The connection between Christianity and art is ancient and very broad. Since Christianity was birthed with the coming of Messiah, Jesus, in a Jewish nation that was under the rule of Rome and was strongly influenced by Greek thinking, the cultural background is both rich and varied. Early Christians could and did choose to illustrate their writings and sermons with vast riches of art. Naturally, there is very little of the original artwork remaining today. What is still in existence, however, suggests that the early believers rapidly developed a sort of artistic code. A fish was a clear identification of one who followed the Fisher of Men. A loaf of bread with either a fish or a cup reminded the believer of the words and works of Christ. They were altogether too familiar with the Roman cross as a means of torture and death so if they used a cross in their art, they wanted to also show the victory of Jesus over the cross. Centuries later, as the memory faded of the real horror of the cross, it became the symbol of victory rather than Jesus.

When Rome adopted Christianity, they added a Roman flavor to almost everything. They built churches in the style of the Basilica and developed the traditions that are still associated with the structure of churches. Roman artists adapted well-developed techniques to portray the doctrines and stories of the bible. They adopted styles and sometimes characters of older Roman and Greek art. The results were fabulous and inspiring.

On the other hand, early Christians were also influenced by their Jewish heritage. Many were concerned that Roman believers were introducing idols into the fellowship of believers. Ultimately, both won and lost. Much of the early art was damaged by the believers who opposed images (Iconoclasts) and yet much remains because the Roman Church strongly defended its images.

In the 20^th century, we have traditions and some remnants of art from the beginning of Christianity. The heritage is both revealing and confusing. Christianity has passed through many centuries of development with many denominations being formed because of a desire to explore a doctrine that was important to a body of believers. Many traditions have arisen and many have passed into oblivion.