Is the crucifix a form of idolatry?

Well said. I feel people wear a crucifix to show their faith as well to other people and makes them feel secure. I may hurt some people's feelings when saying this but Jesus is no longer on the cross it's almost like an insult to me. But I'm not judging you this is just how I feel and God bless you for loving God so deeply. I don't think it's a form of idolatry at all.

Penny Feeley said:

Well said. I feel people wear a crucifix to show their faith as well to other people and makes them feel secure. I may hurt some people's feelings when saying this but Jesus is no longer on the cross it's almost like an insult to me. But I'm not judging you this is just how I feel and God bless you for loving God so deeply. I don't think it's a form of idolatry at all.

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Are you also insulted by nativity scenes, because our Lord is no longer an infant?

PeaceB said:

Are you also insulted by nativity scenes, because our Lord is no longer an infant?

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No of course not like I said I don't think the crucifix is a form of idolatry. I thought we were talking about idolatry.

Norm d'Plume said:

I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this, but seeing (and touching!) a crucifix brings me closer to God. Isn't that idolatry?

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no ... but it has most certainly become one ....

PeaceB said:

Are you also insulted by nativity scenes, because our Lord is no longer an infant?

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Why do you constrain to an elementary concept of time?
Modern physics even postulates that " the river "concept of time is too limited and all times coexist, just as positions coexist. And our Lord does not even share the constraints we have in space time!

I can see how some see it. If I was around them...like staying with them? I would take it off. To me.. it reminds me of our lord.. yet.. I can bite it..drop it.. step on it.. so what. Its not Him. Like my kids gave me this picture of Jesus holding a lamb. I dont see my JESUS there. I see a God that leaves the 99 for the one.

I think it's a ridiculous question, why'd anyone worship a piece of wood ?

I think crosses and to a lesser extent the crucifix has become not profain but slightly defiled. There are so many people who wear a cross or a crucifix as jewelry that arnt christians that it has become more of a fashion item than a sacramental/symbol of the faith. This is why i personaly choose to wear the miraclous medal as i have never seen it worn by none christians

It doesn't have the same meaning as the cross or crucifix, though, plus very few onlookers would recognize what it represents.

So the Miraculous Medal is more of a thing between you and yourself, whereas most wearers of the cross or crucifix are presenting something to the world by wearing it, no??

Any icon, including crosses and crucifixes, are an aid to worship rather than the object of worship. Prayer is a form of meditation and in every religious tradition that I am aware of meditation is vastly improved by having a focal point.

Albion said:

It doesn't have the same meaning as the cross or crucifix, though, plus very few onlookers would recognize what it represents.

So the Miraculous Medal is more of a thing between you and yourself, whereas most wearers of the cross or crucifix are presenting something to the world by wearing it, no??

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For christians yes but i think its lost in the fashion of wearing a cross about your neck by none christians. Where i live many people even hang rosery beads from the car mirror and have no idea what it represents.

But yeah i think the miraculous medal is more personal

JackRT said:

Any icon, including crosses and crucifixes, are an aid to worship rather than the object of worship. Prayer is a form of meditation and in every religious tradition that I am aware of meditation is vastly improved by having a focal point.

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That's true, I guess, but I wouldn't think that what one wears around his neck becomes a *focal point* for that person when in prayer.

The Grouch said:

For christians yes but i think its lost in the fashion of wearing a cross about your neck by none christians. Where i live many people even hang rosery beads from the car mirror and have no idea what it represents.

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Whatever may be said about other aspects of this matter that we are examining, I am in agreement with you on this part.

Norm d'Plume said:

I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this, but seeing (and touching!) a crucifix brings me closer to God. Isn't that idolatry?

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It sounds like it..

keith99 said:

I would answer maybe.

It is not one per se, but it definitely can become one. As can a simple cross.

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I can agree with this, but I also have to note that hardly anyone actually approaches or views a crucifix or cross thinking of it in the way that people use idols.

The normal way that such items are used, either in church or in private, is as a memento or inducement to think of God, Christ, the Crucifixion, etc.

I think a cross can have power in the same way a painting has power it can cause emotions and bring thoughts to mind... but we would not confuse a painting of a mountain to be the actual mountain in the same way we would not confuse a momento peice of jewelry that depicts God/Christ as being God or Christ himself unless we were lacking the mental capacity to make such a distinction so in this regard i would say on the whole a cross or crucifix is not idolitry unless the person using it is so feeble minded he can not make the distinction

Albion said:

It doesn't have the same meaning as the cross or crucifix, though, plus very few onlookers would recognize what it represents.

So the Miraculous Medal is more of a thing between you and yourself, whereas most wearers of the cross or crucifix are presenting something to the world by wearing it, no??

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Forgive me, but I don't know what a miraculous medal even is?

As for the cross presenting something to the world I suppose you are right, but I wear mine under my shirt daily and never take it off. Not for the world, but to remind me Whose I am and Who I serve.

Oh, sorry. It is an oval medal that shows the virgin Mary in a posture that is similar to the way she is often represented in accounts of the alleged appearances at Lourdes and Fatima. The back side of the Medal has an emblem, also relating to the Virgin. Certain claims have been made about graces to be obtained by people using the Medal. It originated in the 1800s and is believed by Catholics to have been given by the Virgin herself.

Norm d'Plume said:

I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this, but seeing (and touching!) a crucifix brings me closer to God. Isn't that idolatry?

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I have it around my neck. So if it fell off got stepped on.. ran over fell in the toilet. If that WAS Jesus? I am in BIG trouble! lol. Its not Him in any way nor is some picture on some wall. I don't talk to that picture worship that picture.

That being said. For some it is. And praise GOD. For them it can be. I would rather have that then some STICKER on me saying "KICK ME IF YOU LOVE JESUS"!

Norm d'Plume said:

I'm sure I'm not the only person who feels this, but seeing (and touching!) a crucifix brings me closer to God. Isn't that idolatry?

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No, not that all. You are thinking of God