Symbols of ChurchAn overview

Church or Christianity?Often the symbols for Church and Christianity are one and the same especially in the earlier centuries. It is in the later centuries, after the Reformation, that symbols for Catholic Church and Protestant Church start to differ more because often the symbol was used to differentiate one branch of Christianity from another. In more modern times there are often distinct similarities between the Catholic and the Protestant Church use of symbol with the symbols at times referring to Christian belief as a whole.If you had to think of a symbol for Church what would you think of? Why did you select that symbol?

Early symbols of Church The fish Christian symbols of two fish and what appears to be a trident, which was probably a disguise for the cross symbol, which might identify the person as a Christian and subject the family to persecution . The shipThe ship (bark or barque, barchetta) was an ancient Christian symbol. It is the Church tossed on the sea of disbelief, worldliness, and persecution but finally reaching safe harbor with its cargo of human souls. Part of the imagery comes from the ark saving Noah's family during the Flood (1 Peter 3:20-21), Jesus protecting the Peter's boat and the apostles on the stormy Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41). It was also a great symbol during times when Christians needed to disguise the cross, since the ships mast often forms a cross in many of its depictions.

Matthew: 16: 17 -19 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Simon Peter, son of Jonas: Peter was martyred on the cross. Peter requested that he might be crucified head downward for he was not worthy to die as his Lord had died. His apostolic symbol is a cross upside down with crossed keys. The keys represent Peter as holder of the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.

Early symbols of Church Fish and basket Tabcha, or Ein Sheva, is a site on the north-west shore of the Sea of Galilee. In this site there is the Church of the first feeding of the Multitude, with beautiful mosaics of an old church, including the two fish and basket - the symbols of the miracle.Matthew 15: 36Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.

The Chi Rho is one of the earliest cruciform symbols used by Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two letters of the word "Christ" in Greek, chi = ch and rho = r. ( in hoc signo vinces Emperor Constantine)One example of another style of cross, the celtic cross is on top of Holy Family Church, in Port Hudson, Missouri. This rural parish is in Franklin County and is about 71 highway miles west of downtown Saint Louis in USA The Cross as symbolJohn 19: 19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

The seal of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a symbolic statement of the church's heritage, identity and mission in contemporary form. Its power depends on both its simplicity and complexity, as well as its traditional and enduring qualities. The basic symbols in the seal are the cross, Scripture, the dove, and flames. The dominant structural and theological element in the design is the cross -- the universal and most ecumenical symbol of the Christian church. The cross represents the incarnate love of God in Jesus Christ, and his passion and resurrection. Because of its association with Presbyterian history, the Celtic cross was chosen as a model for this contemporary rendering of the ancient symbol.Other Christian Churches and their symbolsScripture (open book)Dove

The Windows at Christ LutheranLas Vegas, Nevada

Christ Lutheran Church Symbol The cross, central to our faith, is also centred in our symbol. The cross, blue in colour, reminds us of our hope in Jesus Christ. The green cross extends beyond the diameter of the outside cross reminding us of our growth through faith that must extend beyond ourselves out into the world. The leaves in each of the four corners surrounding the cross are interlocking to represent the Trinity. These green leaves are bursting forth with new life through Christ.Baptism Window This window is full of symbols of Baptism like the Shell, the Ascending Spirit and the Water. The window also includes symbols of the Church such as the Ship, the Fish and The Sun and Stars.

Stained Glass a symbol of ChurchThe Rose Window of the Cathedral in Chartres,FranceDetail of north rose window, with squares featuring Old Testament kings and Old Testament prophets. www.sacred-destinations.com/france/chartres

http://www.trinityumc.info/RoseWindow(big).htmThere are many symbols here

Hagia Sophia- look at the architecture- A Church building itself can symbolise church Byzantine Symbols

Byzantine symbols- icons and mosaicsWhat do you noticeaboutthe representationof Jesus?

Inside Hagia SophiaWhat does this interior suggest to you?link to Hagia Sophia site

A Church building itself can symbolise church Originally built by the mother of Emperor Constantine in 330 A.D., the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem commemorates the hill of crucifixion and the tomb of Christ's burial. http://www.bibleplaces.com/holysepulcher.htm

Cologne CathedralSagrada FamiliaCathedralBarcelonaA Church building itself can symbolise church

More questions for youThere have been many symbols for Church throughout history What symbols can you draw for each of these?The symbol of a community fearing persecutionThe symbol of power given in the scripturesThe symbol of a pilgrim making a journey of penanceThe symbol of the Church triumphant reaching towards the heavens?5. Are Catholic and other Christian Church symbols similar? Provide three examples to illustrate your answer.

What else can be a symbol for Church?

Decide on two other symbols , which for you represent church.

Terrace Chapel VisitList 5 symbols you see in the chapel ( these can be symbols for the Eucharist or for the Passion of Jesus or.) Explain each of these symbols and what it represents.Is there a symbol which represents CHURCH for you in the Chapel? Explain your response to this.http://www.terrace.qld.edu.au/ministry/liturgies.htm