JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning the origin of steeples and spires.

Such objects long predate Christianity. In fact, they go back to ancient pagan fertility rites. The male symbol of fertility was represented by the pagans as an upright stone, pillar, obelisk, or slender tower.

According to Edward Carpenter, in the book "Pagan and Christian Creeds," the lingam (a stylized phallic symbol) occurs all over the world.

"The Biblical Cyclopaedia," by McClintock and Strong, says: "Even the spires of churches are symbols retained from the old phallic worship." See article "Phallus," Vol. VIII, p. 55.

Thomas Inman, in his book "Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism," states that ancient fertility rites and phallic worship resulted in the setting up of various architectural structures such "as we now see towers or spires before our churches, and minarets before mosques" (p. XXII).

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT