In 2001, the World Christian Encyclopedia counted 33,830 different Christian denominations ("Adherents.com." World Christian Encyclopedia). This means that there are millions of people around the world who believe in God, but have different beliefs on how to live life and worship. Christianity is one of the most popular religions in the world. Although many Christians have different interpretations of the word of God and how we should be going about our lives, we are all united in the sense that we look up to our saviour. Christians have a theocentric worldview. This means that we live our lives to connect with God. Our worlds are God-centered.

     There are six traits that are common in all religions; and the two that express Christianity as a religion are the sacred symbols and rituals, and the sacred stories of creation, and Jesus’ life and lessons through his followers’ eyes.  

      One of the most important symbols in Christianity is the Holy Trinity. Usually represented by a triangle (hence “trinity”), it symbolizes Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. Brace yourselves for this next part; it takes some time for even Christians to understand this next part. Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit are all one person. You’re probably asking, “How?”. I couldn’t tell you myself. My faith has just accepted it, with no explanation needed.

     More important than the Holy Trinity is the symbol of the cross. It symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection, as most people know that He died on a cross. Christians display crosses everywhere; it is on the rosary (a necklace accompanied by prayers), on silver and gold necklaces, and they are hung up all around churches, and catholic schools. The cross with the figure of Jesus on it symbolizes His sacrifice.

     Have you ever seen a car drive by with a little metal fish outline on the bumper? This simple fish outline is another extremely important Christian symbol, which was created as far back as the first century. Here is a nice history lesson. Back then, Christianity (although not referred to as Christianity back then) was illegal. If the Romans found out you were Christian, you would be persecuted. So, Christians came up with a symbol to see if the other person was also a Christian. Since Jesus’ followers were called “Fishers of men”, the fish was chosen as the symbol. One person would draw one half of the fish; and of the other person drew the other half, they would both know they could freely talk about their religion. To this day, the fish is a large part of the Christian religion.

     Fire represents the Holy Spirit and the light of Christ leading our ways. Not large forest fires, but simple lit candles represent the Spirit perfectly. This symbol comes directly from the Bible; an example would be the Holy Spirit coming in tongues of fire at Pentecost.

    Similar to the Holy Trinity, this next symbol is hard for even Christians to understand. At Jesus’ last supper, he broke bread and served wine. He told his followers that the two were his body and blood. Today, the Church teaches that the bread and wine we receive during church are his REAL body and blood. There has been a lot of controversy over this theory, but as a Christian, our faith allows us to know and believe this is true.

     This next symbol is a combination of an important ritual and symbol of Christianity. Water, which the main part of Baptism, is a sign of cleansing and renewal. When we are Baptized, we are dipped in water and cleansed of all sins. Baptism usually happens sometime after birth, but can virtually be done at any age. 

     Another important ritual includes reconciliation; it is the first time we confess our sins and clear the slate with God by asking for forgiveness. After reconciliation comes the Eucharist; the first time we accept the body (bread) of Christ. This depends our connection with Christ. And lastly, we have confirmation. This ritual symbolizes our entrance into the Christian community as adults. The Holy Spirit enters us, as we become fully accepted Christians. 

     As you can see, there are tons of sacred symbols and rituals that Christians recognize and practice. Not only are they important, but so are the sacred stories that we are taught. Sacred stories mainly come from the Bible, which holds the word of God. The Bible holds creation stories, such as how God built the world and took the 7th day off. One of the most known stories, the story of Adam and Eve is included in the Bible as well. There are also stories from much later in time, such as the stories of Jesus and his life, which are told through the eyes of his followers, also called disciples.

     As the blogger, I would like to share that I myself have a theocentric worldview. My religion is Christianity, so my faith allows me to understand and accept everything written in this blog.