Why is symbolism an important concept in religion?

Answer 1

Most symbols contained in scripture are there to represent an important doctrinal concept. The people of the old and new testaments understood plainly the meaning of these symbols, for most were associated with what they did in their daily lives. Like to Sower and the Vineyard also the oil in the lamps of the guests at the wedding. All were pointing to Christ and to Israel.

We ourselves live in a world of symbols, road signs are a good example. But only those who have a desire to understand will understand their meaning. The rich and the proud in biblical times did not and so rejected them or gave them up as being of no worth.

Symbols in scripture are there for us to understand their meaning and to apply that meaning in our lives. Though some have tried to rewrite the scriptures giving their own understanding of the symbols contained therein, many are in error.

Answer 2

Very earlyon Christians could not be open about their faith and used covert symbols to recognize one another. It's also kinda hard to show things of a spiritual nature other than symbolically.

Answer 3

Symbols serve multiple functions in a religious context:

1) They can serve to identify followers of the same beliefs (especially in places of heavy persecution, where they have to operate secretly)

2) They can act as reminders of important people/places in the history of religion

3) Even a simple symbol can be used to represent a complex idea, like the depictions of the crucifiction, the yin and yang, star of david... and so become a point of focus for thought, prayer and meditation.

Answer 4

symbol: 1. something used for or regarded as representing something else; amaterial object representing something, often something immaterial;emblem, token, or sign.

Thou shalt not make thee [any] graven image, [or] any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: - Deut. 5:8,9 KJV

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. - 1 John 5:21

Answer 5

The importance of the symbols such as cross is that the christians way of worshiping their God Jesus. For some christians such as orthodox cross is one way of intercession. phili 3:18, 1cor1:18,Gal 6:14

Answer 6

Religious symbols are important for the exact reason it sounds like.... because they are there to symolize your faith and your life! I hope ive helped! Love 2016127