Stained Glass

Definition and Meaning

Stained glass is decorative glass made of pieces of glass colored with metal oxides, joined with strips of lead and set into windows or walls. Details such as faces and the folds of garments are painted onto the glass with pigment and then fixed by firing in a kiln. Because outside light passes through the colored glass and casts colors and patterns into the interior, stained glass has long been a characteristic decoration of the church sanctuary.

Biblical and Historical Background

Stained glass is not mentioned directly in the Bible. However, several passages are frequently cited to explain the beauty of worship spaces and the symbolism of light. These include God's granting of wisdom to Bezalel and Aholiab to adorn the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11), the description of the New Jerusalem adorned with precious stones (Revelation 21:18-21), and the words presenting Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12).

Stained glass reached a high point of development in the Gothic cathedrals of medieval Europe. As advances in building techniques made it possible to open large windows in walls, windows depicting biblical stories and the lives of the saints were produced. These windows are commonly described as having served to teach the Bible to believers who could not read. Chartres Cathedral in France and the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris are often cited as leading examples.

After the Reformation, Protestant opinion was divided. The Lutheran Church was relatively tolerant of images in churches. The Reformed tradition, by contrast, was wary of images in churches on the basis of the second commandment of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:4). Question 98 of the Heidelberg Catechism rejects placing images in churches as books for the laity. Question 109 of the Westminster Larger Catechism forbids making any representation of any of the three Persons of the Godhead. In regions where this influence was strong, many windows were broken or removed. After the Gothic Revival of the nineteenth century, stained glass again came into wide use in Protestant churches as well.

Practice in Korean Churches

In Korea, both Catholic and Protestant churches use stained glass. In Protestant churches, symbols are often placed on the wall behind the pulpit or in side windows. Typical examples include the cross, the dove representing the Holy Spirit, grapes and ears of wheat representing Holy Communion, and an open Bible. Because of cost, a considerable number of churches use printed film applied to plain glass instead of colored glass.

The general tendencies by denomination are as follows.

• Churches with a strong liturgical tradition, such as the Anglican Church of Korea and the Lutheran Church in Korea, accept windows depicting biblical scenes or the figure of Christ relatively readily.
• Among Presbyterians, those who strictly follow Reformed confessions do not install windows depicting God or Christ in human form. Instead, some favor decoration centered on abstract patterns or symbols. Even so, objections to stained glass as such, as a form of decoration, are rare.
• Among Methodist, Holiness, Baptist, and Full Gospel churches, denominational guidelines are not widely known. Decisions are usually made by individual congregations according to architectural style and budget.