Preservation as Present - The Vatican and Custodial Traditions as Stewardship of Memory for God
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This paper argues that the Vatican’s collections of art, manuscripts, and sacred objects—together with parallel custodial traditions in Coptic, Orthodox, and monastic contexts—must be understood not as hoarded wealth but as intentional stewardship: a ritualized “present to God” preserved across centuries. Drawing on scriptural motifs of remembrance (Ex 12:14; Ps 78:4; Luke 22:19; John 17:10), historical practices of guardianship, and theological reflection, the study reframes preservation as an act of love enacted intergenerationally. The thesis advanced is that these custodial traditions serve to protect fragile memory against destruction so that it can be restored, reinterpreted, and re-loved in the present. Contemporary implications are explored, including art restoration, digital conservation, and interfaith collaboration, envisioning a future in which all religions help restore one another’s sacred archives rather than destroy them. Preservation is here interpreted as offering, stewardship, and love — a gift carried forward for God and for humanity.
Author: MacLean, Ryan
Language: English
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7083306770
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