OUR LOGO
Grace Trinity Catholic Church both prides itself and humbly features Icons from other paths of spirituality on its logo. The purpose of this approach is to underline the principle of inclusivity that our church stands for. The following list of differing paths represents only a fraction of the numerous ways and means spirituality has been practiced and is still practiced today. These are the illustrated symbols on the logo of Grace Trinity Catholic Church.
We begin with the familiar Star and Crescent Moon of Islam from the bottom left of the Tree. Our Muslim friends use the Arabic holy name Allah for God. The Prophet Muhammad received the revelation that we honor today. Islam's teaching means submission to the will of one all-powerful, all-knowing God. Although there are several, this religious symbol is the most identified for Islam.
Next, we see the recognized symbol of Christianity, the Cross. Early followers of Jesus Christ adopted the cross as the earliest and most common symbol of recognition. It represents Christ's death.
Next, The Sanskrit Om is another of the highly recognized religious symbols in the world. The Hindu symbol of Om or Aum represents the earth, atmosphere, and heaven. Brahman is the name of God. This religion is practiced chiefly in India. The name of the divine essence within us is Atman. They are the same, infinite and eternal. However, God is also present in all creation.
Next, the Buddhist traditions are based on The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. The Wheel of Dharma symbolizes The Eightfold Path of the Buddha, representing the practices of right view, resolve, speech, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and samadhi (awareness).
The fifth symbol represents Chinese Confucianism. Confucius is regarded as the first Chinese teacher to make teaching a vocation. This ancient tradition is highly practiced in China and East Asian countries. The symbol represents water, scholar, and Yin Yang. Confucianism stresses filial piety, humaneness, and ritual. The symbol represents the Chinese character for water, the Chinese character for a scholar, and Yin Yang.
The top center symbol of the Hand represents the non-violent ancient religion of Jain. Jainism is the dharmic religion of India. Several hundred million people follow this religion based on "truth" and non-violence.
The nine-pointed star of Baháʼí comes from the beautiful tradition of Persia. The Faith is the youngest of the world's independent religions, originating in Persia (Iran) in 1844. The Baháʼí Faith followers believe it is the fulfillment of all religions.
Next, the Sun cross dating from The Bronze Age is one of the earliest known religions. This simple, wonderful Equilateral Cross honors the Norse God. This symbol is found in prehistoric cultures, from the Neolithic Age to the periods.
Arguably, another one of the most recognizable symbols in the world is the perfect harmony of Yin and Yang (Taijior or Taijitu)—order (white) and chaos (black). Taoists from East Asia and China
have followed in the footsteps of perfect harmony for over two million years. The philosophy of Taoism is simplicity, patience, and compassion.
The 15th-century Sikh religion was mainly from Northern India (Punjab) and Pakistan. The Sikh tradition of One God is represented in the beautiful symbol showing one God, spiritual authority, and political power. In the Sikh faith, men and women are equal, and they define God as gender-neutral.
Lastly, our beautiful Hebrew symbol, The Star of David. The Jewish People from whence we come. The Star of David. David's Shield. One God. Ancient. The Jewish Faith follows the Torah (first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), the laws given to Israelites.