Tell me more ×
Christianity Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 6 down vote favorite

Today the cross is the primary icon of Christianity, but I'm aware of a few others, such as the Ichthys. What symbols have represented the faith through the centuries?

share|improve this question
6  
seems rather listy. maybe ask the meaning behind the symbol? – DForck42 Aug 30 '11 at 18:19
@DForck42 Listy, but possibly useful, for identifying brothers. – C. Ross Aug 30 '11 at 18:25
maybe, but i can think of jsut a few off the top of my head. the other question is, are you asking for symbols that generally represent christianity, or would symbols that represent a specific religion also work? because a rosary is a strong catholic symbol, but it's not a general symbol of christianity. – DForck42 Aug 30 '11 at 18:31
2  
I think this may not be the best place to ask questions like this: "Your questions should be reasonably scoped. If you can imagine an entire book that answers your question, you’re asking too much." – Nathan Wheeler Aug 30 '11 at 19:07

closed as not constructive by Nathan Wheeler, Cryst, Flimzy, dancek, warren Aug 30 '11 at 21:15

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or specific expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, see the FAQ for guidance.

1 Answer

up vote 1 down vote

An anchor was used by the early christians as a symbol of faith. "as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm" (Hebrews 6:19-20). There are several variations some of them can be seen in jesuswalk.com

Another very famous symbol is the chi and rho. Which was used by emperor Constantine as a heavenly divine symbol (coeleste signum dei) on the shields of his soldiers defeating Maxentius in the Battle of Milvian Bridge. For a depiction look at this brief article of Rochester University. The chi and rho are also believed to be reference to the first letters of the word Christ.

Another beatiful symbol is the lamb of god, which makes reference to the imagery of the book of revelation. The meaning of this symbol is explained by John the Baptist himself. "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" in John 1:29. I think the most beautiful of this depictions can be seen in the wikipedia

This list does not pretend to be exhaustive.

share|improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.