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Within Catholicism and Protestant Christianity, Christian symbolism has a historic past.
Most churches around the globe utilize some form of Christian symbolism, although others refrain from symbols, largely influenced by the past Puritan movement.
Regardless of the opinion of the believer, it is important to note that Christian symbolism has a distinct past, one that has shaped Christianity from the beginning of the faith.
The Christian fish, often seen on vehicles or in houses, is one of the symbols with historic importance to the faith. The earliest Christians often used the fish to distinguish themselves (in private) from their pagan neighbors. Archaeologists continue to find fish symbols on marked graves of early Christians, showing the importance of the symbol.
The Greek words for “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior” form an acronym that spells the Greek word for “fish” (ἰχθύς, ichthys), which became an early Christian symbol. The fish was a secret sign in the early Church, one that was often carved into monuments.
Another important symbol was the hand. The hand of God always represented God the Father. Some theologians argue that it is the oldest symbol of Christianity. It derived from such verses as, “Thy right hand hath holden me.” The hand symbolized power, possession, and protection under God.
Similarly, the concept of the Trinity was popularized in figures such as a triangle and trefoul (trefoil).
Of course, the cross remains today one of the most powerful symbols in Christianity. Interestingly, it existed before Christianity, tied to the Roman Empire. It was the Emperor Constantine who popularized the use of the cross within the faith. Soon after, churches and cemeteries were largely decorated with crosses.
Several forms of the cross exist, from the standard Latin cross to the Celtic, St. Andrew’s, Greek, and others. From early Christian writings, we know that figures such as Antony (c. 300 AD) not only used the cross but also encouraged and made the sign of the cross as part of their spiritual livelihood.
Rest assured, faith is all that is required for salvation in Christ. This, however, does not negate the fact that Christianity has a rich history connected to symbols. Being a continuation of the Jewish faith, it is important to note that symbols were embraced in Judaism too, from the decorations ordered and commanded by God in the tabernacle and on the Ark of the Covenant.
While our salvation is rooted in faith alone, the history of Christian symbolism reminds us of the spiritual depth and continuity of God’s people across the ages. By the 15th century, most people in Europe were illiterate, and symbols, particularly in churches, often served as a primary form of communication and instruction within the Christian faith.