do symbols make you feel more connected to your faith?

I dont belong to any religious group. I dont think that symbols can be powerful if and only if you deem them to be.

Since it's my question I'll answer first.

I am a born again Christian. I have never had a particular piece of jewlry or even a cross that means much to me. I think that it is because the cross that Jesus died on was no where like the pretty gold things or even the nice polished wood ones we see in churches. The fish symbol is a representation of the symbol early Christians used to identify themselves to other Christians when they were under heavy persecution and in hiding for their lives. I have never experienced persecution so I can't relate to that symbol much. So that sort of stuff doesn't do much for me.

How 'bout you guys? Just to get to know y'all.

Christian- I do not feel any connection to any Christian symbols. I just do not see that much value in materialistic things.

I am also Christian. I remember things visually. The only symbol that I really use to remind myself visually in this manner is a cross that hangs from my rearview mirror. I'm not one to wear jewelry at all, except for my wedding ring. I guess the connection with the cross for me would be a simple reminder to jog my visual memory of all that was done for me on the cross and to live as I should. It's not an expensive cross by any means...just a reminder. I also happen to pray a lot in the car as well, so I guess it serves as a focal point at times in that aspect.

there are lot of symbols in the temple and i love going there and certainly it streghtens my faith and provides many blessings for our family.

Doesnt make me feel more connected and I dont wear my necklace daily either.

However, sometimes its nice to put it on and remind myself of who I am and what I feel and believe.

I think the only symbol that reminds me of my faith is a fish. Because we're suppose to be fishers of men. It reminds me that I need to reach all the lost and dying people. But i don't have any jewelry with a fish, cross, or anything else like that. If people cannot tell i am a christian by the way I live/dress/act, then why would they think I was a christian by wearing symbols? Just my opinion. I love my creator and my savior, but you can see more work done by them when you look around them looking at a piece of jewelry I am wearing

The symbol itself has no power. It's the connection that the person's brain makes to it that makes it special. Our subconscious is susceptible to symbols. This is why any organization that wants your devotion (political or religious or otherwise) uses symbols. We look at the American Flag and feel pride... Why? Because we subconsciously sees this symbol as a representation of our freedom and our country. Religious symbols are no different. A picture of a beloved family member makes us feel closer to them or as if they are with us, even when they aren't. A religious symbol is the same way. Since none of us have physical pictures of our Gods, our symbols or other representations of them act the same as a photograph. It's our physical connection to the divine.

The other post was mine. I do have religious jewelry and it does make me feel more connected. Mostly because it physically sets me apart and shows my pagan pride.

So I am curious how many people have a special piece of jewlry or symbolic item?   I own many pentacles and always try to wear one when I go out.

Does it make you feel more connected with your faith or beliefs?  As an atheist, no.  It's power does lie in my own feelings about it.

 And why do you think that it does so?  My attitude towards it powers it as a symbol.  In christian hands it would mean nothing. 

Also please share what your faith is-how would you lable yourself?  I hold no faith and labels are limiting.

I'm a Spiritual Atheist, and do symbols mean something to me? It would depend on the symbol. For instance.. I have a picture of a blue bird in my bedroom. It's symbolic to me, because it reminds me of my Grandmother, who raised me when I was a child. It's symbolizes one of the things she use to love. I imagine that religious symbols aren't much different from that idea. For instance you have the symbol of the cross for Christians... it's a reminder of their Savior, who gave his life for them. Or Pagans, the pentagram.. it's a symbol of nature, a reminder not only of what gave them life, but what to respect around them..

I think that's all symbols like this are.. memories and reminders. If they are good memories, and remnders, I can definitely see how they can bring someone comfort.