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As a catholic, our crosses usually have the body of Christ on it....called a crucifix. Other churches or denominations just use the plain cross, without the crucifix.
Just wondering what you or your church uses or prefers and why.
As a Baptist, we utilize a standard cross with no Jesus on it. The reason for this is the commandment
Exodus 20
4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
That's pretty much why a lot of churches use a plain cross rather than one with Jesus portrayed on it
My church is also (Independent) Baptist and we use just a standard cross. I don't know why, exactly. I never asked. I personally only wear a plain cross. My wife (former Catholic -- now Baptist) still will wear her crucifix and we have a couple in our home.
My mother taught me that we (as Protestants) don't use a crucifix because we believe Jesus is alive at the right hand of the Father and isn't on the cross any more. She said a crucifix isn't wrong, but those who use it do so as a reminder of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice.
I'd personally like to hear if that is the reason for the crucifix or if my mom was in error.
As a Baptist, we utilize a standard cross with no Jesus on it. The reason for this is the commandment
Exodus 20
4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
That's pretty much why a lot of churches use a plain cross rather than one with Jesus portrayed on it
I heard the explanation years ago that it's becuse Jesus didn't *STAY* on the cross, and that it's his resurrection that makes all the difference.
Though I agree with the graven image & likeness thing, too!
I think that protostants feel that if they put Jesus on the cross they are downplaying the power of the resurection.
But I listened to a Catholic talk once on it and it was powerful.....he said that Catholics have Jesus on the cross as a reminder of the great suffering He endured for US.
The crucifix on the cross reminds me of the pain and torture He
suffered for my sins, his outstretched arms remind me of how much he loves me The plain cross reminds me that he has risen and is with the Father, and his Holy word reminds me daily of how I can join him..Being a believer is not complicated at all
Yes, the crucifix is a reminder of Christ's suffering. I have stated in another thread that I, personally, find the crucifix to be beautiful. I can remember when I was confirmed, I wanted my husband to buy me a crucifix for my neck. I have just recently started a collection of them and have several around my house (I also have crosses w/o Jesus). For me, I see Christ on the cross and I think, "Wow, he died for ME". I find myself often times stroking my crucifix when I am talking to God. For the most part, it is a subconscious thing, but I am aware that I do it. My husband had an uncle who would tell this wonderful story of how when he would say his daily prayers, he would place his thumb over the feet of Jesus (on his crucifix). He said that he is sure that Jesus's feet must have been cold and he wanted to keep them warm. There is also a crucifix where Jesus's arms are streched open. I believe it is called the Risen crucifix. We have a very beautiful in the narthex of our church.
My mother taught me that we (as Protestants) don't use a crucifix because we believe Jesus is alive at the right hand of the Father and isn't on the cross any more. She said a crucifix isn't wrong, but those who use it do so as a reminder of Jesus' suffering and sacrifice.
I'd personally like to hear if that is the reason for the crucifix or if my mom was in error.
That's pretty much how the Pastor at my last church explained it. It doesn't matter for me. Really, it's one of those silly details religious people like to debate.
I totally agree with alicia. My church does not use the sign of the cross or crucifix anywhere. It seems to me to focus to much on Christ's death when the focus should be on His glorious resurrection.
Not even his death really...the INSTRUMENT of his death. Yikes. I mean it was the same instrument that killed criminals so what was special about it, exactly?
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