I think that it would be nice to include an aromatic wood. If the ceiling were covered with incense cedar, or maybe fir, it would give the space a warmer feeling, and give it a memorable scent. I suppose it would need to be left unfinished…. but it could also cover a couple of walls (there it would need to be sealed). I’m talking about tongue & groove wood… something with dimension.

You could do the brick around the fireplace, but still have a cornerstone. I love English tudor houses which include a mixture of brick and stone. Sometimes it is done transitionally…. starting with stone at the bottom and transitioning to brick as you go up …. sort-of scattered in the middle. The effect gives a lot of character. You could also throw in some clinker brick …. to represent sin and imperfection….. the struggles of the church.

Google “clinker brick” and have a look around….. it has tons of historical character.

Then, you might want to find old tavern-like tables and chairs. You could probably even find antiques. Each table could be different…. chairs too, it will have warmth, character, and the feeling of history. Even the flooring could be old, reclaimed barn wood. Again, it gives it age and depth. Or, you could use naturally broken real slate. I’ll leave you to fill in the theological implications (!) Keep in mind, that if you intend to add upholstered furniture, that which was made before the 1960′s is usually much more solid, and lasting than most of what you can buy new. You can have old pieces reupholstered …. maybe using velvet and leather….. those hold up well….. and you can fill in the theology and historicity of those materials as well !

You could use olive-wood for the mantle (?)….. or have a rustic olive wood, or grapevine cross imbedded into the brick above the mantle.

On the walls, you might want to include some of Dan’s manuscript photos….. some Greek, and some of ancient art…. of the disciples etc..
Such a visual testimony testimony of the true age of God’s written word. Seeing is believing! They could even be arranged in sort of a timeline…. with explanations of their significance next to them.

Enough for now!

Susan

Michael,

What about some icons (some, that is) of the church fathers?

I found this website as an option: http://www.monasteryicons.com/

They have Francis, Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Chrysostom, and Ambrose.

The idea would be to show the catholicity, small (c), of historical theology with associated comments regarding the importance of each church father to Christianity.

Tracts? Not like the modern ones but the ones that were all over the place in the early 19th century? Ooh or a Gutenberg Press (I’m letting my mind run, sorry)? The ruinous remains of an icon crushed underfoot? The displayed armor of a Crusader?

I have thought about that. How should the stage be made?

Sure hope there is some way for you to incorporate the “stage of truth” and “above the arch”/”below the arch” into your construction. Those two concepts are the core of how TTP has changed my worldview.

Michael
I think on one side of the fireplace, you should use stone/rock instead of brick. It should have a Cornerstone. 1 Peter 2:7-8
1Pe 2:7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
1Pe 2:8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

I am so excited to hear TUP starting up again! I have missed it so much over the past long months.

Michael, ever since I ran into your ministry some one-and-a-half years ago, I knew your heart was good. You sounded genuine, and Christ-centered and theologically-driven. And I immediately respected you for that. May God bless your efforts for Credo. I am more than sure that many will find it useful in their lives. And when I can think of some creative stuff, I will let you know. God bless you, my brother!