REL 130 Module 1: Comprehensive Study Notes on Symbols

Definition of a Symbol: A symbol is defined as something concrete that communicates beyond its own physical presence. It is a tangible image, object, or sign that brings feelings, ideas, or meanings to the viewer's mind.
The Symbolic Experience: An individual experiences a symbol when seeing an image triggers an immediate recognition of an abstract idea or a specific meaning that is not literally stated.
Core Function: Symbols serve as a bridge between the physical world and the world of abstract meanings, emotions, and concepts.

Conceptual Communication:
- This mode utilizes words, explanations, definitions, and reason.
- It operates through the use of specific concepts to convey information.
- Characteristics: Explanatory, specific, and cognitive (focused on rational thought and understanding).
Symbolic Communication:
- This mode utilizes symbols, pictures, and physical objects to represent abstract ideas in a metaphorical way.
- It communicates on multiple levels simultaneously without the need for verbal explanations.
- Characteristics: Representational, polyvalent, metaphorical, and pre-cognitive.
Metaphorical Illustration: The difference between these modes can be compared to the difference between reading an American history book (conceptual) and raising the flag on the $4^{th}$ of July (symbolic). Both communicate similar themes but through entirely different formats.

The Stoplight:
- Physically, it is merely a red circle of light.
- There is no text saying "Stop" and no person shouting instructions.
- Meaning: It communicates the immediate command to stop based on cultural understanding.
The Peace Sign:
- Originated in the $1960s$ .
- Meaning: Represents the abstract concept of peace.
- Extended Meaning: It may also conjure images of the $1960s$ counter-culture, the hippie movement, and the "dropping out" lifestyle.
The Crucifix:
- Physically, it depicts Jesus Christ on the cross.
- Level $1$ : Communicates the historical or theological event of Christ’s death.
- Level $2$ : Communicates personal salvation through Christ.
- Level $3$ : Conveys themes of suffering and redemption.
- Level $4$ : Serves as a guide for how Christians are expected to live (humble, Christlike way).
- Level $5$ : Represents the institution of the Church (specifically the Roman Catholic Church) and over $2,000$ years of history.

Conceptual Descriptors of God:
- Eternal.
- All-powerful (omnipotent).
- Spiritual (not physical).
- Omniscient (knows all things).
- Described with specific labels (e.g., God is a woman; God is in the sky).
Symbolic Descriptors of God:
- A Rock: Conveys stability, age, or strength.
- A Deep Lake: Conveys mystery, depth, or calmness.
- The Sun: Conveys light, warmth, or life-giving power.
- Religious Art: Specific icons like the Hindu sculpture of Shiva Nataraja are used to visualize and communicate the nature of the divine.

Polyvalently Meaningful: Symbols are "polyvalent," meaning they carry multiple layers of meaning at the same time.
Accessing the Mysterious: Because religion often deals with things that are supernatural or mysterious, these concepts are frequently difficult to capture in words. Symbols allow people to connect to these mysteries without needing formal definitions.
Pre-cognitive Connection: Symbols are described as "pre-cognitive," meaning they connect with meaning and experience before or outside of rational thought. They communicate in powerful, emotional ways that require the observer to "read" and connect with the image.

Representational Symbols:
- Function: These symbols represent a specific thing or entity.
- Learned Associations: Their meaning is derived from cultural knowledge and associations that individuals "pick up" by living within a specific culture.
- Inclusivity/Exclusivity: Someone outside the culture would not know what the symbol means (e.g., an outsider might not understand a stoplight or a specific Hindu statue).
- Examples:
  - The American flag (represents the United States of America).
  - A wedding ring (represents the state of marriage).
  - The Apple logo (represents the electronics company Apple Inc.).
  - The Peace Symbol.
Presentational Symbols:
- Function: The symbol itself is intimately involved in the actual meaning it is attempting to communicate; the meaning is "present" in the symbol.
- Examples:
  - The Crucifix: It is a direct symbol of the suffering person on the cross.
  - The Globe: A physical representation that presents the reality of the Earth itself.