BTW, what is the steeple on most churches all about?
Depends on how Freudian one is.
I suspect you view it as a phallus.
I however view them as architectural features used primarily as landmarks. In former times, if you were new to an area or just turned around, steeples served as reference points, sort of a daylight beacon.
If you'll notice, few churches of recent construction have them. They're expensive to build, expensive to maintain and have lost most of their former landmark qualities.
I really don't view obelisks as phalluses either. I view them as geometric statuary. Builders, be they pagan, Jewish, Christian or whatever are all subject to the same laws of physics and materials. Certainly if the Egyptians were capable of building the Sphynx, they would have been able to erect a giant phallus whith more realistic appearance than the obelisks.
Of course when taking an ink spot test, I don't see sexual imagery in every spot either. Such can't be said of others.
Read #266
I did and don't know where he got his information from. Suspect he read Jeremiah 10 and thought it referred to Christmas Trees. He then heard someone say it was a phallus without knowing the person meant the Ashera Pole (maypole/totempole) the passage referenced. He then came to the erroneous conclusion ancient pagans viewed the Christmas tree as a phallus.
Do you have an alternate explanation for the tree and its symbolism?
My understanding is the Christmas Tree first appeared in literature about 500 years ago in Germany. Prior to that, Northern Europeans would bring evergreens into the home during the winter months believing the evergreen to have some extra "life force". Of course, all of us bring plants indoors now. Even realtors advise planting some evergreens around the home in order to present a live appearance if the house has to be listed in the winter months.
Hey, interesting thread we have here.