Belfast School Of Theology
Our New Brand Explained
SHIELD
Shields and coats of arms are part of our rich heritage. The shield in our logo reminds us of the shield of faith and the defence of the Gospel.
THE CROSS
The cross on the shield is known as St Andrew’s cross. Legend has it St Andrew did not consider himself worthy to die on the same cross structure as Christ and asked for a slanted cross (which is called a saltire). The cross signifies both the cross of Jesus and the cross each Christian carries while living in the world yet belonging to another kingdom.
DOVE/SPIRIT
The Dove represents the first part of John 4.24’s spiritual dynamic, the Holy Spirit.
BIBLE/TRUTH
The Bible as God’s special revelation to humanity represents Truth.
HARP
The Harp is a symbol of the Irish and internationally who we are and where we live. All Christians have a context..
SHIP
A port city and ship-building nation, the ship represents our national city. The ship also signifies the mission of the college: to go into all the world. Early in church history, Christians described the Church as a ‘ship of fools’ for Christ.
THE GREEK
“en pneumati kai aletheia” is taken from John’s Gospel, Chapter 4.24 and translates: “in Spirit and in Truth”. As a college, we are committed to the spiritual dynamic outlined by Jesus about how Christians know God and in turn what we think and say about God. “In Spirit and in Truth” applies to both general revelation and special revelation.
The original framework of John 4.24 is worship and the college understands theology, education and community as part of a holistic vision of true worship.
MID BLUE
For the setting of the ship, Mid Blue represents the ocean
of our seafaring and global faith.
Green
Not only is Green a national colour for the Irish, it represents the terra firma of incarnational life on earth.
Gold
The Bible is presented in a Gold backdrop and gold represents the light of truth and the glory of God’s presence among God’s people.
ROYAL BLUE
The dove is set in the context sky, but Royal/Deep Blue sky suggests space beyond or above our skyline: in other words, heaven. Classical theology teaches the Church is living in the age of the Spirit, and according to Trinitarian doctrine, the Holy Spirit connects heaven and earth, and believer with the Risen Christ. It also symbolises regalness & royalty/kingdom.