Cross

[Roro1972]

There are so many different crosses out there for necklace's . What type is or is not suitable for a true Christian to wear? Why does this widen at ends? is this bad?

 

[Corn Pop]

Myself personally I would not wear a cross because its just a image that doesn't do anything.

 

[WIP]

I’m not picking on the RCC or its members as I’m sure there are others that also do this or something similar but just using it as an example. This is one of the areas I struggled with and partly why I left the RCC church. I remember various medals, pendants, statues, and so forth that we were encouraged to keep with us and often members would pray to them and/or kiss them. I fear this is one example of graven images and a serious concern.

I have a similar concern when it comes to necklaces with crosses on them. If the person wearing them is looking to that pendent or necklace for guidance or help then as I see it they are making that inanimate object as a god.

On the other hand, if these items are nothing more than a piece of jewelry worn possibly as a means to witness for Jesus, such as to encourage curiosity and/or providing an opportunity for evangelism, then I see no problem with it.

 

[for_his_glory]

I agree with WIP as the wearing of it can become an idol as many that do wear one have no idea of the meaning behind it. It can become one of those "it feels good" sayings like going to Church and not knowing what was actually preached other than it made you feel good. I have one, but never wear it anymore as I'm not much of a jewelry kinda gal.

On the other hand it can be an opener to witness to someone who might ask why you were one.

 

[Roro1972]

Ok so I agree that the necklace/cross is not anything other than jewelry. It is not for one to pray to.
I do not wear one myself.
I may have worded my query wrong. I do not wear any jewelry because I get a rash from all metals.
What I wanted to ask and flubbed up was the different types and shape of crosses. Is there one that
is chosen by christian more than the others. or are some rejected by Christians. Sorry for the mistake.

 

[Boaz308]

I would say your splitting hairs at that point. But I personally think the crosses with circles around them are pagan symbolism.

 

[GodsGrace]

There are so many different crosses out there for necklace's . What type is or is not suitable for a true Christian to wear? Why does this widen at ends? is this bad?

Hi Roro

Crosses with an image of Jesus on them are usually picked by Catholics.
Crosses such as the one you posted with no image are usually picked by Protestants.

This is not a hard and fast rule.
Protestants don't like the one with the image because Jesus is alive and no longer on the cross.

The cross with no image is called a cross.
The one with the image is called a crucifix.

Personally, I like a small cross.
Close to the neck.
I wear mine every day...never take it off.
It's a good witness.

 

[ezra]

nothing wrong with a cross necklace many have no idea the true nature of the cross.. imo a small cross necklace would be cool . but remember there are 3 different crosses christ theif and ours to take up Cary follow Christ i afil to see how it would become a idiol unless you worshiped it over God

 

[GodsGrace]

nothing wrong with a cross necklace many have no idea the true nature of the cross.. imo a small cross necklace would be cool . but remember there are 3 different crosses christ theif and ours to take up Cary follow Christ i afil to see how it would become a idiol unless you worshiped it over God

Interesting idea about the three crosses!
Thanks for mentioning this.

 

[Papyrus_dust]

I don't know if there is any significance to the larger bottom portion of the cross pictured.
I have a few cross pendants that I obtained through the Hallmark Connections collection. A cross pendant isn't an idol. An idol is an image or anything used as an object of worship in place of the true God

A pendant cross reminds me of the sacrifice that gave me my life back through grace and faith in Jesus Christ.

 

[antipasta]

I'm somewhat partial to the St. Andrew's Cross.

 

[Roro1972]

I would say your splitting hairs at that point. But I personally think the crosses with circles around them are pagan symbolism.

If I wanted to buy a Christian cross I would want to make sure Im not buying a pagan cross. so I will split hairs to get the right one.

 

[Roro1972]

Hi Roro

Crosses with an image of Jesus on them are usually picked by Catholics.
Crosses such as the one you posted with no image are usually picked by Protestants.

This is not a hard and fast rule.
Protestants don't like the one with the image because Jesus is alive and no longer on the cross.

The cross with no image is called a cross.
The one with the image is called a crucifix.

Personally, I like a small cross.
Close to the neck.
I wear mine every day...never take it off.
It's a good witness.

I did not know this wondering thanks. I see so many I figured they all must have a different meaning.

 

[Roro1972]

nothing wrong with a cross necklace many have no idea the true nature of the cross.. imo a small cross necklace would be cool . but remember there are 3 different crosses christ theif and ours to take up Cary follow Christ i afil to see how it would become a idiol unless you worshiped it over God

Im not into idols, no worries there.

 

[Roro1972]

I don't know if there is any significance to the larger bottom portion of the cross pictured.
I have a few cross pendants that I obtained through the Hallmark Connections collection. A cross pendant isn't an idol. An idol is an image or anything used as an object of worship in place of the true God

A pendant cross reminds me of the sacrifice that gave me my life back through grace and faith in Jesus Christ.

Im not sure of that cross I posted either. I see a lot of crosses that do not have the top and bottom wider than the rest.
Im not looking for an idol.

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

The upside down cross was first used by Christians.
It represented the Apostle Peter and his request to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die the same as Jesus.
Famous people recently seen with an upside down cross is Chelsea Clinton and this picture of the Pope and the cross behind him.

Somewhere along the way, satanists took this symbol as their own and people now have mixed feelings about it.
The upside down broken cross in a circle (hippie peace sign) is satanic as it dates back to the Egyptian school of black magic and has many explanations of it's use.

The hippie peace sign is actually an upside down broken cross

 

[Roro1972]

The upside down cross was first used by Christians.
It represented the Apostle Peter and his request to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die the same as Jesus.
Famous people recently seen with an upside down cross is Chelsea Clinton and this picture of the Pope and the cross behind him.

Somewhere along the way, satanists took this symbol as their own and people now have mixed feelings about it.
The upside down broken cross in a circle (hippie peace sign) is satanic as it dates back to the Egyptian school of black magic and has many explanations of it's use.

The hippie peace sign is actually an upside down broken ross

Well thats two people I want follow/copy for sure.

 

[Papyrus_dust]

Im not sure of that cross I posted either. I see a lot of crosses that do not have the top and bottom wider than the rest.
Im not looking for an idol.

I realize that. Which is why I stated the cross pendant is not an idol.

 

[Jim Parker]

I remember various medals, pendants, statues, and so forth that we were encouraged to keep with us and often members would pray to them and/or kiss them. I fear this is one example of graven images and a serious concern.

The reverence exemplified by that behavior is rendered to the One who was on the cross.
Np one prays to a medal, pendant, or statue. A person prays to the one represented by the item.
No one (assuming sanity) worships a cross or a crucifix or an icon or a statue.
Kissing a cross or other image is no more idolatry than kissing a picture of your wife, kids, grand kids, or even a beloved pet.
Unfortunately, this kind of nonsense is regularly proclaimed by those who have imaginary issues with the Roman church.
I am saddened to see yet another example of this false information being posted in this Christian forum.

This is one of the areas I struggled with and partly why I left the RCC church.

A more focused reading of the catechism would provided the proper understanding and, of course, priests are available to explain and answer concerns. There was no need to struggle when the correct information was readily available.

 

[GodsGrace]

The upside down cross was first used by Christians.
It represented the Apostle Peter and his request to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to die the same as Jesus.
Famous people recently seen with an upside down cross is Chelsea Clinton and this picture of the Pope and the cross behind him.

Somewhere along the way, satanists took this symbol as their own and people now have mixed feelings about it.
The upside down broken cross in a circle (hippie peace sign) is satanic as it dates back to the Egyptian school of black magic and has many explanations of it's use.

The hippie peace sign is actually an upside down broken ross

I've never seen this and am disturbed by it.
It's good to honor Peter and all those Christians that gave their life for their faith.
But Peter did not die for us, Jesus did. I'm not surprised at Chelsea, but I'm shocked at the
upside down cross behind the Pope.

I would like to add for Roro1972 that a cross that is "fatter" at the ends has no particular meaning at all and is fine to wear.