Who performs the gesture of the sign of the cross?

[tonychanyt]

Jerome wrote to Eustochium:

In every act we do, in every step we take, let our hand trace the Lord's cross.

To Demetrias:

You must shut the door of your breast and fortify your brow by often making the sign of the cross.

Today, Catholics make the sign of the cross with their right hand. The gesture predated the Roman Catholic institution. Wiki:

The use of the sign of the cross traces back to early Christianity, with the third-century treatise Apostolic Tradition directing that it be used during the minor exorcism of baptism, during ablutions before praying at fixed prayer times, and in times of temptation.[2]

Lutherans, Methodists, and Anglicans also perform it, and Eastern Orthodox Christians do it with slight variations.

Can any Christians do it?

Yes, if you do it with respect, the Catholics will not be offended.

 

[HTacianas]

Today, Catholics make the sign of the cross] with their right hand. The gesture predated the Roman Catholic institution. Wiki:


Lutherans, Methodists, and Anglicans do it as well.

Can any Christians do it?

The Bible does not say that making the sign of the cross is wrong. If you do it with respect, the Catholics will not be offended.

All of the Apostolic Churches make the sign of the cross. In about 200 or so AD Tertullian wrote that it was the tradition in all of the Churches he visited. The earliest version of it was the crossing of the forehead that is still common in the Roman Church.

 

[seeking.IAM]

The earliest version of it was the crossing of the forehead that is still common in the Roman Church.

In The Episcopal Church we make the sign of the cross on our forehead, on our lips, and on our hearts at the reading of the Gospel.

 

[notRusskiyMir]

All of the Apostolic Churches make the sign of the cross. In about 200 or so AD Tertullian wrote that it was the tradition in all of the Churches he visited. The earliest version of it was the crossing of the forehead that is still common in the Roman Church.

There is a pre-split canon which details how the sign should be made. Under Charlemagne, the western Church forgot this.

As to being offended, no probs. With the Orthodox crossing themselves (head, torso, right shoulder, left shoulder, fingers in a certain way) differently that our western brethren, you'll stand out a bit if visiting an Orthodox Church, but that should not inhibit you. We'll know we have a visitor!

I cross myself frequently at home. Anything I see or think of as a blessing, I cross for. To me, it is a way to punctuate my regard for God's blessings and His love.
Also asking forgiveness, and liturgic based reasons when in Church. There are other "rules" about crossing yourself when passing or entering the Church, etc. These are "little t" traditions.

 

[David Lamb]

Today, Catholics make the sign of the cross] with their right hand. The gesture predated the Roman Catholic institution. Wiki:


Lutherans, Methodists, and Anglicans do it as well.

Can any Christians do it?

The Bible does not say that making the sign of the cross is wrong. If you do it with respect, the Catholics will not be offended.

I con't bring to mind any bible reference to using the cross as a Christian sign, whether in the form of a medallion in the shape of a cross, or a sign made with the hand. I wonder why a Christian would wish to do it. The fish was used by early Christians as a sign, not because it is taught in Scripture, but because the Greek word for "fish" used the initial letters of "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour".

 

[Valletta]

I con't bring to mind any bible reference to using the cross as a Christian sign, whether in the form of a medallion in the shape of a cross, or a sign made with the hand. I wonder why a Christian would wish to do it.

Saint Basil told us that the sign of the cross was passed down from the Apostles. You should at least understand that some Christians believe that emulating the Apostles is not a bad thing. As to the Bible, whether the sign of the cross is the seal spoken of in Revelation is a matter of debate.
Perhaps you are at the far end of the spectrum of Christianity that does not believe in wearing crosses or in including instrumental music in services.
It is my understanding that the reasoning behind that is to focus on Jesus and that things like the sign of the cross would be a distraction. Catholics are at the other end in the spectrum of Christianity, engaging the physical senses and the physical reality of God and man in worship of God. We are comprised of both body and soul, and thus try to fully engage both to deepen our relationship with Jesus.

 

[David Lamb]

Saint Basil told us that the sign of the cross was passed down from the Apostles. You should at least understand that some Christians believe that emulating the Apostles is not a bad thing. As to the Bible, whether the sign of the cross is the seal spoken of in Revelation is a matter of debate.
Perhaps you are at the far end of the spectrum of Christianity that does not believe in wearing crosses or in including instrumental music in services.
It is my understanding that the reasoning behind that is to focus on Jesus and that things like the sign of the cross would be a distraction. Catholics are at the other end in the spectrum of Christianity, engaging the physical senses and the physical reality of God and man in worship of God. We are comprised of both body and soul, and thus try to fully engage both to deepen our relationship with Jesus.

But Basil did not write any of the bible. In the bible we do read a lot of what the apostles taught, and there is not a single mention of making signs or gestures, like making the sign of the cross, wearing a cross-shaped medallion, bowing when you say the name of Jesus, and so on.

You are right that I don't believe in wearing crosses. I don't believe in any music in church services that is a "performance", but I am not against an instrument to accompany congregational hymn-singing.

 

[Valletta]

But Basil did not write any of the bible. In the bible we do read a lot of what the apostles taught, and there is not a single mention of making signs or gestures, like making the sign of the cross, wearing a cross-shaped medallion, bowing when you say the name of Jesus, and so on.

You are right that I don't believe in wearing crosses. I don't believe in any music in church services that is a "performance", but I am not against an instrument to accompany congregational hymn-singing.

Most of the Apostles did not write any of the Bible. Gestures are not the focus of the Bible, but are certainly mentioned, and here are some examples:
1 Timothy 2:10 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling RSVCE
Acts 6:6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands upon them. RSVCE
Luke 18:13 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ RSVCE
Obviously you don't believe St. Jerome's position that the sign of the cross, according to Jerome's examination of Biblical roots, is the seal spoken of in Revelation. But at least realize that gestures are spoken of in the Bible, although the specific details are left out.