Cross or Crucifix?

[Decanus]

I don't know if this topic has already been addressed or not, but i'll go ahead and ask anyway.

So, what are your opinions and practices when it comes to the Cross or Crucifix?

- Do you prefer one over the other?
- What are your reasons for doing so?
- What are the theological reasons for/against each?

I myself am rather torn. I like the crucifix because it reminds us that Christ died for us, however I like the message that the empty Cross gives. That Jesus defeated death and is no longer on the cross.

I like to wear a cross/Crucifix everywhere I go and wearing a crucifix definitely makes some kind of statement of my faith, whereas in todays Society, the Cross is used as some kind of fashion accessory, therefore by wearing a normal cross, people would just assume that it's for fashion, not because of my beliefs. What are your views?

 

[PaladinValer]

Since both the crucifix and cross have important orthodox theological implications, both are fine.

And what society thinks of it doesn't matter. It isn't about a popularity contest.

 

[Albion]

I don't know if this topic has already been addressed or not, but i'll go ahead and ask anyway.

So, what are your opinions and practices when it comes to the Cross or Crucifix?

- Do you prefer one over the other?
- What are your reasons for doing so?
- What are the theological reasons for/against each?

I myself am rather torn. I like the crucifix because it reminds us that Christ died for us, however I like the message that the empty Cross gives. That Jesus defeated death and is no longer on the cross.

There you go. It's a matter of preference, and each has something to recommend it.

And yes, the topic was discussed fairly recently.

I like to wear a cross/Crucifix everywhere I go and wearing a crucifix definitely makes some kind of statement of my faith, whereas in todays Society, the Cross is used as some kind of fashion accessory, therefore by wearing a normal cross, people would just assume that it's for fashion, not because of my beliefs. What are your views?

I tend to prefer the cross. Although I recognize your point, the other side of that coin seems to be that the crucifix is worn by a lot of people who want to make a show of their denominational allegiance. The cross suggests Christianity itself just because it is so universal an emblem.

 

[Gnarwhal]

I myself am rather torn. I like the crucifix because it reminds us that Christ died for us, however I like the message that the empty Cross gives. That Jesus defeated death and is no longer on the cross.

I feel the same way for the same reasons. I think both have their significance and should be considered for those reasons.

 

[Liberasit]

I prefer an empty cross signifying Christ's conquering of death. I wear a Celtic cross as part of my heritage.

 

[ebia]

If I'm going to wear one I prefer a plain wooden one.

Though I did have a nice golden lapel cross with purple scarf, till the purple bit came off and got lost.

 

[graceandpeace]

I am okay with either, but lean toward the empty cross because it is no longer just a symbol of death, but death defeated in Christ.

 

[John Shrewsbury]

Personally I prefer the empty cross (Christ is risen), but don't mind the Crucifix.

 

[JoyToTheWhirled]

I have a fondness for the crucifix, to remind me of exactly what the cross is all about. But we keep empty crosses about the place at home because we're not just Good Friday people, we're Easter Sunday people too

 

[seeking.IAM]

I prefer the empty cross, symbolic for me of the resurrection. Or then again it could only be that I spent 50 years as a Methodist before coming to TEC?

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

I agree with Paladin Valer and Albion. Both are valid and it's a matter of personal preference. And for me, between the two I have no strong preference. I would wear either pretty much interchangeably.

 

[Decanus]

Thank you for all your posts guys and for sharing your preferences with me.

Being raised in the Catholic Church, I was always told you should use a crucifix, but having thought about it, i'm starting to prefer the use of the Cross, purely due to it's symbolism of Christ's victory over death. Of course though I still believe the Crucifix holds real value and always serves to remind us that Christ did suffer and die for us.

I guess i'll just see how I go.

 

[Try]

My parish church has a plain brass cross over the tabernacle and high altar in the main sanctuary and a wooden crucifix of the Christus Victor type over the altar in the Christ Chapel. In my home I have a Celtic cross and a crucifix in my living room, a crucifix in my bedroom, and I wear a silver Celtic cross.

All in all, I like both.