Crossing yourself

[seajoy]

Sometimes I cross myself in private prayer, but I have never seen anyone cross themselves in a WELS church. I do have a friend from the LCMS that crosses herself, but that is the only person I know who does it, besides RC.

 

[Luther073082]

I always thought only ex catholics crossed themselves in Lutheran Churches.When I crossed myself in a non denom church,I received a number of stares.

The practice of crossing oneself has tradition in the Lutheran church. Some people do it and some don't, but its not atypical to see in the least.

 

[Tangible]

And in a typical non-denom crossing yourself just marks you as someone who probably isn't really saved.

 

[BenB]

At my church I see about half of the congregation do it. I usually do it when I pray before I go to bed.

Also, Martin Luther says to do it in the Small Catechism. It's also in the Lutheran Service Book.

 

[Tangible]

BenB, I haven't seen you here before. Welcome!

 

[Winter]

I'm curious about Lutherans in Europe. Do you think they may cross themselves in church more than Americans?

 

[Tangible]

I'm curious about Lutherans in Europe. Do you think they may cross themselves in church more than Americans?

Just guessing that this would indeed be true. It seems like there has been much less Protestant influence there.

 

[porterross]

I'm curious about Lutherans in Europe. Do you think they may cross themselves in church more than Americans?

From my experience, yes. It seems the norm rather than the exception.