Tag Archive: christian

Harrison Mayes Roadside Cross – Appalachia, Tennessee

Harrison Mayes Roadside Cross - Appalachia, Tennessee

A heart-shaped stone sign with the inscription “PREPARE TO MEET GOD” stands against a brick wall, surrounded by lush green plants. The rustic background and creeping ivy add a serene yet solemn atmosphere.

Harrison Mayes was a fascinating figure in 20th-century Americana, known for his unique roadside crosses and religious markers that dotted highways across the United States. Born in 1898 in Tennessee, Mayes was a coal miner who survived a near-fatal mining accident. This life-changing event inspired him to dedicate his life to spreading Christian messages in unconventional ways.

Mayes crafted large, concrete crosses and heart-shaped markers, inscribed with phrases like “Jesus Saves” and “Get Right with God.” He placed these markers along highways, roadsides, and even near railways, aiming to reach as many travelers as possible with his messages of faith. His crosses were often brightly painted and striking, ensuring they caught the attention of passersby.

What made Harrison Mayes truly unique was his foresight and dedication. He envisioned a world where his messages would endure, even going so far as to create markers intended for placement on other planets, should humans ever colonize space. His work reflected a combination of deep religious conviction and a remarkable sense of creativity.

Today, many of Mayes’ markers remain scattered across the country, serving as reminders of his mission and as intriguing examples of American folk art and roadside culture. Preservation efforts by historians and enthusiasts have helped keep his legacy alive, celebrating his unusual and heartfelt contributions to faith and roadside history.

Amish Buggy Highway Warning Road Sign – Indiana

Amish Buggy Highway Warning Road Sign - Indiana

The Amish are a Christian group known for their simple lifestyle, plain dress, and strong emphasis on community and family values. They trace their origins to the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century in Europe and were founded by Jacob Ammann, a Swiss minister, in the late 1600s. The Amish emigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries to escape religious persecution and settled primarily in the United States and Canada, with significant populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

Amish communities are characterized by their adherence to traditional practices and rejection of many modern technologies, guided by a religious code known as the Ordnung. They typically use horse-drawn buggies for transportation, avoid electricity from public grids, and rely on manual labor and craftsmanship. Farming, woodworking, and handmade goods are central to their economy. Education in Amish communities usually ends at the eighth grade, reflecting their focus on practical skills over formal schooling.

Despite their traditional ways, the Amish are not entirely cut off from the modern world. They often interact with non-Amish (“English”) communities for commerce and healthcare, and some groups adopt selective technologies, such as solar power, in ways that align with their values. The Amish way of life represents a commitment to faith, humility, and separation from worldly influences, which continues to draw interest and respect from outside observers.

Stone Bible – Franciscan Monastery – Fussen – Germany

Stone Bible - Franciscan Monastery - Fussen - Germany

Stone Bible – Franciscan Monastery – Fussen – Germany

Chi Rho is a Christian symbol consisting of the Greek letters chi (Χ) and rho (Ρ), which are the first two letters of the Greek word for Christ (Χριστός). The Chi Rho symbol is often used as an abbreviation for the name of Jesus Christ in Christian art and literature.

The symbol was first used by the Roman Emperor Constantine, who is said to have seen a vision of the Chi Rho in the sky before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. According to legend, Constantine had the symbol painted on his soldiers’ shields and banners, and they went on to win the battle. After his victory, Constantine converted to Christianity and became a patron of the Christian faith.

The Chi Rho symbol became widely used in Christian art and architecture after Constantine’s conversion, and it remains a popular symbol in Christianity today. It is often seen in churches, on religious artifacts, and in Christian jewelry. The symbol represents the centrality of Christ in the Christian faith and serves as a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for humanity.

The Bible is a collection of sacred texts that are considered to be the holy scriptures of the Christian religion. It is divided into two main parts: the Old Testament, which contains the sacred writings of the Jewish faith, and the New Testament, which contains the teachings and life of Jesus Christ and the early Christian church.

The Bible is made up of 66 books, written by various authors over a period of approximately 1,500 years. The Old Testament contains 39 books, including the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Psalms, Proverbs, and Isaiah. The New Testament contains 27 books, including the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, as well as the Acts of the Apostles, the letters of Paul, and the book of Revelation.

For Christians, the Bible is the authoritative source of spiritual guidance and contains the teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as the history and traditions of the Christian faith. The Bible is widely read and studied by Christians around the world and has been translated into many different languages.