Predikstolen som försvann - en studie av predikoplatsen hos Rolf Bergh, Sigurd Lewerentz, Ove Hidemark och Jerk Alton i den liturgiska förnyelsens kölvatten

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this thesis is to illustrate theological and architectural currents, which have directly come to influence the pulpit in churches built since the 1950s. I have limited my presentation to include Swedish churches only. More specifically, I describe four prominent architects, and their design and placement of the pulpit. These are Rolf Bergh, Sigurd Lewerentz, Ove Hidemark and Jerk Alton. In my thesis, I have found that the liturgical renewal during the second half of the 20th century in many ways has come to constitute the liturgical thoughts behind new church buildings in Sweden. I have also found, that the pulpit in general since the 1950s has declined in importance. Although the liturgical movement initially gave it an altered but still important role, I can state that the pulpit in newly built churches in most cases is replaced by a simple ambo. This is problematic, as the preached word historically has played a very significant role in the Swedish Lutheran Church. I have also found, that the studied architects have wanted to stand outside the contemporary architectural trends, in search of more persistent values. Also, I have found a clear connection between the pulpit or ambo, and the architect and his or hers personal conception of theology and liturgy.