Walking the Talk: An Orthodoxy of Practise?

Perhaps its' true to say that in life there is always a correct way of doing things and an incorrect way. If the word orthodox means "the correct way" then orthodox Christian doctrine means "correct" or "right belief." And the Tricircle Pavilion at Gqunube Green, designed in the shape of three circles (see above photo showing future ecovillage residents enjoying a braai in the cattle kraal circle) is an architectural affirmation of orthodox Christian doctrine or "right belief" - that for Christians God is best understood as Father, Son and Holy Spirit or Creator, Saviour and Sustainer.

But in this day with enormous challenges facing the people of the earth and the planet itself, the value of "right belief" must be benchmarked against "right practice." Or, stated differently, the value of "right belief" can only be measured by its' contribution to the well being of an ailing planet and all its' people, and this on an ongoing basis. So, if we know what orthodox Christian doctrine is, perhaps the urgent question for caring Christians concerned for planet and people is: "What might the orthodox Christian practice of an orthodox Christian doctrine look like?

Again the Tricircle Pavilion attempts to embody an architectural reply. If the three circles represents People, Planet and Profit respectively (the 3P's), then the goal of an orthodox Christian practice is represented by that area the three circles have in common, a place of promising synergy where people live "profitably" on the earth while caring for people and planet. In other words no decision will be made to benefit oneself personally (profit) if it adversely impacts the planet or other people. 3P decision-making therefore will result in a lifestyle commitment that will help lead the world towards sustainability.

So with God guiding and the people willing, perhaps Gqunube Green will become that model of sustainability where residents live "profitably" while caring for people and planet, simultaneously growing economic, social and ecological capital. And as a place of teaching and community celebration (see the above photo of Nguni cattle in the circular kraal for a blessing of animal service, thanks being offered to God for their role in maintaining the health of the ecovillage ecosystem) hopefully the Tricircle Pavilion will serve as an architectural reminder of a conceptual framework which, in linking heaven and earth, provides both meaning and direction to the lifestyles we choose.