Reply To: Syncretism

[Jessi Willeto]

I think of the statue of Christ holding the lamb– before it, it was a sign of paganism or was related to other religions or cultures. But now, the lamb is almost always associated with Christianity, as they likened Christ to a sacrificial lamb. There is also Saint Lawrence in the Oratory of Galla Placida, patron saint of chefs, who is wearing sandals and a toga meaning he is a citizen of Rome. This is using well-known Roman culture to further the narrative of Christianity (very clever, at that). Lastly, the depictions of a bearded Jesus are intended to liken him to Greek philosophers to imply his wisdom. Such depictions are still used today, and such hairstyles are very easily associated with Christ.