Flying Buttresses

The Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) church in Istanbul is one of the most iconic church buildings in the entire world. The original structure that became the building that we see today was built in the 6th century by Justinian I. The central feature of the church is the massive dome that makes it a landmark in the Istanbul skyline. (Interestingly, some claim that Islamic mosques, now famous for domed architecture, did not feature a dome until after the Islamic conquest saw the Hagia Sophia.) There is, however, a problem with domes; they are quite heavy. While the dome itself is self-supporting, the walls that are used to hold the dome aloft are subjected to enormous pressure "outward." If the dome is too big, the walls will collapse and the dome will fall.

To correct this problem, architects made use of a unique feature called a buttress or flying buttress. Wikipedia defines the flying buttress as "specific form of buttress composed of a ramping arch that extends from the upper portion of a wall to a pier of great mass, to convey to the ground the lateral forces that push a wall outwards, which are forces that arise from vaulted ceilings of stone and from wind-loading on roofs."

A buttress, then, is essentially a support, something that holds the roof up. It is also a word found in the Bible. Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:15 that the church is to be "a pillar and buttress of the truth" (ESV). By using this architectural term, Paul gives us a window into what our job is in part.

In some ways, I personally have struggled with this directive given to the church. Truth, in many ways, needs no support. That is in part why it is true; it stands alone, and it is capable of withstanding any criticism or accusation. What, then, is the need for the church to hold it aloft? As I wrestle with this, however, I am reminded that God shares some of these traits. He himself is sovereign and needs nothing. Yet, he has decided in his perfect divine wisdom to put parts of his mission into the hands of imperfect people.

The mission he has given the church to protect the truth does not derive from a need that God has or from a need to defend what cannot be protected. Instead, we are the chosen architectural design that God uses to accomplish His mission. The dome can stand on its own, but the church is called to hold it aloft, up where the world can see it. What that means practically is that we do not have an option to be indifferent or static in this world.

Many forces are pushing against the "dome" of truth in our age. I don't need to be specific here because each of us can easily recall several current issues that fit this mold. The question is, what are we doing about it? Sometimes the temptation of indifference or inaction is highly appealing. Let's face it, it is work to confront people. It takes effort to study and apply God's word. I might need to say no to something fun to do what is right. The command from God is to resist this temptation. Visualize the architecture. Without the church, the truth does not take its proper place in our world, and we simply cannot let that collapse happen on our watch!