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Chapter 2: Symbols. Doorways to the Sacred. Communicating Through Symbols. Symbols are observable, physical realities that represent invisible qualities or elements. Symbol comes from the Greek word symballein , which means “to throw together.”
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Chapter 2: Symbols Doorways to the Sacred
Communicating Through Symbols • Symbols are observable, physical realities that represent invisible qualities or elements. • Symbol comes from the Greek word symballein, which means “to throw together.” • To think symbolically means to take something tangible (something that we can perceive with our senses), like fire, and throw it together with something that has no material, physical form—like an emotion or a concept or an idea. • Smells can be symbols (burning sulfer— idea of hell)
Creating “Meaning Pictures” • Symbols help us to see beyond the surface of things… • To search for deeper significance and levels of meaning in things • To take a “second look” • Symbols are “meaning pictures” that serve as doorways to the sacred. • When we look at some physical objects like fire, a rock, a river, or a cat and say, “There’s more to this than meets the eye,” then we are starting to see the object as a symbol.
Simple Signs and Symbolic Signs • The words sign and symbol are often used interchangeably, a practice that confuses the precise meaning for both. • A few distinctions between symbols and signs will help us arrive at the rich appreciation of symbols needed for seeing how symbols relate to sacraments.
What Makes A Sign A Sign? • Sign, as a general term, refers to any object that represents something else. • There are symbolic signs and signs that are less symbolic, or only have one meaning. • Simple, non-symbolic signs are objects that only have one meaning.
What Makes a Symbol a Symbol? Three Main Characteristics of a Symbol • Symbols have more than one meaning • Symbolic signs are much richer types of signs than simple signs. • Symbolizing a rock, a river, fire, a cat—different meanings • What symbols stand for is connected to what they are • We do not impose meanings on symbols. Rather, we discover meanings in symbols. • To be precise, what we discover is a vital connection between the visible object and the invisible reality it represents. • Symbols evoke more than one kind of response from us • Symbols speak to us is a more powerful and personal way than do other, simpler signs. • Symbols can touch us on many levels and dimensions (that is, from our mind, body, emotions, memories, senses and spirit). • Symbols spark a deep response, touch our heart as well as our head.
Different Kinds of Symbols • Cultural symbols—closely dependant on a specific situation, place, or group. • Outside of that situation, a cultural symbol loses or changes it meaning. • Universal symbols—symbols that are clearly recognized throughout the world. • Unlike cultural symbols in that they are not tied to a specific situation, group, or place. • They can be understood by people of many different cultures.
Symbols of the Catholic Church • Alpha and OmegaAnchor Christian SymbolAngelsAnkhApple Christian SymbolArk of the CovenantAshes and Ash WednesdayAureole Christian SymbolBanner Christian SymbolBells Catholic SymbolsBooksBread And WineBurning BushButterfly Christian SymbolCandlesCedar of LebanonCross Christian SymbolChalice Christian SymbolChristian FlagCircle Christian SymbolCoins Christian SymbolCrownCrown of ThornsCrucifix and Crucifixion • Eye Christian SymbolFish Christian SymbolFleur-De-Lis Christian SymbolFlowers as Christian SymbolsGate Christian SymbolGoat Christian SymbolHalo Christian SymbolHarp Christian SymbolHeart Christian SymbolIchthus Christian SymbolIHS Christian SymbolINRI Christian SymbolKeys Christian SymbolKiss Christian SymbolLamb Christian SymbolNoah's ArkMeaning of NumbersOlive BranchPalm Catholic SymbolsPearls Christian SymbolPlants and Trees Christian SymbolsRainbowRelics as Christian SymbolsRockScales Catholic SymbolsStars as Christian SymbolsSymbolism of ColorsSymbolism of Precious StonesTower Catholic Symbols
Literal Thinking vs. Symbolic Thinking • Involves considering something only at face value. • Just being concerned with the “facts.” • Reduces all of life to just the observable, measurable things. • Closes the door to the possibility of there being a deeper significance to something • “That’s all there is.” • Sees things in relationship to all other things. • Has meanings at many levels. • Helps us discover the many meanings that the things of our world can have. • It is a skill necessary for celebrating sacraments. • “There’s more here than meets the eye.”
Symbols and Sacraments: The Language of Faith • As powerful conveyors of meaning, symbols are well suited for communicating experiences of faith. • Jesus’ use of symbols in his preaching testifies to the appropriateness of symbols as the language of faith. • In the story of the prodigal son, Jesus described God as a forgiving father who rushes out to greet his wayward son. • Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd • Jesus likened God’s Kingdom to the lowly mustard seed that becomes a tree, a wedding feast, etc.
Symbols and Sacraments: The Language of Faith • The Church throughout its history has built upon and added symbols present in the Scripture. • Walk into any Church building and you will be surrounded by symbols: • The crucifix • The assembly of people at Mass • Candles • Altar • Tabernacle • Holy water
Sacraments as Symbols • The most important symbols of the Catholic Church are the seven sacraments. Contain both symbols that are: • Universal • Part of the Christian tradition • When the experiences we are trying to describe are our experiences of God’s presence, then symbolic thinking becomes sacramental awareness and our symbols may become sacraments for us. • Sacraments are symbols of God’s grace.
