Pulpit vs. Altar — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 28, 2024
A pulpit is primarily used for preaching and delivering sermons, emphasizing the spoken word, whereas an altar is a sacred table for religious ceremonies, focusing on rituals and offerings.
Difference Between Pulpit and Altar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pulpits are elevated platforms or stands found in Christian churches from which sermons and religious teachings are delivered. They are symbolically raised to give prominence to the preaching of the word. Whereas, altars are consecrated spaces or tables, often found in religious buildings of various faiths, where sacrifices, offerings, or rituals are made. The altar is central to many liturgical ceremonies, emphasizing the sacred acts performed there.
In many Christian denominations, the pulpit is where the pastor or priest delivers sermons, aiming to educate and inspire the congregation through words. It is often seen as the focal point for the ministry of the word. On the other hand, the altar is more associated with the ministry of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist in Christian traditions. It represents God's table, where the faithful gather to partake in the sacred rites.
While pulpits are designed for the purpose of speech and are often equipped with sound systems in modern churches, altars are designed for ritualistic purposes and may hold symbolic items such as candles, religious texts, or sacramental elements. This design difference underlines the distinct functions each serves within the religious setting.
The location within a church also differentiates pulpits from altars. Pulpits are typically found to the side of the sanctuary to allow clear view of the altar. Whereas, the altar is centrally located, often in the chancel, symbolizing its importance as the heart of religious worship and ceremonies.
Pulpits and altars also vary in their historical and cultural significance. The pulpit has been central to the Protestant tradition, emphasizing the importance of preaching and the Bible. Conversely, the altar holds a more universal place in many religious traditions, symbolizing sacrifice, worship, and the divine presence across various cultures and epochs.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Preaching and sermons
Rituals, sacrifices, offerings
Symbolism
The spoken word, teaching
Sacrifice, worship, the divine
Location in Church
Often to the side of the sanctuary
Centrally located, usually in the chancel
Design
Designed for speech, may include sound systems
Designed for rituals, may hold symbolic items
Cultural Significance
Central in Protestant tradition for emphasizing the word
Universally significant across religions for its sacred role
Compare with Definitions
Pulpit
Often equipped with modern technology.
The new pulpit came equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system.
Altar
Holds symbolic items.
Candles and a crucifix were placed on the altar.
Pulpit
A platform for preaching.
The pastor ascended the pulpit to deliver his sermon.
Altar
A sacred table for rituals.
The priest approached the altar to prepare the Eucharist.
Pulpit
Symbolizes the importance of the word.
The elaborate design of the pulpit underscored its significance in the church.
Altar
Universally found in places of worship.
The altar at the cathedral was made of marble.
Pulpit
Elevated to enhance audibility.
The church's old pulpit was elevated further to improve sound projection.
Altar
Central to religious ceremonies.
Flowers adorned the altar during the wedding ceremony.
Pulpit
A focal point for teaching.
All eyes were on the pulpit as the sermon began.
Altar
Represents sacrifice and worship.
The community gathered around the altar for the annual blessing.
Pulpit
A pulpit is a raised stand for preachers in a Christian church. The origin of the word is the Latin pulpitum (platform or staging).
Altar
An altar is a structure with an upper surface for the presentation of religious offerings, for sacrifices, or for other ritualistic purposes. Altars are found at shrines, temples, churches and other places of worship.
Pulpit
A raised enclosed platform in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon
Many ministers delivered political guidance from their pulpits
Altar
An elevated place or structure before which religious ceremonies may be enacted or upon which sacrifices may be offered.
Pulpit
A raised platform in the bows of a fishing boat or whaler.
Altar
A structure, typically a table, before which the divine offices are recited and upon which the Eucharist is celebrated in Christian churches.
Pulpit
An elevated platform, lectern, or stand used in preaching or conducting a religious service.
Altar
A table or similar flat-topped structure used for religious rites.
Pulpit
Clerics considered as a group.
Altar
(informal) A raised area around an altar in a church; the sanctuary.
Pulpit
The ministry of preaching.
Altar
(figurative) Any (real or notional) place where something is worshipped or sacrificed to.
Pulpit
An elevated metal guardrail extending around the bow or stern of a yacht or other small vessel.
Altar
A raised structure (as a square or oblong erection of stone or wood) on which sacrifices are offered or incense burned to a deity.
Noah builded an altar unto the Lord.
Pulpit
An elevated platform, such as one used by harpooners in a whaling boat.
Altar
In the Christian church, a construction of stone, wood, or other material for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist; the communion table.
Pulpit
A bully pulpit.
Altar
The table in Christian churches where communion is given
Pulpit
A raised platform in a church, usually enclosed, where the minister or preacher stands when giving the sermon.
Altar
A raised structure on which gifts or sacrifices to a god are made
Pulpit
Activity performed from a church pulpit, in other words, preaching, sermons, religious teaching, the preaching profession, preachers collectively or an individual preaching position; by extension: bully pulpit.
Pulpit
A raised desk, lectern, or platform for an orator or public speaker.
Pulpit
(nautical) The railing at the bow of a boat, which sometimes extends past the deck. It is sometimes referred to as bow pulpit. The railing at the stern of the boat is sometimes referred to as a stern pulpit; other texts use the term pushpit.
Pulpit
A bow platform for harpooning.
Pulpit
A plane's cockpit.
Pulpit
An elevated place, or inclosed stage, in a church, in which the clergyman stands while preaching.
I stand like a clerk in my pulpit.
Pulpit
The whole body of the clergy; preachers as a class; also, preaching.
I say the pulpit (in the sober useOf its legitimate, peculiar powers)Must stand acknowledged, while the world shall stand,The most important and effectual guard,Support, and ornament of virtue's cause.
Pulpit
A desk, or platform, for an orator or public speaker.
Pulpit
Of or pertaining to the pulpit, or preaching; as, a pulpit orator; pulpit eloquence.
Pulpit
A platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
Common Curiosities
What does the pulpit symbolize?
The pulpit symbolizes the importance of the spoken word and teaching in the church.
What is the primary purpose of a pulpit?
The primary purpose of a pulpit is for preaching and delivering sermons.
What is an altar used for?
An altar is used for performing religious rituals, sacrifices, and offerings.
Can the pulpit and altar be found in all Christian churches?
Most Christian churches feature both a pulpit and an altar, but their design and prominence can vary.
How do the designs of pulpits and altars differ?
Pulpits are designed for speech, possibly with sound systems, while altars are designed for rituals and may hold symbolic items.
How does the location of the pulpit and altar affect church architecture?
Their locations reflect their roles in worship, with the altar's central position emphasizing its sacramental importance, and the pulpit's placement focusing on teaching.
Do pulpits have historical significance?
Yes, pulpits hold historical significance, especially in Protestant traditions emphasizing preaching.
What does the altar represent?
The altar represents sacrifice, worship, and the presence of the divine.
What items might you find on an altar?
Items on an altar can include candles, religious texts, sacramental elements, and other symbolic items.
Where is the altar located in a church?
The altar is usually centrally located, often in the chancel, symbolizing its importance.
Can the design of a pulpit affect its function?
Yes, the design, including height and sound systems, can enhance the preacher's audibility and the congregation's engagement.
How have pulpits and altars evolved over time?
Both have evolved to accommodate changes in worship practices, technological advancements, and architectural styles, reflecting the ongoing significance of word and sacrament in religious life.
Where in a church would you typically find the pulpit?
The pulpit is typically located to the side of the sanctuary to allow a clear view of the altar.
Is the altar significant in non-Christian religions?
Yes, altars hold a place of significance in many non-Christian religions as sacred spaces for worship and offerings.
Why might a church choose to have a particularly elaborate pulpit or altar?
A church might choose elaborate designs to reflect the significance of preaching and sacramental rituals, and to inspire reverence and engagement in the congregation.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
