Every so often, we like to take day trips. Sometimes our trips are spontaneous, but most of the time they’re planned. Hubs always drives (I think it is either a macho thing or simply my driving that terrifies him); nevertheless, he always drives. When I’m not stomping on the imaginary passenger side brake, insisting that he “get in the lane he needs to be in before the last minute” or echoing “there’s a car in your blind spot” commentary, I gaze out the window and take in the scenery.
On a recent day trip, waves of pouring rain splashed against the windshield as the car wipers swished desperately back and forth trying to clear the view. The sound of individual raindrops tapping the glass in-between the steady stream of surging water seemed ironically calming.
Through the passenger window, I watched the dimpling effect of the rainfall as it pelted flooded fields. In the far distance I noticed a church steeple. There it stood, alone yet elevated high above the trees, majestically visible through the drenching downpour.
The picturesque view of the steeple resonated within my soul. The mere image of the steeple made me think of a church, but more importantly, it moved my focus to God. As I gazed in wonderment at the beauty, I began to wonder about the history of the church steeple and why many modern churches no longer have them? In fact, most of us would have to look at our own church to see if it even has a steeple. (Ha, made you look). Of course, me being me, I decided to research it.
Most historians believe that church steeples made their way to America sometime during the eighteenth century. Architecture played an important role, and the steeple was long recognized as part of the Christian Church. Because of the architecture and design, steeples require expensive upkeep and maintenance; therefore, while steeples still exist atop older churches, the steeple has more, or less, become a thing of the past.
Church steeples are symbolic. At one time, the tallest structure in an area served as a directional focal point (i.e. it’s about three blocks down from the steeple). In addition, a steeple was also a signpost, or a billboard, if you will, helping people find a church to attend. Today, we simply search the internet.
Many people believe the purpose of a steeple is to direct the eyes and attention upward, toward God. Biblical passages such as, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe” (Proverbs 18:10) (NKJV) are often quoted in support of steeples.
While I fully expected my research to find historical precedence and symbolic meaning, I admit I was taken aback when I learned of a darker interpretation of church steeples; a discovery that left me both surprised and stunned.
I discovered the origin of the church steeple dates back thousands of years to Egypt, Rome and pagan worship. To my surprise, many religious scholars have cited historical documentation that the steeple represents idol worship. Again, this viewpoint also uses Scripture to state their case, “You shall not set up a sacred pillar, which the Lord your God hates.” (Deuteronomy 16:22) (NKJV).
Although both perspectives are historically true, it is important to understand that research is simply a valuable tool to help reveal the unknown. Researchers often use findings to present evidence of a truth or fable; documentation to support a pro or con. Granted, I never expected the twist that would result from this research, particularly about church steeples of all things, but it did. That said, this research also proved that a passage can be taken out of context and make a seemingly valid argument for or against anything.
For me, there was just something significant about seeing that church steeple standing alone yet elevated high above the trees, majestically visible through the drenching downpour. Yes, the picturesque view of the steeple resonated within my soul and the mere image of that steeple wowed my very being with the shear magnificence of it all. The steeple did not make me think of a building, or a man-made symbol, but God and love.
When the view of an image can bring you to a place that completely changes your focus, makes you feel safe in the midst of a storm, and you can't help but smile at the puddled beauty that not only surrounds, but engulfs you; that is a positive thing. Bottom line, the origins of the steeple are irrelevant; the heart directs the focus.
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