How to Read a Church

Take note that the word ‘church’ in the title of this book refers to the church building and cathedral rather than to the people.  It is a guide to images, symbols and meanings to be found in them and in church art also.  We do not realize that these buildings were originally designed and constructed in order to be ‘read’ and they are filled with rich meanings in the way they are laid out, positioned and embellished with sculptures and art.  For anybody wanting to know more about what can be seen in a tour of a church or cathedral this book will be a real aid.  Chapters that deal with the furniture to be found in them, the crosses and crucifixes, Christian art, the use of animals, birds and fish, plants, letters and words and how to read the garments of a priest are varied as to their interest and perhaps this is a book to have on the shelf and to pull down from time to time and certainly to take with you if you go on a tour that might take in the odd visit to a village church or city cathedral.  There is richness and depth to virtually every detail incorporated in the way a church is structured and decorated.  Language can be limited in conveying meaning and sometimes this can be transcended by the use of symbol.  Here is a taster of the contents of this book, the spire points heavenwards, carvings around the entrance announce the holiness of the space inside, the aisle draws you to the altar, the heart of everything where God is to be met with, it represents the gangway of a ship, (hence the use of the word ‘nave’).  There are numbers, colors, animals and plants in the stonework and the scenes in the stained glass all point to aspects of Christian teaching.  I doubt that you would remember all the detail mentioned here, but it will help to allay the disinterest that might be present as you view one of these old church buildings.