Pantheon research, practical theology, and cathedral studies

ABSTRACT

This article represents an attempt by a practical theologian to reckon with cathedral studies in view of research at the Pantheon in Rome. Although cathedral studies and practical theology share much in common, they have not yet been brought into critical conversation. Although the Pantheon is also the Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres of the Roman Catholic Church, and not a cathedral, the Pantheon serves similar purposes to cathedrals. The author’s practical theological research project at the Pantheon becomes an occasion to showcase some frameworks and apply some findings of cathedral studies. Developing Pantheon research at the intersection of these two fields deepens Pantheon research while also allowing a critical perspective on the relatively new field of cathedral studies, in service of its further development as a critical discourse in service of academy, Church and world.

KEYWORDS:

• Cathedral studies
• practical theology
• Pantheon — Rome
• architecture — sacred

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research is generously funded from September 2021 through August 2023 by Project Grant [#0402] from the Templeton Religion Trust for ‘The Art of the Pantheon: Learning from Visitors’.

Notes on contributors

Tom Beaudoin

Tom Beaudoin is Professor of Religion at Fordham University in New York City.