of a decade.
Dr. James F. White (1932–2004) was a professor emeritus of theology (liturgical studies) at the University of Notre Dame. His academic work focused on the revitalization of the worship life of the church. He was a member and president of the North American Academy of Liturgy and recipient of the Berakah award. He was the author of 20 books on worship, sacraments, and liturgical architecture. He was ordained in the United Methodist Church and received his PhD in church history at Duke University.
Last Updated: September 11, 2025
When we build, let us think that we build forever.” Nineteenth-century critic James Ruskin’s comment certainly doesn’t qualify as the watchword for today’s church architecture. These days, it might be more appropriate to think in terms of a decade.
Dr. James F. White is currently professor of liturgical studies at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, where he has supervised nearly twenty Ph.D. dissertations on worship-related topics. His sixteen books on worship include A Brief History of Christian Worship, An Introduction to Christian Worship, and Protestant Worship: Traditions in Transition, all texts that are frequently assigned in college and seminary courses on worship.
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