The Northbrae Chapel Windows and the "Torchbearer" Legacy
At the construction of the Cross Memorial Chapel in 1956, a number of influential historic and legendary figures were selected as Torchbearers, and artistically represented in stained glass. These prophetic voices of the past inform our faith and spirituality. The very spirit of the Torchbearer ideal is one that passes on treasured truths from generation to generation. At Northbrae we reflect upon the past lives of numerous and diverse personalities, myths, stories, and aphorisms that inform our understandings of wisdom, justice, peace, and compassion. We continue to draw upon the legacy of prophetic voices that make deep impressions on human consciousness. Torchbearers give us hope in our evolving sense of human spirituality, both individually and collectively.
~World Religions of Antiquity
(The Right Path) Moses , A legendary or mythological figure who is attributed with the authorship of the Torah. Moses is an iconic name in the story of Israel's escape from slavery in Egypt and the later reception of Ancient Israelite Law from Yahweh. The name Moses represents one who was a great teacher, leader, liberator, and lawgiver. Noah, mythological figure found in the early stories of the Torah (Genesis) whose family solely survived in the primordial flood of the earth. Builder of the famed Noah's Ark and known for his loyalty to God. Isaiah, the literary work of Isaiah represents multiple persons who contributed to these prophetic texts that spanned two centuries. The earliest writings are said by some historians to have been written by the historical 8th century prophet Isaiah. Venerated in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, "Isaiah" wrote about the people’s return from Exile, advocacy for the poor and oppressed, and holding responsible corrupt rulers and judges. The remedy was in a return to the Oneness of the Abrahamic |
God. Guatama Buddha (563-480 BCE) Renowned sage whose writings founded Buddhism, the path to enlightenment or “being awakened.” He advocated the middle or moderate path between indulgence and harsh asceticism. He lived and taught in the regions of modern day Nepal and India. Confucius (551-479 BCE) Founder of Confucianism. An ancient Chinese teacher, writer, philosopher, and politician. He advocated for justice and honesty in government, social and personal relationships. He was the author of much of the “Five Classics” in Chinese literary history. He taught family loyalty, ancestral veneration, respect for elders, and the well known aphorism: Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself. Lao Tsu (Supposed 5th/6th Century BCE) Legendary figure represented as a great teacher and philosopher in Ancient China who wrote the Tao Te Ching and founded Taoism. Lao Tsu teaches libertarian ideals exercised in wise and humble leadership, respect for the weak and meekness in political rule.
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. Jesus 1st century Jewish teacher, reformer, prophet and the “Messiah” to most Christians. Born in Judea, his life and teachings became the foundation for the New Testament writings and traditions of Christianity. Paul 1st century CE leader, teacher and writer during the formative years of Christianity, yet maintained an anomalous affiliation with Judaism throughout his life. He was a self-professed follower of Jesus, although they never met. Paul is the major literary contributor to the New Testament. Muhammad Founder of Islam, which has over a billion adherents today. He was said to have received all the words of the Quran from God (Arabic, Allah), and though said to be acting only as Allah's scribe, the actual human author of the Sacred Quran is said to be unknown. Muhammad is however attributed with the writings of the Hadiths, a collection of writings also revered by Muslims worldwide. He was the founder of the first Muslim community in Medina and Mecca, in modern Saudi Arabia.
~Ancient Greek Philosophy (Right Thought) Socrates (470-399 BCE) Considered one of the founders of Western thought. His teachings became profoundly influential especially upon Plato his student, but no writings of Socrates have survived. He was executed by the government for "impiety" or atheism and |
forced to drink hemlock as his death sentence. Plato (427-347 BCE) Founder of the ancient Athenian Academy. Widely held to be the most influential figure in Western Philosophy. He was the student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle.
Student of Socrates, and teacher of Aristotle. ~Late Medieval Catholicism & the Reformation (Evolving Christian Faith) Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) Catholic Priest and Founder of the Franciscan Orders. Known for his concerns for the poor, taking on a life of poverty himself and requiring it as the way of life for members of the Order, Francis is also celebrated for his deep reverence for the earth and nature. Martin Luther (1483-1546) German theologian, priest, monk, and leader of the Protestant Reformation. He rejected certain teachings of the Catholic Church and as a result was excommunicated by the Pope. His writings became foundational for Protestantism and later Christian thought in the West. John Robinson (1576-1625) English Pastor, and considered a founder of the Congregational Church. He is known for being a champion of religious dissent himself becoming a Puritan separatist from the Church of England. He helped organize and inspire the sailing of the Mayflower to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in Plymouth, but died just prior to his intent to do the same. Next Section |