The Cross

[RachelleDrew]

I don't have a problem with crosses, although I have been openly criticized for wearing one in the church.

The cross I wear belonged to my grandfather. It's the one in my avatar picture, which is why I wear it. It's truly more of a symbol of my grandfather than it is my faith.

[prospectmom]

Wear it with pride in rememberance to you Grandfather and those who judge have much larger problems than you. Smile and kill them ( not really) with the kindness and love you should be shown.

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by Traveler

I would agree with you about your efforts to remember the sacrifice of Christ. However, that is not how he asked his disciples to remember him. I do not believe this would be so much a problem if the more important issues and commandments were given equal or more respect.

The Bible is silent about the use of a crucifix as a rememberance, just as it is the use of Jesus statuary. We observe regular Holy Communion (Sacrament), which is the specific means Jesus instituted for remembering him.

I am not so concerned with your individual case of respect and devotion as I am with the traditional Christians that have carried the cross into war to justify many of histories worse abuses against mankind.

I do not see the Crusades, and perhaps a few other military ventures done in the name of God, as a reason for jettisoning the symbol of Jesus' sacrifice.

Without question the symbol of the cross has come to be an “evil” symbol of great abuse throughout the world as much as it is a symbol of peace through the sacrifice of Christ. It is also just as much a symbol of “self serving” and rejection (damning) of others as it is a symbol of love, care and service of others (especially to non-Christians).

IMHO you greatly overstate the pervasiveness and degree of animous towards the Christian cross.

So I ask a question – if the cross in the hands of a Christian is a symbol of destruction and abuses in a specific society – would you gladly wear a cross knowing the fear and distrust that it generates?

IMHO, such strong anti-crucifix sentiments would be limited Muslim and perhaps Jewish communities. If I knew such sensitivities existed, I would probably forgo the use of the cross.

[scdoyle]

Originally Posted by scdoyle:
So if Christ was killed with a gun, would you wear a gun around your neck?

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

YES!

Wow. Good thing he wasn't hung! In all seriousness, I don't have a problem with crosses. However, I very much dislike the ones that have the dying Christ on them. It's just little too disturbing for me. One problem I have with the cross is that it have turned into an accessory item instead of a sign of your beliefs. How many music artists do we see wearing crosses, but
display no Christ-like attributes. I don't know what their beliefs are, but I bet for them the cross is just a "cool" thing to wear.

[prisonchaplain]

As FYI, Catholics tend to wear the crosses with Jesus on them. It's part of their understanding that during mass, Christ is still suffering for them. Protestants generally use empty crosses, symbolizing that his sacrifice was once and for all, and that He is risen.

[scdoyle]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

As FYI, Catholics tend to wear the crosses with Jesus on them. It's part of their understanding that during mass, Christ is still suffering for them. Protestants generally use empty crosses, symbolizing that his sacrifice was once and for all, and that He is risen.

Thanks, I didn't know that.

[WANDERER]

Thanks PC for the explanation...I wasn't aware of that either....explains why rosary crosses (Catholic prayer beads) are detailed as are the ones in their churches. I think my mother did know and had far more objections to my attending a Catholic school than I ever realised (objected to my wearing a particular cross or worried about wearing red or green hair ribbons on St Pats day). Umm Dutch reformed church origins...and I thought the Dutch were pretty mild about these things...but perhaps not in Drenthe LOL. Figures.

[Traveler]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

[/font][/color]



I do not see the Crusades, and perhaps a few other military ventures done in the name of God, as a reason for jettisoning the symbol of Jesus' sacrifice.

Do you know the meaning of the 3rd Richt (World War II)? What and when were the other two Richts? I have also asked a question that I know many do not even want to consider. When was the first law passed in a Christian society (which used the symbol of the cross) to prevent the plunder of innocent life and property of non-Christian worshipers?

The Traveler

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by Traveler

Do you know the meaning of the 3rd Richt (World War II)? What and when were the other two Richts? I have also asked a question that I know many do not even want to consider. When was the first law passed in a Christian society (which used the symbol of the cross) to prevent the plunder of innocent life and property of non-Christian worshipers?

The Traveler

Here's the answer about reichts: Axis History Factbook: The First & Second Reich . I believe I answered your question: the misuse of the Church and of Christians symbols for military venturism is not sufficient cause to jettison the symbol of our faith, anymore than the KKK's use is.

Your whole point seems to be that the Roman Empire remained cruel after it became Christian, therefore the cross has been corrupted and should not be used. Again, I could understand such sensitivity amongst Muslims or Jews, but see little need to jettison the symbol throughout Europe, Asia, or the Americas.

[Moksha]

Celtic Cross artwork from the Book of Kells