Is the crucifix a form of idolatry?

Norm d'Plume · Feb 26, 2017

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?

Mountainmike · Feb 26, 2017

Not at all.

The crucifix reminds you of Jesus, you don't worship a piece of wood!

So many similar arguments are reformation bunk!

JESUS=G.O.A.T · Feb 26, 2017

brings you closer to god....? Do you mean like reminds you of him? Or puts him on your mind? Now personally I try to avoid crucifixes I mean he resurrected he's no longer bound. But to simply answer the question no that's not idolatry, you're not worshipping it it just reminds you of JESUS I believe you're saying.

Norm d'Plume · Feb 26, 2017

I tend to think of it as Christ's power flowing to me through the crucifix. I don't think of the crucifix as the source of that power, though. Different?

keith99 · Feb 26, 2017

I would answer maybe.

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

chevyontheriver · Feb 26, 2017

A crucifix is not a 'power conduit', so if you see it as that you might watch out.

Albion · Feb 27, 2017

Nope, not unless you worship the crucifix. I don't know anyone who does, though.

or consider cutting it out.

seeking.IAM · Feb 27, 2017

Idolatry is the worship of a physical object as if it were God. Unless you see a crucifix as (a) being God and (b) you worship it, then it is not idolatry in my opinion.

I think many churches have stretched the Biblical meaning of idolatry to mean anything we like too much. I do not think that is what scriptures intend.

AndrewMicheals · Feb 28, 2017

Nah. Jesus is God. We are honoring, worshipping God the Son. How can that be Idolatry?

AndrewMicheals · Feb 28, 2017

We are honoring what the Crucifixion represents. Not the wood its made out of. That's Jesus on that cross, Heck ya I'm worshiping Jesus.

1watchman · Feb 28, 2017

Our relationship with God is in and through the Lord Jesus only --a spiritual relationship (note John 14:6), and we surely do not need to depend on material things or even people's reasonings and ceremonies. The real and faithful relationship we have with the Lord Jesus will please the Father and bring His blessings. As one has said: "Let go and let God"!

Sketcher · Mar 6, 2017

There was a time when my faith was very weak. I started taking a pocket cross I had received years earlier for spiritual protection. And then I lost it. I had to have actual faith in the real God to forgive and deliver me instead of depending on that pewter object to improve my chances. Eventually, that faith came. So yes, I can see how a crucifix or other holy object can become an idol. However, for those that have a strong faith in the Gospel, it will not.

FireDragon76 · Mar 6, 2017

A Crucifix was traditional in many Lutheran churches, some still use it. You can also find it in some Anglican churches, but it was much more common in Lutheran ones. It's not specifically Roman Catholic.

1watchman · Mar 9, 2017

Not everyone that claims to be Christian is that, so what people have done by religious tradition is irrelevant. Did God give us an emblem to hold, or just real and abiding faith and fellowship with His beloved Son? Faith alone is God's directive for relationship, rather than crutches; and His immutable Word is our source of truth and the mind of God. That is my view and also Scriptural.

Adstar · Mar 9, 2017

Seeing it and being reminded of the sacrifice Jesus went through. I have no problem with that...

touching it and feeling closer to God because you are physically closer to a cross.. That sounds like the physical cross has some spiritual power or the presence of God within in it or on it.. That to me sounds like Idolatry.. Imbuing a physical object with a spirit..

Phil 1:21 · Apr 10, 2017

I think it's a fine line. Is hanging a crucifix in your house idol worship? Not likely. On the the other hand, a friend of mine posted a photo the other day of her daughters kneeling down, lighting candles and praying in front of a big statue. That made me cringe a little.

smalltowngirl86 · Apr 15, 2017

If I remember correctly from my past studies with Jehovah's Witnesses, they believe this. They don't even believe in the cross at all.

1watchman · Sep 3, 2017

Adding a bit to what I posted, I feel strongly that one who ignores this and goes on with religious reasoning and carnal ways may very likely face loss of rewards provided at the "Judgment Seat of Christ" in Heaven (if in fact that one is a "born again" saint, which is the only way to be in Heaven - John 3).
God has NOT given such things as statues, crosses, emblems, idols, rituals, etc. of man's inventions to bring one closer to God, and it must be by faith alone and a personal walk and relationship with the Father through His "...beloved Son", the Lord Jesus, the Christ. Well, I will just leave this for one's meditation. Look up always!

thecolorsblend · Sep 16, 2017

It depicts the means of our salvation. "Idol" is a word that has a specific meaning. Idols are (1) objects created in the likeness of something else (2) which are then worshiped and (3) is understood to be the literal thing they depict.

On those terms, a crucifix cannot be defined as an idol. We Catholics like a crucifix but we don't worship them and we do not believe they're literally Our Lord.

Penny Feeley · Sep 18, 2017

Is the crucifix a form of idolatry?

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