“The-Lord-Is-My-Banner.” (Ex. 17:15, NKJV)
In concluding our examination of the manifestation of the spirit of perversity in the contemporary church, we extensively pointed out in the previous teachings that the tradition of the church building is clearly not above suspicion, and that it has no basis in the New Testament. Following from this we should perhaps look at a few aspects of the typical “holy” space of the church building.
Almost all churches and cathedrals throughout the ages, including our contemporary churches, are built according to the pattern of the Greek pagan temples and Roman basilica/government or magistrates buildings (Michael L. White: Building God’s House in the Roman World). Constantine designed the Christian basilica so that people could sit passively whilst being entertained or listening to a speech (Michael Gough: The Early Christians). According to Gough the basilica was designed in such a way that the sun could fall on the speaker through the roof and/or windows of the building. This would bring about a clear association with sun worship, especially since the frontal facade always looked east (Josef A. Jungmann: The Early Liturgy).
Central to this basilica was an elevated section, like a little stage or platform, from which the speaker or minister functioned. This section was often separated from the rest of the basilica by balustrades, so that a particular space was demarcated for the clergy, one to which the laity did not have any access to (Harold W. Turner: From Temple to Meeting House). This reminds one a lot of the consistory found in today’s churches.
The altar had a central place in the building, the most “holy” space, especially perhaps because some or other relic (the bones or objects of martyrs/apostles/saints) were buried there. (The presence of a relic in a church has, since the fifth century, legitimised a church as “holy”, according to Kenneth Scott Latourette’s A History of Christianity). The altar also held the communion objects – the bread and pitcher, that were both considered holy. In front of the altar was the chair of the bishop, the pulpit, from which was preached. (The well-known Latin term ex cathedra stems from this, and means “of the throne”.) This decorative “throne” was akin to the Roman judge’s chair, with a similar level of authority and power attached to it (Michael L. White: Protestant Worship and Church Architecture). It was surrounded by two rows of benches/chairs that were reserved for the elders and/or deacons (Gregory Dix: The Shape of the Liturgy).
The unmistakable pattern of the liturgical spaces of our contemporary churches is clearly based on this. With the passing of time the pulpit has gained a banner, often expressing the words THUS SPEAKS THE LORD! Above you will find an image of the pulpit banner of the Reformed Church Crocodile river in Soutpansdrift, in the Brits area. It draws from the traditional iconography of the Freemasons, and is perhaps one of the best indications of how pagan concepts still have unveiled prominence in the church today.
The Scripture about this is clear: “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” (Rev. 18:4).
- Selah: How can a church council defend the presence of the banner in the image?
- Read: Joshua 9-11
- Memorise: Joshua 10:13
- For a more in-depth understanding: Read any of the sources listed in the text.
