GroshLink

Andy Crouch raised the question of Air conditioning as cultural artifact. As Theresa and I reflected on the topic, we processed through our experience of the hot air rising in our City of Pittsburgh house.  We added a new electric line for a computer, but it also received an AC unit for the home office/guest room which at times became our bedroom before it served as the bedroom for the twins.  Later it took an AC unit in the dining room below, sometimes we were sweating so much in our bedroom (w/window fan and overhead fan) that we choose to sleep in the living room.  

I tend to look at such circumstances from the optimistic perspective of Being thankful for what we have.  No doubt this is linked to my desire to get close to the earth and go natural as much as possible.*  But in what era and in what form of architecture does one become close to the earth?  How does one establish oneself in a place such as North Eastern U.S., where even some of the Native Americans itinerated through the seasons instead of staying in one place throughout the year to take in all the weather, crops, and hunting as provided?  Would one consider nakedness and lack of buildings in the Garden of Eden the intended direction of creation? It does not appear to be what one finds in the new heavens and the new earth.  I have envisioned a Pilgrim's Progress like entry into the New Jerusalem, can I take a more 21st century vision which might include AC or will our bodies be able to take it all in?

P.S.  For all of our questions regarding AC, it's interesting to note that we never question the importance of heating our buildings except during the tough days of summer.  Praying for provision for the elderly and others with low cash in apartment buildings who can't get out to take advantage of the AC found in cafe's/restaurants, libraries, malls, movie theaters, and the like during the dog days of summer.  

*Tangent:  Is this to blame for some of my daytime fainting spells and/or night-time seizures since my radiation treatment?