Final answer:
In Christian worship, religious symbols include statues of saints, altars with relics, crosses, crucifixes, and frescoes depicting sacred subjects. While pews and benches are ubiquitous in churches, they are not symbols of religious significance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Christian churches, various objects serve as religious symbols that are deeply embedded in the fabric and ritual of Christian worship. Statues of saints, which can often be found in the form of relief sculptures or frescoes rather than standalone statues, are used to depict biblical history and saints. These are valuable both for their religious significance and their role in educating the congregation about the stories of Christianity, particularly in eras where literacy was not widespread.
Altars are significant as they are often the center of religious ceremonies, like the Eucharist, and historically needed to contain a relic to be considered sacred ground. Crosses and crucifixes are perhaps the most universally recognized Christian symbols, representing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. They can take many forms, such as jewelry, engravings, or larger wooden and metal crosses within the church space. Frescoes and other painted decorations often depict religious icons and events from the Bible, adorning the walls and vaults of churches. While pews and benches are common features in churches, they serve more as practical seating for the congregation rather than as inherent religious symbols.