What is the purpose of the steeple on top of churches?

Question

What does it represent?

I heard it has the same meaning as the Washington Monument and other monuments like it.

Isn't there one at the Vatican? Like the Washington Monument.

Answer 1

There has been phallus symbolism in different religions or cults since almost the beginning of recorded history.

Worship of the reproductive powers of nature as symbolized by the male generative organ is still around in the form of steeples.

The "obelisk" slender four-sided tapering monument were dedicated to the sun god either Amon or Ra and was symbolic of the erect penis.

There are many representations.

Even the cross is said to come from phallic worship the long member being the penis and the crossing member being the testicles.

Answer 2

The steeple on churches came about from the church buildings being used as parts of strongholds. Since the churches were built from stone, they were used as areas of refuge in times of attack. Churches often had towers which were used as watchtowers from which defenders could fight to repel attackers.

As churches adopted the gothic architecture, the use of the tower changed from being an item of defense to being an item of inspiration. Soaring arches; uplifting vast spaces; the towers also incorporate this look toward God. The steeple then became a way to place a cross at the highest point in the city as the church was often built on the highest point in the city. The steeples could be seen for miles around with the effect that the cross on the top would be seen in witness to the faith of the community.

Also, it has been noted that the shape of the steeple was best for holding the weight of the heavy bell(s), which were used to announce worship times to the people.

Answer 3

Before there were highways and road signs, the churches put up tall steeples so that people could see them from a distance and be able to find the church. It has just become a tradition now. In England, they used to ride their horses across the country jumping ditches, rivers, fences, and whatever else was in their way while having a "steeple chase". The would pick out a steeple sticking above the trees, and ride in a straight line for it attempting to jump any obstacle in their way.

Answer 4

It's a mystical triangle that represents the trinity in space. it's also a way to make the building dominate the others beacsue it was a special one. people could see the church for miles around because of the steeple in the middle ages. The Church was also a place of solace, and refuge for many a weary traveller.
It also works as a lightening conductor

Answer 5

Not quite sure why churches have the steeple, other than to house the Bell, which initially was intended for the purpose of notifying the Christian believers the moment Jesus Christ returned.

Answer 6

The steeple is a watchtower, a signal tower, as well as an early air-conditioner, a heat chimney that causes the hot air from the main building to flow up into the tower, causing fresh, cooler air to flow in at ground level.

Answer 7

Y'know, I'm not sure. I think most Christians don't know. Maybe that's why a lot of new churches are doing without the whole steeple thing. Just as well.

Answer 8

So you know it's a church. You can't even tell the building across the street from me is a church because it has no steeple.

Answer 9

typically churches had a bell in there that was rung to call the town in an emergency or to service on Sunday.
many churches in cities have steered away from that practice expat for some catholic churches built in the traditional way cathedral style.

Answer 10

If it didn't have a steeple, it would be impossible to do the finger puppet thing that says, "Here's the church, here's the steeple, open the doors and there's the people."