24
votes
Accepted
Why does this Greek Orthodox monastery in Israel fly the English flag?
The red cross on a white background is the Cross of St George. St George is the patron saint of England and his flag is the flag of England.
(The Union Flag, which many outside the British Isles may ...
- 7,852
20
votes
Accepted
Biblical significance of the gifts given to Jesus
Biblical References to Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh:
Gold is a highly valued commodity – not just for its beauty and use in jewellery and decorations, but also for its status. The Bible describes the ...
- 26.8k
13
votes
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What does the letters 'JHS' mean?
It's one of many shorthand names for "Jesus"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christogram
In the Latin-speaking Christianity of medieval Western Europe (and so among Catholics and many ...
- 246
11
votes
How did the four living creatures become associated with the Gospel writers?
This connection was made by fathers as early as Irenaeus (d. 202). Here's a table showing the views of several fathers whose writings we have on this subject:
Lion Ox ...
- 42.3k
11
votes
Accepted
What is the biblical basis of the "goats are evil" trope?
The Overall Significance of Goats in the Bible
Goats in the Bible generally have a good significance. They were among the clean animals that could be eaten (see Leviticus 11; Deuteronomy 14:3-21), ...
- 8,513
10
votes
Accepted
What does the abbreviation "RNIO" mean in a painting of the Virgin and Child?
There seems to be two views on what the letters "RNIO" mean in the Carlos Crivelli painting. I only have one reference for the answer: Dr. Liliana Leopardi, an expert in Italian Renaissance art, ...
- 701
7
votes
Accepted
Why is the Ichthys symbol almost always facing left?
Why is the Ichthys symbol almost always facing left?
No theological or symbolic reason seems to available as an answer. But I suspect that it may have to do something with the simple direction of ...
- 67.6k
6
votes
What does this possibly Catholic symbol mean?
What does this possibly Catholic symbol mean?
I believe this to be a sort of pantheon of symbols of the Santería culture as practiced by certain individuals living in the Americas. It seems most ...
- 67.6k
6
votes
Accepted
When was the number of the beast, 666, first identified as referring to Emperor Nero?
The first time Nero is directly interpreted as 666 or 616 was in 1831.
The riddle seems to have been forgotten almost as soon as it was written and not solved until 1831 (when it first was ...
- 946
6
votes
Accepted
Prior to 1900 were there any depictions of Satan in Christian art as a woman/female?
Lucas Cranach the Elder (c.1472 – 16 October 1553), a German Renaissance painter and printmaker in woodcut and , made the following woodcut in 1523.It depicts Satan as half serpent and half woman!
...
6
votes
Meaning of cross with Jesus on both sides
A double-sided crucifix has the same religious significance as a single-sided one. It is an artistic device that enables the image of Jesus to been seen from two sides. This is particularly useful in ...
- 5,170
5
votes
Accepted
Is there a historical reason why the liturgical colour purple eventually replaced black to symbolize penance?
Is there a historical reason why the liturgical colour purple eventually replaced black to symbolize penance?
Having dived into this question for some time now, I would like to simply postulate a ...
- 67.6k
5
votes
Biblical significance of the gifts given to Jesus
I think there is more to the gifts than the symbolism of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Particularly within the Bible. Recently I was preaching on Isaiah 60, and verse 6 struck me:
Herds of camels ...
- 1,579
5
votes
Accepted
Could the intentional killing of civilians in primarily Christian Ukraine be included in symbolism within the book of Revelation?
Only time will tell. The ethnic and religious statistics are interesting. With regard to the religious element, it is worth noting that there are two distinct denominations that claim to be the "...
- 29.7k
5
votes
Is literary symbolism blasphemy?
Is literary symbolism blasphemy?
The short answer is no.
A Christ figure is a legitimate manner of expression, as long as the author makes no claim that the literary figure is indeed Christ in person, ...
- 67.6k
4
votes
Accepted
Why do Popes have seven candlesticks on the altar at Mass?
The seventh candle seems to be the jurisdiction candle.
The number of candles "at a pontifical high Mass, celebrated by the ordinary, seven candles are lighted. The seventh candle should be somewhat ...
- 67.6k
4
votes
Nuns wearing wedding bands?
Do all nuns wear these symbolic wedding bands? If not, is this practice limited to certain religious orders?
Rings may be worn by some members of female Catholic religious institutions or Religious ...
- 67.6k
4
votes
How did the cross come to be a symbol for Christianity?
Long before the cross was the staple of Christianity, Heraldic symbolism was used to help identify units on the battlefield. The two places in which the symbol of the cross featured most prominently ...
- 938
4
votes
When did the "upside down cross" become a symbol of anti-Christianity?
Eugène Vintras (1807–1875) may be the first to use the inverted cross in a distinctly anti-Christian way. He was a Gnostic revivalist operating in France during the middle of the 19th century. He ...
- 42.3k
4
votes
Accepted
Why is beating one's breast used to show sadness and guilt?
The basic idea is that of "smiting oneself." As Howard Marshall puts it, commenting on Luke 18:13:
The breast or heart is regarded as the seat of sin, and hence the act is one of grief or ...
- 4,322
4
votes
Accepted
Lutherans: Shells, baptism, why?
Faith Lutheran Church - Symbols and Meaning on Page 12
The Scallop Shell – (at six points around the edge of the
bowl). John is said to have baptized Jesus with water
from a scallop shell and it has ...
- 301
4
votes
What does the letters 'JHS' mean?
Jesus Hominum Salvator (Latin: Jesus Savior of Mankind) JHS.
this is the direct explanation to your picture. Merry Christmas!
- 41
4
votes
Accepted
Ancient imagery beasts used in Christian symbolisms?
In mythology gargoyles were believed to frighten away evil spirits. They are often used to guard cathedrals or castles. Sometimes they are depicted as vessels for demonic possession. Of course, ...
- 29.7k
3
votes
According to the LDS church, why was Jesus Christ born when he was born?
To my knowledge there is not a clear answer to this question in standard LDS church doctrine. It is likely that many church leaders over the years have given their opinion on the matter but whether ...
- 472
3
votes
Why are there Sibyls and Prophetesses in the Sistine Chapel?
Why are there Sybils and Prophetesses in the Sistine Chapel?
For a short answer: They were the ancient pagan prophetesses of old who predicted the coming of Jesus into the world.
A Sibyl was an ...
- 67.6k
3
votes
Why is the interlocking-squares (gammadia) a symbol of the Melchizedek Priesthood?
Why is the square a symbol of the Melchizedek Priesthood?
Short answer is because it's on the altar cloth with Melchizedek on the mosaic. I've been unable to find any ancient reference to the eight ...
- 8,697
3
votes
Prior to 1900 were there any depictions of Satan in Christian art as a woman/female?
I'm a high school art teacher with a particular interest in a similar question that may shed some light on yours. I've been researching the development of the image of satan in early, medieval, and ...
- 39
3
votes
Accepted
Chimera Image on my leather jacket?
The Chimera is of pagan origins, but the interpretation as to what it may symbolize in a Christian perspective is an open question.
The mythological Chimera is a terrifying creature that features a ...
- 67.6k
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