The Cross We Wear Mark 8:34 … “…Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Today we will explain two perspectives about displaying the cross. Don’t expect anything deep from this, just some history — or the back story, as the media might call it. The obvious difference in the crosses worn by people and displayed in churches of Catholics and Protestants, is the presence or absence of the figure of a man on the cross. History tells us that unadorned (plain) crosses were first displayed to commemorate the death of Christ shortly after his resurrection and return to Heaven. In the second century Catholic artists introduced the Crucifix, a cross that includes the likeness of a man — representing Jesus — nailed to the cross. Catholics consider this a more profound reminder of the pain and suffering Christ endured in being sacrificed by God for their sins. They treat the Crucifix with grave respect. Some Anglican, Methodist and Lutheran Protestants also employ the Crucifix. The cross used by most Protestants is unadorned, not bearing the figure of a man. They feel this version of the cross maintains a reminder of Christ’s death, while giving equal value to the resurrection. It reminds believers that Jesus is no longer dead and hanging on the cross and they, too, will enjoy their own resurrection. However, some Protestants wear a crucifix out of personal preference, or because it can be difficult to find an unadorned cross. Some Christians side with Calvin in believing that displaying any version of the cross constitutes idolatry. While it is possible for any symbol created by man to become an idol, I do not believe that wearing or displaying a cross for the purpose of reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice, automatically makes it an idol. All believers honor the death of Christ and await their own personal resurrection. That there are differences in the types of crosses worn and displayed, is primarily the result of tradition, and has no bearing on the facts, nor should it be cause for disagreement or serious debate. We all need to be reminded daily of the great sacrifice God made by sending Jesus to die for our sins, whether we display a cross or not, and whether or not that cross is plain or adorned. Copyright © 2013 Datu Wali Mission Foundation
Posted on: Thu, 21 Nov 2013 23:40:42 +0000
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