A Biblical Quiz On Symbolism And Worship

1. God himself appointed many symbols in worship, especially in the Old Testament.

True

False

In the Old Testament, God appointed various symbols for worship. These symbols served as a way for people to connect with and worship God. Examples of these symbols include the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and the various sacrifices and offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law. These symbols were not merely human inventions, but were specifically chosen and ordained by God Himself to facilitate worship and convey spiritual truths. Therefore, the statement that God Himself appointed many symbols in worship, especially in the Old Testament, is true.

Explanation

In the Old Testament, God appointed various symbols for worship. These symbols served as a way for people to connect with and worship God. Examples of these symbols include the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and the various sacrifices and offerings prescribed in the Mosaic Law. These symbols were not merely human inventions, but were specifically chosen and ordained by God Himself to facilitate worship and convey spiritual truths. Therefore, the statement that God Himself appointed many symbols in worship, especially in the Old Testament, is true.

2. The name IXTHYS (Ichthus) means "fish." But it is also an acronym for what phrase?

My Father Can Beat Your Father in Dominoes Any Day

I Can't Think You Silly

Fishy Smells As Fishy Does

Jesus Christ God's Son Savior

The name IXTHYS (Ichthus) is derived from the Greek word for "fish." However, it is also an acronym for the phrase "Jesus Christ God's Son Savior." This acronym is significant in Christian symbolism as it represents the core beliefs of Christianity and the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

Explanation

The name IXTHYS (Ichthus) is derived from the Greek word for "fish." However, it is also an acronym for the phrase "Jesus Christ God's Son Savior." This acronym is significant in Christian symbolism as it represents the core beliefs of Christianity and the identity of Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity.

3. Jesus apparently wore a Jewish prayer shawl, with tzitzit attached to the corners. He also prayed humanly-composed memorized prayers in the synagogue, using the traditional Jewish posture for prayer.

True

False

The explanation for the given correct answer is that there is historical evidence and biblical references which suggest that Jesus adhered to Jewish customs and traditions. Wearing a Jewish prayer shawl with tzitzit attached to the corners and praying in the synagogue using traditional Jewish posture aligns with the practices of Judaism during that time. Therefore, it can be concluded that the statement is true.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer is that there is historical evidence and biblical references which suggest that Jesus adhered to Jewish customs and traditions. Wearing a Jewish prayer shawl with tzitzit attached to the corners and praying in the synagogue using traditional Jewish posture aligns with the practices of Judaism during that time. Therefore, it can be concluded that the statement is true.

4. The water of baptism more than just symbolizes a spiritual reality; it serves as a metaphor. Likewise, of the bread and wine, Jesus did not say, "Act like this is my body and blood," but he said, "this IS my body and blood." There is something deeper than mere symbolism in these acts.

True

False

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the statement is affirming the idea that the water of baptism and the bread and wine in communion hold a deeper meaning than just symbolism. The statement emphasizes that these acts are not just representations or gestures, but rather they are believed to actually embody or contain the spiritual reality they symbolize.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the statement is affirming the idea that the water of baptism and the bread and wine in communion hold a deeper meaning than just symbolism. The statement emphasizes that these acts are not just representations or gestures, but rather they are believed to actually embody or contain the spiritual reality they symbolize.

5. The practice of abbreviating the name of God goes back to Old Testament scribes who wanted to avoid taking the name of G_d in vain when they wrote it. So they would leave the vowel points off of The Name.

True

False

The explanation for the given correct answer is that in the Old Testament, scribes would abbreviate the name of God by leaving out the vowel points in order to avoid taking the name of God in vain when they wrote it. This practice was done as a way of showing reverence and respect for the name of God.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer is that in the Old Testament, scribes would abbreviate the name of God by leaving out the vowel points in order to avoid taking the name of God in vain when they wrote it. This practice was done as a way of showing reverence and respect for the name of God.

6. The following are common symbols used in the Roman Catholic church: (choose as many as apply)

Prayer beads (the rosary)

The Host (leftover bread from Communion)

Crucifix (the body of Jesus on the cross)

Zildjian (crash, china, ride and hi hat)

Rainbow (universal salvation)

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Explanation

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7. What do I mean by "The Literalists," (which is also the inherent danger of using symbols in worship)?

The symbol is a window to heaven.

Literalists literally believe the Bible is inspired by God.

The Literalists take a literal position in biblical criticism, leading to higher criticism.

The symbol can end up replacing the thing that it represents.

The answer suggests that the inherent danger of using symbols in worship is that the symbol can end up replacing the thing it represents. This means that instead of focusing on the true meaning and essence of the thing being symbolized, people may become fixated on the symbol itself and lose sight of its intended purpose. This can lead to a shallow and superficial understanding of worship and spirituality.

Explanation

The answer suggests that the inherent danger of using symbols in worship is that the symbol can end up replacing the thing it represents. This means that instead of focusing on the true meaning and essence of the thing being symbolized, people may become fixated on the symbol itself and lose sight of its intended purpose. This can lead to a shallow and superficial understanding of worship and spirituality.

8. Secularists have taken the name of Christ out of the word Christmas because they wanted to remove the name of Jesus from being associated with His birthday. So when you see "Merry Xmas" that is a secular sign that Christians (Xians) should rightly oppose.

True

False

The explanation for the correct answer, which is False, is that the statement is not accurate. The term "Xmas" is not a secular sign or an attempt to remove the name of Jesus from Christmas. Instead, it is a common abbreviation that has been used for centuries, with the "X" representing the Greek letter "Chi," which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ. Therefore, "Xmas" is still a way to refer to Christmas and does not diminish the religious significance of the holiday.

Explanation

The explanation for the correct answer, which is False, is that the statement is not accurate. The term "Xmas" is not a secular sign or an attempt to remove the name of Jesus from Christmas. Instead, it is a common abbreviation that has been used for centuries, with the "X" representing the Greek letter "Chi," which is the first letter of the Greek word for Christ. Therefore, "Xmas" is still a way to refer to Christmas and does not diminish the religious significance of the holiday.

9. When Christians pray with their eyes turned upward in church, what are they looking at?

The bald spot on the head of the man in front of them, if they are short.

In an Orthodox church they see a Christ Pantocrator icon above them. In a Roman church, they are likely looking at a Crucifix. Either way, it is a symbol of Jesus.

The inside of their eyelids, if their eyes are not open.

Heaven, which is where their treasure lies.

Christians pray with their eyes turned upward in church because they are likely looking at a symbol of Jesus. In an Orthodox church, they see a Christ Pantocrator icon above them, while in a Roman church, they are likely looking at a Crucifix. These symbols represent Jesus and serve as a focal point for their prayers.

Explanation

Christians pray with their eyes turned upward in church because they are likely looking at a symbol of Jesus. In an Orthodox church, they see a Christ Pantocrator icon above them, while in a Roman church, they are likely looking at a Crucifix. These symbols represent Jesus and serve as a focal point for their prayers.

10. What do the letter IHS stand for? (sometimes JHC)

Jesus H. Christ

In His Service

I Am

Jesus

I Have Money

The letters IHS are often used as an abbreviation for "Jesus" in Christian symbolism. It is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus, "ΙΗΣΟΥΣ" (Iesous). The alternative acronym JHC is a variation of IHS, with the "J" representing "Jesus" and the "H" representing "Hesus," an alternate Latinized form of the name. This abbreviation is commonly seen in religious artwork, church decorations, and religious texts.

Explanation

The letters IHS are often used as an abbreviation for "Jesus" in Christian symbolism. It is derived from the first three letters of the Greek name for Jesus, "ΙΗΣΟΥΣ" (Iesous). The alternative acronym JHC is a variation of IHS, with the "J" representing "Jesus" and the "H" representing "Hesus," an alternate Latinized form of the name. This abbreviation is commonly seen in religious artwork, church decorations, and religious texts.

11. Prayer posture among Jews and early Christians commonly used these features:

Eyes open, looking upward

Arms extended outward with palms out and/or up

Prayer shawl around the shoulders (men) or over the head (women)

Head bowed, eyes closed, hands locked together

Standing up

Sitting down

The correct answer includes the features that were commonly used in the prayer posture among Jews and early Christians. These features include keeping the eyes open and looking upward, extending the arms outward with palms facing out and/or up, wearing a prayer shawl around the shoulders for men or over the head for women, and standing up during prayer.

Explanation

The correct answer includes the features that were commonly used in the prayer posture among Jews and early Christians. These features include keeping the eyes open and looking upward, extending the arms outward with palms facing out and/or up, wearing a prayer shawl around the shoulders for men or over the head for women, and standing up during prayer.

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12. Which of the following are some of the stations of the cross?

Grand Central

Veronica With the Towel

Jesus Falls the Second Time

Soldiers Cast Lots for His Robe

Simeon is Forced to Help Jesus Carry the Cross

Jesus says, "Ouch!"

Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem

The stations of the cross are a series of events that depict Jesus' journey to his crucifixion. Veronica With the Towel, Jesus Falls the Second Time, Soldiers Cast Lots for His Robe, Simeon is Forced to Help Jesus Carry the Cross, and Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem are all stations of the cross. These events are traditionally commemorated in Catholic and Christian churches during the season of Lent.

Explanation

The stations of the cross are a series of events that depict Jesus' journey to his crucifixion. Veronica With the Towel, Jesus Falls the Second Time, Soldiers Cast Lots for His Robe, Simeon is Forced to Help Jesus Carry the Cross, and Jesus Speaks to the Women of Jerusalem are all stations of the cross. These events are traditionally commemorated in Catholic and Christian churches during the season of Lent.

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