First, I was wondering about steeples. Now, I am thinking about LDS pulpits.
What is the significance of a central pulpit in the front of the auditorium?
Why a pulpit? Are pulpits cool to you? And what do you expect to hear from a pulpit?
(By the way, if you have any good picture links to LDS pulpits, put them on the thread.)
Jesus in Idaho Falls 
You could almost imagine a pulpit right at the center of this tabernacle design by John:
http://www.bycommonconsent.com/2008/08/my-standard-plan-tabernacle-1986/
And with general conference coming this weekend, I think of the water flowing on the roof, directly above the pulpit.
But does the General Conference Pulpit remind some of other deeper matters besides nature and trees:
http://greenmormonarchitect.blogspot.com/2008/04/of-sacred-groves-and-tree-huggers.html
Todd,
What is the singinfance of any Pulput/podium?
I think you are trying to pull something out of this topic that is not there. Why the center? It is easier for poeple to see and hear the speaker if they are positioned in the front center.
-D
Just an FYI: the correct term for the “Pulput” in the LDS Church is a “Podium.” A Pulput is for a Pastor to give out their Sermons from, some are set high togive as overbaring feeling to the congragation.
In the LDS Church I have found that there less of this overbarance and more of a “lets talk” attitude, and this is where a Podium comes in handy, It is a good place to set books and notes for your talk when you are to speak in a meeting.
-D
Todd,
Doesn’t the greatest significance come from what is spoken at the pulpit?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 3:16)
Rob
Todd,
Might I suggest two talks given from the pulpit/podium at the April 2008 General Conference to review prior to this weekend’s conference:
Jeffrey R. Holland – “My Words…Never Cease”
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-851-30,00.html
Gerald N. Lund – “Opening Our Hearts”
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-851-12,00.html
Rob
You bet, Rob.
I don’t know about others. But a pulpit is another one of those symbols that reminds me of a “word-centered” philosophy – the centrality of written, inspired scripture for any sermon.
The pulpit is the quintessential piece of church auditorium furniture for emphasizing today’s conservative Protestant action of “Preach the Word” with Christocentric Gospel at its very heart.
Ditchu, in my opinion, a podium is for the broadcasting of politics and personal opinions (which too often is the prevalent activity in religious pulpits).
Of course, the emergents throw out pulpits all together (too overbearing for their tastes). “Let’s all sit on couches and bar stools and talk.”
I find it a useful spot to grab and keep my hands from shaking. It’s also comforting to know that if I’m unzipped, it’s still cool (more or less). You can lean on it…. You can store a box of tissues off to the side for when sister so-and-so gets all emotional during testimony meeting…
They’re dead useful you know.
Absolutely vital for a lay ministry too. We aren’t trained to be excellent orators you know.
(laughing loudly) I have been very thankful for a pulpit when I have been unzipped.
Todd,
Thank you for the clairification on how you see the termonology. I have heard the term Pulput in the Lutheran Church, but in the LDS Church I have heard the term Podium used but most often people call it the stand (also refering to the place behind the Pulput/Podium/Stand (Whatever that thing is called that people stand at and give their talks) There is usually seating there for whoever is conducting the meeting, the people to give talks, and anyone else who for one reason or another wishes (and is invited) to sit there.
-D
***Off topic warning***
The unzipped comment reminded me of something.
someware in Isiah 6:5 “Woe is me! for I am undone…”
*** ***
A joke, but nonetheless, D . . .
Everybody this week needs to read Isaiah 6, and then they need to read John 12.
This will prepare you for this next Sunday’s message in Ammon, Idaho.