1. The central religious symbols.

2. The religious meaning of these symbols.

3. The way symbolism provides distinctiveness to a religion.

4. The contribution of symbolism to religious art, music and written expression.

The crossCentral symbol of Christianity is the principle symbol by which ChristianityOne of the major monotheistic religions of the world is now recognised. It reflects the central belief of the sacrificeGiving on behalf of to the betterment of others and death of Jesus of NazarethGenerally used to depict the historical Jesus rather than the Jesus of faith. Over time, the cross has been altered by different denominationsDifferent groups within one religion to reflect their own traditions. However, it is likely that the earliest Christian symbol (dating from the 2nd century CE) was in fact, the fish, derived from the acrostic ICTHUS in GreekLingu Franca of the ancient near east meaning 'Jesus ChristHonorific title for Jesus with messianic overtones, Son of GodTitle use of Jesus to demonstrate his divinity, Saviour'.

In a time when literacy was limited it was inevitable that symbolism in art and architecture would develop in order to convey depth and meaning to religious stories. The writers of the GospelsThe first four books of the New Testament themselves became symbolic characters represented in churches St LukeThe third of the evangelists or Gospel writers as an ox, St MarkThe first written and shortest of the four Gospels a lion, St MatthewThe first book of the New Testament although commonly thought not to be the first written a man, St JohnThe fourth of the evangelists or Gospel writers an eagle. Architecture of churches and cathedrals developed symbolic structure, such as the spireThe pointed architectural feature of a church representing a finger pointing heavenward, the footprint of the cathedral based on the cross and the altar a place of sacrifice as well as a table for eating the Lord's mealReferring to the Eucharist, Mass or Lord's Supper. Symbolism permeates all aspects of religious life, from words and phrases through to buildings. Even clothing worn by clergyWord used to describe ordained members of the Christian church, the materials used in making vestmentsClergy garments and chalices, altar cloths and stained glass windowsOften have stories on them from the Bible, as well as symbols, saints and secular figures of note are enhanced by the symbolic themes accorded them.

Symbolism enables both Christians and the secularWithout reference to the sacred world to recognise the presence of Christianity in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Whether this is by an individual who chooses to wear a cross around his or her neck, a fish placed on the boot of the car, the dominant symbolic presence of a parish church or the distinctive clothing of the clergy, all these things aid the easy identification of a Christian presence.

Other symbols are visible through literature. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings and CS Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and Wardrobe are explicit in their use of symbolism to convey the Christian message of salvation. Many other writers, such as Evelyn WaughImportant novelist of the 20th century influenced by Roman Catholicism, use implicit symbolism. This is a common pattern in all areas of art, music and literature. Study of the nature of symbolism enables the reader to gain new insights into the Christian faith.

Websites

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ritesrituals/worshi... - an over-view of symbols in Christianity.

http://www.request.org.uk/main/dowhat/symbols/symbols01.htm - REquest site for nice visual aids of Christian symbolism.

Bibliography

Child, M., 1998. Church Architecture: A Glossary of Terms (Discovering). s.l.: Shire Publications Ltd.

Christian Symbols. Dover: Dover Electronic Clip Art. CDRom.

Taylor, R., 2003. How to Read a Church: A Guide to Images, Symbols and Meanings in Churches and Cathedrals. s.l.: Rider.

Thompson, J., 1996. The Christian Faith and Its Symbols. London: Hodder Arnold.

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