I like how you mention the order and stability of the altar. Check out an image of the altar in the restored Notre Dame of Paris. I am highly uncomfortable with how the shape of this altar intentionally (and I would add radically) subverts the themes that you discuss. It appears to me like it is shaped to tip over and spill. The baptismal font does something similar. They also appear to lack any decoration or ornateness. Just thought this was an interesting point of reference and contrast to the typical pattern.
Ah yes, I believe Pageau did a video about that? Ah, I always have concerns about when tradition is left behind for what is "modern." There's always something valuable lost. That said, the shape-symbolism of the new altar in Notre Dame still can be seen to have reverent depth. It has the fairly common rectangular shape at the top, and what is unique is the mysterious/infinite curve at the bottom. Since God is both above us and below us, mysteriously supporting us as the Ground of Being, I can see how this offers space for some interesting theological reflections! Though while I don't see it as sacrilegious, I'm not a fan of the style - if they were going to do something different for the altar, they could have made it ornate and stunning, not "plain." That aspect does feel like it's not helping create and honor the sacred space.
I like how you mention the order and stability of the altar. Check out an image of the altar in the restored Notre Dame of Paris. I am highly uncomfortable with how the shape of this altar intentionally (and I would add radically) subverts the themes that you discuss. It appears to me like it is shaped to tip over and spill. The baptismal font does something similar. They also appear to lack any decoration or ornateness. Just thought this was an interesting point of reference and contrast to the typical pattern.
Ah yes, I believe Pageau did a video about that? Ah, I always have concerns about when tradition is left behind for what is "modern." There's always something valuable lost. That said, the shape-symbolism of the new altar in Notre Dame still can be seen to have reverent depth. It has the fairly common rectangular shape at the top, and what is unique is the mysterious/infinite curve at the bottom. Since God is both above us and below us, mysteriously supporting us as the Ground of Being, I can see how this offers space for some interesting theological reflections! Though while I don't see it as sacrilegious, I'm not a fan of the style - if they were going to do something different for the altar, they could have made it ornate and stunning, not "plain." That aspect does feel like it's not helping create and honor the sacred space.