Author	Thread: Crucifixes vs. Crosses
Admin	Crucifixes vs. Crosses Posted : 28 Dec, 2012 01:29 PM Why is there such a stigma against using crucifixes in decorating/or on jewelry among protestants? I've heard the whole argument of "well Jesus isn't on the cross anymore so we shouldn't depict him as such" which to me seems a little silly. It's not as if a crucifix is implying that Jesus never left the cross. I AM protestant and found that recently I have begun questioning this whole view that seems prevalent among my family and friends. I find that I envision Jesus on the cross even when I see an empty cross in church so why is actually depicting him as being on a cross a bad thing? An empty cross doesn't seem to support the "Jesus is Risen" idea nearly as well as the empty tomb does. After all, Jesus was still dead when he was taken off the cross. It wasn't until three days later when he rose from the grave (and left the tomb) that he was alive again. Recently I decided to buy myself a small crucifix to hang over my bed. It will be a reminder to me of how my Lord suffered and died for me. I'm hoping that it isn't received as being negative from my family... I'm not praying to it or using it as a graven image. Any thoughts on this? Post Reply
View Profile History	Crucifixes vs. Crosses Posted : 28 Dec, 2012 02:33 PM Yes, I have some thoughts on the subject. However let me first say I think it is a matter of perspective, yet there is still the whole "graven image" thing; One could argue a Cross is a 'symbol' and a Crucifix a 'graven image', but that is kinda like splitting hairs,.... hmmmm?...idk My personal perspective is this: I do prefer a cross; it reminds me of Christs' victory. A crucifix reminds me of a time when Satan had his way; rather disturbing, yet valuable in the sense of quantifying the nature of Satan vs the Nature of God and realizing that should be me on the Cross >it can be taken both ways: �it is what I deserve. �that is where my flesh/self should be now< Just sharing a few thoughts Post Reply
View Profile History	Crucifixes vs. Crosses Posted : 28 Dec, 2012 03:53 PM Shared ~ Recently I decided to buy myself a small crucifix to hang over my bed. It will be a reminder to me of how my Lord suffered and died for me. *** Thats awesome and its very personal to you and thats what really matters...I was raised Protestant/Baptist...I wear a cross which I was baptized wearing it...Its very personal to me...I also have a Rosary with crucifix given as a gift that I absolutely love and Im not a Catholic...you dont need my advice about what others will think about your personal decision...Jesus knows whats in your heart...xo Post Reply
View Profile History	Crucifixes vs. Crosses Posted : 29 Dec, 2012 03:55 AM I have met some strong Catholics in their faith and know they are children of God. One was a nurse that I met while working on a nursing home. We had many wounderful talks about faith in God together. I think many protestants advoid such things like a cross and such is those symbols relate to the catholic church plain and simple. They probally dont want to confuse anyone who would visit their homes with having such things on their walls. A individual who is protestent can be just as equally religious and lost as a chatholic person is. Faith in God is trust in God and trust in God is so very personal and intimate. When Jesus told those who called Him lord lord and those who had performed works in His name. He was talking about religious individuals of all christian faith beliefs. He told then to depart workers of iniquity. Strong words, right? He summed it up with one word ( Knew) God either knows us and we know Him or not. God is not looking for religious worker bee's. He is looking for worshipers. Those who worship God in Spirit and truth ( know ) God and He knows them. This is the most important thing not what others think of your faith but knowing God. Post Reply
Jonathancharles View Profile History	Crucifixes vs. Crosses Posted : 1 Feb, 2013 04:30 PM I would say the reluctence has it,s origins in the protestant reformation during the 16th centery when any religious decoration was seen as papsit indulgence and idolatry and perhaps something of that attitude still survives today. personally i dont have any problem with symbolysm if it helps with your journey with christ. Post Reply