Παράδεισος

Thanks to this lovely post, we can contemplate some other words of Bernard Iddings Bell.

1. Shape of the Church. Most of our churches are built in the form of a cross. The side arms are called transepts. The upright consists of three parts, raised one above another by steps, called respectively the nave, the choir, and the sanctuary ...

5. Significance of Nave, Choir, and Sanctuary. Progress up the church from door to Altar typifies the journey of the Christian soul. The door means birth, and by it stands the Baptismal Font, wherein we are admitted into Christ. The Nave means Earthly Life. Between it and the Choir is a Screen with a gateway in it. This represents the Gate of Death. The Choir represents Paradise, wherein are the souls of the departed. The Altar Rail represents the General Judgment, which separates Paradise from Heaven. The Sanctuary represents Heaven, wherein is the Throne of God, represented by the Altar.