Topical Bible: Church: Dove

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The symbol of the dove holds significant theological and symbolic meaning within the Christian tradition, often representing the Holy Spirit, peace, purity, and divine presence. Its biblical roots and subsequent adoption by the Church underscore its importance in Christian iconography and doctrine.

Biblical References:

1. The Holy Spirit: The most prominent association of the dove in the New Testament is with the Holy Spirit. At the baptism of Jesus, the Holy Spirit is described as descending "like a dove" upon Him. In the Gospel of Matthew, it is written, "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him" (Matthew 3:16). This imagery signifies the anointing and divine approval of Jesus' ministry, marking the dove as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and activity.

2. Peace and Reconciliation: The dove is also a symbol of peace, rooted in the Old Testament narrative of Noah's Ark. After the flood, Noah sent out a dove to see if the waters had receded. The dove returned with an olive leaf, indicating that the earth was habitable once more (Genesis 8:11). This event has been interpreted as a sign of God's reconciliation with humanity and the restoration of peace.

3. Purity and Innocence: In the Song of Solomon, the dove is used as a metaphor for purity and beauty. The beloved is described as having "eyes like doves" (Song of Solomon 1:15), suggesting innocence and gentleness. This imagery has been extended to represent the purity of the Church and the soul's longing for God.

Theological Significance:

The dove's representation of the Holy Spirit is central to Christian theology. It emphasizes the Spirit's role in the life of Jesus and, by extension, in the life of the Church. The descent of the Holy Spirit as a dove at Jesus' baptism is seen as a divine endorsement of His mission and a model for Christian baptism, where believers receive the Holy Spirit.

The dove's association with peace is also significant in Christian teaching. It reflects the peace that Christ brings to the believer's heart and the peace that the Church is called to promote in the world. The olive branch carried by the dove in the account of Noah has become a universal symbol of peace, often used in Christian art and literature to convey the message of reconciliation and hope.

Symbolism in Church Tradition:

Throughout Church history, the dove has been a prevalent symbol in Christian art and architecture. It is often depicted in baptismal fonts, stained glass windows, and liturgical vestments, serving as a visual reminder of the Holy Spirit's presence and the peace of God. The dove's image is also used in the context of Pentecost, celebrating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Church.

In summary, the dove is a multifaceted symbol within Christianity, representing the Holy Spirit, peace, purity, and divine presence. Its biblical foundations and enduring presence in Church tradition highlight its significance in conveying key aspects of the Christian faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Songs 2:14
O my dove, that are in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see your countenance, let me hear your voice; for sweet is your voice, and your countenance is comely.
Nave's Topical Index

Songs 5:2
I sleep, but my heart wakes: it is the voice of my beloved that knocks, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Marvellous Increase of the Church
... been examined thoroughly. O my brethren, always try to give the church pleasure
by your dove-like conversation. "Be wise as serpents ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/marvellous increase of the church.htm

"As My Father Hath Sent Me," Says Our Lord...
... those who are tolerated with groanings within the Church, although they do not belong
to the same unity of the dove, and to that "glorious Church, not having ...
/.../chapter 1823 as my father.htm

At the Dedication of a Church
... The consecration of a church means much the same as a renewal; and this renewal
ought ... The first is on the wings of a dove; the second on eagle's wings; the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxxv at the dedication.htm

And if they Would have Obeyed Him...
... according to what each man is at present, inquire whether they are to be to-day
reckoned among the members of the Church which is called the one dove, and the ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 3 4 and.htm

My Dove, My Undefiled, is but One; She is the Only one of Her ...
... the universal Church, still, as there is nothing attributed to the church as a ...
consummated by her total annihilation and absolute loss, is a dove in simplicity ...
/.../guyon/song of songs of solomon/8 my dove my undefiled.htm

Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove
The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA. <. ... II. THE CHRISTIAN
YEAR Whitsunday 200. Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove. CM [773]St. ...
/.../whitsunday 200 come holy spirit.htm

Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove
The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA. <. ... II. THE CHRISTIAN
YEAR Whitsunday 201. Come, gracious Spirit, heavenly Dove. LM ...
/.../whitsunday 201 come gracious spirit.htm

Whether it is Fitting to Say that when Christ was Baptized the ...
... Wherefore also it is said of the Church (Cant 6:8): "One is my dove.". But on the
apostles the Holy Ghost descended under the form of fire, for two reasons. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting to 2.htm

We Come Next in the Order of Belief to the Holy Church. We have ...
... I will not sit with the ungodly." But of this Church which keeps the faith of Christ
entire, hear what the Holy Spirit says in the Canticles, "My dove is one ...
/.../39 we come next in.htm

Symbolic Ornaments of the Church
... The picture of the holy dove in the decorations of the church tells of the coming
of the same Spirit as the fruit of the intercession of our ascended Lord and ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolic ornaments of the church.htm