Christian symbols are seen throughout history in sanctuaries, books, hymnals, and even architecture. They’re a pivotal part of the faith. Yet, throughout the years, many of their histories and meanings have become muddy. Rediscover what each of the symbols means and why they’re so important with this excerpt from A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols below, starting with how different denominations use symbols.
Denominational Differences
Not every corner of Christendom uses symbolism. One need only leave an ornate Eastern Orthodox sanctuary, walk down the road, and enter a Baptist church to see opposite ends of the spectrum. The former may dazzle the eyes with an abundance of symbolism and opulent splendor, while the latter may be hard pressed to offer a simple cross somewhere on the premises. The visual difference is jarring. Between those extremes are a plethora of variations, loosely following denominational lines, with even more subtle differences inside each group.
The Debate on Symbols in Worship
The reason for this isn’t simply an appreciation for Christian symbolism or a lack thereof, but rather how artwork in general is viewed by each church body. The topic of art may seem benign enough, but it has been a viciously contended point throughout history and continues to be a source of contention. Grandiose terms like the “Iconoclastic Controversy,” for instance, belie the unfortunate shedding of blood among common citizens and clergy for the sake of the much simpler words “graven images.”
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth” (Exodus 20:4). This verse is always quoted by those who refrain from displaying nearly every visual thing in the sanctuary. Yet they ignore the verse’s larger context and fail to reconcile the numerous times in the Old Testament when the Lord commanded His people to fashion various likenesses, including, of all things, a snake on a pole.
The fact is that sacred art follows a parallel path with sacred music. That is, both can point us to the Word by underlining Scripture or illustrating it or repeating it. Christian symbolism takes things another step by condensing narratives and ideas into concise visuals. By pondering them, it is possible to reconstitute the richness of Scripture from a simple design.
Why Christian Symbolism Is Important
Alas, man is a stupid and forgetful creature. A common lament from earlier books on this subject is that we are prone to forget the meaning of symbols and would rather wallow in ignorance than attempt to correct the problem. We look at a dusty tome filled with symbols, inwardly declare that it is no longer relevant, and fail to recognize that its essence is as worthy of our attention now as when first wrought by our ecclesiastical forebears. This collection, therefore, is meant to edify and enrich; it is intended to remind us of the manifold blessings of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; it is meant to be, as it were, frontlets between our eyes.
Among the many subjects taught in seminaries, Christian symbolism is rarely one of them. There are too many other things we would rather have a pastor know. We cannot expect a pastor to be well versed in Christian symbolism if he was never given the chance to learn about it in the first place, yet great opportunities to catechize are lost if even the most fundamental basics of symbolism are ignored.
When Jesus Christ taught, He often used parables—easily-digestible stories filled with imagery—to convey realities in the kingdom of heaven. Mundane objects such as candles and coins and vines unveiled divine truths. In a similar manner, simple shapes and objects have been pressed into service to teach and remind parishioners of those things which we believe. A circle, for example, has come to mean eternity, and a triangle suggests the Holy Trinity. An image of a fish brings to mind Jesus Christ, and an animal’s feeding trough reminds us of His holy incarnation. Through the centuries, a collection of images expanded to the point that a sort of visual language emerged. Whole church sanctuaries could be visually broken down and not only explain the life of Christ but also emphasize doctrinal truths and point to related portions of Scripture. Symbols serve as visual shorthand and communicate lessons to the viewer.
A book, however, is a better teaching tool when someone of authority passes on its information. Pastors have both authority and opportunity. They can encourage artisans-in-residence and parishioners to simply observe church surroundings and take an active part in learning about the meaning behind the symbols that appear in the sanctuary.
Blog post excerpted from A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols © 2024 Edward Riojas, published by Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Scripture: ESV®.
For a book that is filled with Christian symbols and can teach you their history and significance, try A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols.
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