Cross, point, or angel on steeple?

[Guest]

Does your church or temple have a cross, point, or angel on your place of worship's steeple (if there is a steeple)? And why do you think this is the case?

[_subgenius]

Does your chur church or temple have a cross, point, or angel on your place of worship's steeple (if there is a steeple)? And why do you think this is the case?

Given that churches had a prominent, and still do, presence in the built environment they have often served as necessary landmarks. The steeple is a quite elegant and simple means to orient one's self in an urban environment or otherwise. Additionally, the steeple having been an architectural derivative of the military tower or "lookout" has provided it a sensible architectural form that was eventually replaced with a traditional steeple roof. This physical marker that serves as a common "beacon" to the community that it gathers has an obvious cultural and spiritual identity - literally to the physical self, metaphorically to the spiritual self, and somewhere in-between to the contemplative self.
That being said, the use of an "identifier" at a steeple's pinnacle is inevitable....much like how modern civic "towers" will most often be seen with a clock upon it.

[_Albion]

I know why crosses are on Christian churches....not sure exactly what the spike on Mormon buildings represents ....perhaps the nails that held Jesus to the cross.... or perhaps for some purely esoteric design purpose. Cross or spike, they are good identifiers. While we are on the subject of identifiers perhaps some good Mormon can explain more fully than the common "they're purely for design" response given when asked why so many Mormon buildings, especially in Salt Lake, feature so many symbols that are associated with the occult.

[_son of Ishmael]

I know why crosses are on Christian churches....not sure exactly what the spike on Mormon buildings represents ....perhaps the nails that held Jesus to the cross.... or perhaps for some purely esoteric design purpose. Cross or spike, they are good identifiers. While we are on the subject of identifiers perhaps some good Mormon can explain more fully than the common "they're purely for design" response given when asked why so many Mormon buildings, especially in Salt Lake, feature so many symbols that are associated with the occult.

The features are not associated with the occult.....they are Masonic...better right?

[_LittleNipper]

I presently attend an Independent Bible Church in Hainesport, New Jersey. The main building once supported a very large eight-sided cupola surmounted by a large weathervane. It lasted some 50 years but eventually bit the dust. It's primary purpose was that of ventilation ---- in the days before air-conditioning....

[_Albion]

son of Ishmael, I'll bow to any superior knowledge of masonry you might have. I believe the markings are a mixture of masonic and occultic markings (window shapes, inverted pentagrams). When I have asked Mormons why they are there the usual answer is that they are purely for decoration. I can accept the possibility that the meaning of symbols can change over time that perhaps some on the Salt Lake temple were placed at a time when their meaning was different. but now there is a clear connection between these symbols and masonry/occultic practices, why are they still being used on newer temples, especially the temple in Nauvoo? At one time, I understand the swastika was an innocent symbol but with its use by the Nazis it has taken on a completely different meaning. Who in the right mind today, knowing that connection, would decorate their house with swastikas? Some years ago, I read the ultimate and official book on masonry (can't remember the title nor the well know name of the mason who wrote it but its sort of a handbook of masonry). What I do remember from the book is the statement that was to the effect that everything about the true purpose and meaning of masonry was clear to be seen...if people did not see it they deserved to be taken in and it is their fault. I sincerely believe that to be the substance and essence of the fraud of Mormonism.

[_Tobin]

You have to realize that the people that design the temples live in a different world than the rest of us. You have a few dynamics at play.
1) The Brethren. You can't say enough about this influence. They are very caught up in tradition and not changing a thing. If it was done before, they are perfectly happy with keeping the tradition - no matter how offensive or stupid it might be.
2) The architects. I really believe these guys live in a bubble. The designs they often come up with remind me of space ships or something odd. I wish they'd instead design these things to be welcoming, simple and functional buildings instead.
3) The committees. The Church does everything by committee and as most people realize, anything built, designed or done by committee often results in the worst ideas (or lowest common denominator of ideas) being used. This is done to gain acceptance and consensus among the group.

So basically - if someone put something on a temple in the past - some bonehead is probably going to put it on a temple in the future. It doesn't matter what it might mean to others in the current era. And the temples are going to be oddities of the landscape as a result because of the loonies in-charge.

[_Albion]

Interesting points but not satisfactory, I think, as a probable explanation., If there is one thing I have learned about the Mormon Church it is that it is welll tuned to outside perceptions of itself. Wanting to be looked at favorably, being accepted as "normal", are aspects that I think would over ride any of the reasons you gave. I can only accept that they are there for purpose.

[_Albion]

Per my post above. The name of the writer was Albert Pike.

[_Tobin]

Interesting points but not satisfactory, I think, as a probable explanation., If there is one thing I have learned about the Mormon Church it is that it is welll tuned to outside perceptions of itself. Wanting to be looked at favorably, being accepted as "normal", are aspects that I think would over ride any of the reasons you gave. I can only accept that they are there for purpose.

I wish that were true, but unfortunately, give the problems it keeps encountering, I don't think it is as "well tuned" as it should be. A well-tuned Church would build low-key, pleasant, welcoming, functional structures that "fit" into the community. They wouldn't be adorned with outlandish symbols or non-functional steeples in order to stand out. I'm sorry, but I can't agree that the Chuch is "well-tuned" because if they were, they wouldn't always be in damage-control mode.