1. Week 6 – Christian symbols
The Nature of Belief – unit 5.2

2. This week’s work
Understanding Christian symbols
How helpful are they?

3. Defining terms
A symbol is something quite ordinary that takes on a special meaning or significance, in this case for believers.
Symbols convey a deep spiritual truth.

4. The Cross The most important symbol for Christians.
Many different designs
Some without the figure of Jesus, some with
Reminds believers that Jesus died for us, giving us eternal life.

6. The Chi-Rho An old Christian symbol
Taken from the first 2 Greek letters of the word “Christ”

7. The Fish One of the earliest Christian symbols
Pre dates the cross – which was a Roman method of torture + death – many early Christians would die on a cross
Used as a secret sign so Christians could identify each other
The Greek word for fish – spelt out [acronym] for Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Saviour.

9. Alpha + Omega The first + last letters of the Greek alphabet
Jesus is the beginning and the end of all things

11. What symbols can you see here?

12. Think about it … “Symbols help us to express the inexpressible.”
“The cross is an important Christian symbol, wearing one is not a fashion statement but a sign of belonging to Christ.”