Church History
4/15/25
Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter VIII. Christian Art." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. (pp. 2269-2327). (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library). (sections 102-116).
"§107. The Byzantine Style. (pp. 2283-2286).
In about the sixth century, Schaff notes a growth of Byzantine architectural style. This was used in the West as a modification to basilica styles. In the East it replaced basilica style and became well enough rooted to remain in use to the present. The style is characterized by a "hemispherical dome . . . supported by massive columns" (Schaff 2014, p. 2284). Attention is thus drawn upward and to the center, rather than to the quarter sphere at the liturgical east as in the basilica. The basilica draws attention to the altar, while the Byzantine style draws attention to heaven above the center of the congregation. It is common for the main dome to be surrounded by four smaller domes (Schaff 2014, p. 2285). Schaff describes the Hagia Sophia as an outstanding example of the form (Schaff 2014, pp. 2285-2286). While the form was developed in the sixth century, modifications to basilicas in the West were not common until the ninth century and afterward.
"§108. Baptisteries, Grave-Chapels, and Crypts." (pp. 2286-2288).
The construction of special buildings for baptism began in the fourth century, with acceptance of Christianity as a licit religion (Schaff 2014, p. 2287). Baptism by immersion was still common at this time, and there were often many candidates for baptism, which was typically performed four times per year. The structure of a baptistery was generally round and under a dome. Several steps went down into the water. Normally the structure was divided into a side for each sex.
"After the sixth century, when the baptism of adults had become rare, it became customary to place a baptismal basin in the porch of the church, or in the church itself, at the left of the entrance" (Schaff 2014, p. 2288). This became typical in parish churches as pastors, rather than only bishops, became engaged in baptizing people.
"§109. Crosses and Crucifixes." (pp. 2288-2290).
Use of crosses and the sign of the cross dates back at least to the second century (Schaff 2014, p. 2289). Schaff observes that the use of a cross could and did often become a matter of superstition, bringing criticism upon Christians as early as the time of Tertullian. This is not surprising, yet it is unfortunate. Schaff notes that about the sixth century we begin to see crosses with a figure of Christ or a lamb attached to them (Schaff 2014, p. 2290). Eventually in the East three-dimensional figures of Chrsit were banned, though pictures were allowed. Other people were sometimes added to artistic representations of a cross, such as Mary or others who were present at the death of Jesus.
4/15/25
Schaff, Philip. (2014). "Chapter VIII. Christian Art." In History of the Christian Church. (The Complete Eight Volumes in One). Volume 3, Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity A.D. 311-600, from Constantine the Great to Gregory the Great. (pp. 2269-2327). (Original work published 1889). Amazon Kindle Edition. (Personal Library). (sections 102-116).
"§107. The Byzantine Style. (pp. 2283-2286).
In about the sixth century, Schaff notes a growth of Byzantine architectural style. This was used in the West as a modification to basilica styles. In the East it replaced basilica style and became well enough rooted to remain in use to the present. The style is characterized by a "hemispherical dome . . . supported by massive columns" (Schaff 2014, p. 2284). Attention is thus drawn upward and to the center, rather than to the quarter sphere at the liturgical east as in the basilica. The basilica draws attention to the altar, while the Byzantine style draws attention to heaven above the center of the congregation. It is common for the main dome to be surrounded by four smaller domes (Schaff 2014, p. 2285). Schaff describes the Hagia Sophia as an outstanding example of the form (Schaff 2014, pp. 2285-2286). While the form was developed in the sixth century, modifications to basilicas in the West were not common until the ninth century and afterward.
"§108. Baptisteries, Grave-Chapels, and Crypts." (pp. 2286-2288).
The construction of special buildings for baptism began in the fourth century, with acceptance of Christianity as a licit religion (Schaff 2014, p. 2287). Baptism by immersion was still common at this time, and there were often many candidates for baptism, which was typically performed four times per year. The structure of a baptistery was generally round and under a dome. Several steps went down into the water. Normally the structure was divided into a side for each sex.
"After the sixth century, when the baptism of adults had become rare, it became customary to place a baptismal basin in the porch of the church, or in the church itself, at the left of the entrance" (Schaff 2014, p. 2288). This became typical in parish churches as pastors, rather than only bishops, became engaged in baptizing people.
"§109. Crosses and Crucifixes." (pp. 2288-2290).
Use of crosses and the sign of the cross dates back at least to the second century (Schaff 2014, p. 2289). Schaff observes that the use of a cross could and did often become a matter of superstition, bringing criticism upon Christians as early as the time of Tertullian. This is not surprising, yet it is unfortunate. Schaff notes that about the sixth century we begin to see crosses with a figure of Christ or a lamb attached to them (Schaff 2014, p. 2290). Eventually in the East three-dimensional figures of Chrsit were banned, though pictures were allowed. Other people were sometimes added to artistic representations of a cross, such as Mary or others who were present at the death of Jesus.
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