A Symbol - a silent speaker, or silenced speaker?

A symbol is a shape or sign used to represent something else.

           Richard Taylor, an Anglican parishioner, realised that much of the symbolism in the churches were foreign to many, and a silent language without reference points. He wrote a book called "How to Read a Church" in order to aid many in understanding the meaning in many of the symbols we find in a traditional Catholic or Anglican church. Naturally, the knowledge is waning due to lack of participation and lack of instruction. The most common reason for people not going to church is that they have no personal connection to this religious institution. They may have been baptised in their infancy, they may have gone through a confirmation, and perhaps had some other connections with the church on special days. Still, it is as institution they see as part of the landscape not something which is part of their lives. Will then a book about the symbols and their meaning help?

           His contribution in writing the book helps in an initial understanding some of the symbols for the ones who want to know. It does not intend to help people seek the church and be part of the fellowship. That is a much more fundamental issue, and it leads naturally to the question of how to reach out the the new generation with the message of the church: the message of salvation, a restored relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

          Every generation needs to hear and respond to this message.

          How will they hear, if no one speaks?

          Before the silent signals through symbols may have any meaning, the plainly spoken word, the preaching of the Word of God, must precede it. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God, and by the work of the Holy Spirit who works on the heart of the hearer. All of Scripture is inspired by God, and willed by God in its present form. God has revealed himself in history, and we have recorded testimonies, psalms, words of wisdom, we have interpreted history - and sayings from prophets and from other teachers in the New testament. We have the story of Jesus, the ultimate revelation of God's love for us. What He has done, is enough for me. I have a new life, an eternal life. And the life I now life, I live in dependence of God, by his power.

          When I see a symbol of the risen Christ, be it a Lamb with a pennant, or a cross, I am deeply reminded of a truth that is central to my life. For me such symbols have meaning, because I know them in the depth of my soul. The symbol speaks.

           It is an outcry, then, that for many the symbols are silenced and carry no reflections of truth, if this means they have no hope for eternity, no salvation from sin, no forgiveness from God, no loving Father in heaven to seek comfort with... even if they once were baptised in their infancy, or obeyed tradition in going through confirmation.