Pagan Symbols in Christianity 1: Sphere and the Cross

Where are Pagan Symbols?

Henry IV 
Holy Roman Emperor

Fist of all, we must identify that the pagan religions are not monotheistic. And it makes this belief have large amount of separate designs and sources which accessed and used by early Christians to diversify or creat their own stories as well. Signs of paganism in Christianity may be seen on the walls and windows of churches, temples, cathedrals and baptisteries (i.e Florence Baptistery, Monreale Cathedral). Most common sign is a drawing about a man who holds a sphere in his hand. As an example of this type of works, drawing of Henry IV who was named as ‘King of the Romans’ and the ‘Holy Roman Emperor’ can be given.

Sphere and the Cross

Henry IV 

Holy Roman Emperor

Henry IV 
by Jan Van Bijlert

The sphere defines whole Christian world and holding it in the hand is a way of saying that “I am the leader of Christian world.” Generally, a cross is set on the sphere. The cross is one of the pagan symbols but takes place in Christianity as well. Some authorities like Catholic Encyclopedia admit this truth about the cross. According to them, cross is originally non-Cristian symbol and relevant to the nature and pagan rites. It would seem that the purpose of using cross as a symbol of early Christianity was to make pagans come to the Christianity and help them to get used to it in easier way than it had been before. Go Post 2, Post 3