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A functional analysis of Christian symbols across time

Visual symbols of Christianity are the topic of this research. An analysis of the function, form, and meaning of a selected group of visual symbols was conducted for three periods of Christian history: Early, Medieval and Contemporary The hypothesis being tested is that the meanings and forms of the symbols have remained relatively unchanged through time, while the function of visual symbols during each of. these periods was determined by the cultural milieu. The data was collected from three sources: (1) the archaeological record for the Early period; (2) existing documentary records for the Medieval period, and (3) from interviews with contemporary clergy.This study has clearly demonstrated that through time the cultural milieu has determined the function of the symbols and the position of the church in society, but it has had little or no affect on their form and meaning. It has also demonstrated that the previous cultural milieu affects the coming cultural milieu.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/182400
Date January 1981
CreatorsBill, Emme Elizabeth
ContributorsGlenn, Elizabeth J.
Source SetsBall State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Formatvi, 84 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
SourceVirtual Press

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