Why do we choose not to depict

[aReformedPatriot]

Why do we choose not to depict Christ on the cross like the RC do?

 

[SumTinWong]

It was told to me that we don't have them because Jesus is not on that cross anymore. On the other hand why don't we wear empty tombs around our necks, since he aint there either?

 

[ZiSunka]

Yep, because he's no longer on the cross, the work is done, we are free and he is alive!

 

[aReformedPatriot]

Thats what I was thinking, i couldnt be sure. Thanks! Now on the reciprocal, why do they depict him on the cross?

 

[Sword-In-Hand]

I would have less of a problem if the true tragedy of the cross was depicted on an emblem. This picture of Jesus with unscarred skin and blood not flowing down is just a pretty image. Jesus on the cross was a gruesome sight. The cross is a catch-22 subject. We as Christians love it because if not for the cross and Jesus' crucifixion we are without hope, but in the same manner we hate it because it is where our Lord was tortured for our sins. If someone wants to depict Jesus on the cross, then show the true aspect of it. That's why I think it is less depicted in other places besides the RC. In most cases, it's not shown accurately.

 

[ZiSunka]

Thats what I was thinking, i couldnt be sure. Thanks! Now on the reciprocal, why do they depict him on the cross?

Go to OBOB and ask. We could speculate, but not give the best answer.

 

[SumTinWong]

I agree with Sword. If the crosses had the beaten up images I saw at the end of the Passion, that might be at least soemthing to refelct on, that he did it all for us.

I also agree with lambslove, and the best way to get that answer is to go to the source

 

[aReformedPatriot]

Asked: http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=10366413&postcount=1

 

[Archbishop 10-K]

Lord's Envoy and other Baptist brethren:

I just dropped by to thank you guys for coming to OBOB and asking us! I thought I'd throw this in here: I love both the cross and the crucifix. For me, though, the crucifix has a deeper meaning, because it shows me how much Our Lord loved us and how much pain He was willing to go through for us. It's kind of how Mel Gibson's film left a deep impact on many Christians who were not otherwise exposed to the image of the crucifix (and even some who were.)

 

[pressingon]

Why do we choose not to depict Christ on the cross like the RC do?

Having grown up Catholic, and eventually ending up a Baptist, I had wondered that myself. Aside from answers already given here, I'd also heard another... that some Baptists believe depicting Christ in any form at all is sinful (idolatry), based on understanding of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4). Take Christ off the crucifix, and you've got a cross.

Personally, I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's sinful, although I can see how the crucifix could become an idol for some. (For that matter, I guess the cross could become an idol for some as well.)

 

[SonOfThunder]

Having grown up Catholic, and eventually ending up a Baptist, I had wondered that myself. Aside from answers already given here, I'd also heard another... that some Baptists believe depicting Christ in any form at all is sinful (idolatry), based on understanding of the second commandment (Exodus 20:4). Take Christ off the crucifix, and you've got a cross.

Personally, I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's sinful, although I can see how the crucifix could become an idol for some. (For that matter, I guess the cross could become an idol for some as well.)

Jehovah was very clear through The Bible about our passion to have something tangible and look to it as an idol. He knows us better than we know ourselves, Humans naturally relate to suffering with deep compassion, this becomes very real to us if we have something representing the suffering of Jesus Christ. We do tred a fine line mentally between using 'things' to worship and looking on the suffering ONLY.

Our relationship with Jehovah God has to grow past this need for visual proof. Jesus is risen and in His Glorious state.

James

 

[Matthan]

I agree, at least for the most part, with all of the posts on this thread. Yes, God does not want us to have (or use) anything physical as a crutch for our faith. Paul says it best when he tells us, "

For we walk by faith, not by sight

. That is the pure essence of a true Christian.

Matthan

 

[Archbishop 10-K]

I agree with SonofThunder that we don't "need" visual proof, however, it does help us better understand our faith (case in point is, once again, "The Passion of the Christ.") In the medieval period, most people couldn't read, so craftsmen created stained-glass windows and later, frescoes, to depict Biblical scenes and figures. I believe that God gave us the power to create art, and that the best thing we can do with it is use it to glorify God. Since this is a Baptist board, I won't heckle y'all with debating the issue of idolatry, but I've never seen a Baptist who didn't have at least one picture of Jesus lying around, and you can rest assured that I'm fully aware that my crucifix is just wood and metal, and is not deity in itself. For me, it's just a visual reminder of my God's love for me.

 

[Matthan]

By the way, Son of Thunder, congratulations on finding God's Truth. I was born into a loving Baptist family, and I have known that wonderful blessing all my life. I have often felt so very sorry for Catholics who have been so misguided by the very church they have placed their faith in (This IS NOT an attempt to bait any Catholics, so please do not take it that way!) I want to jump for Christian joy whenever I hear of someone such as yourself who has been freed from the tentacles of sinful man.

That's right, Thunder. You did not free yourself, you were freed by God. And that logically means He has other plans for you. So, grab onto the seat of your pants, hold on tight, and get ready to do His will at some point in your life. You are truly blessed by this special gift.

Matthan

 

[Matthan]

Archbishop 10-K, I find your "message" at the end of your post interesting. You wrote,

Proud member of the Cardinal Ratzinger Fan Club: "Putting the SMACKDOWN on heresy since 1981!"

Shouldn't that read "since the 10th Century?" Oh, I realize the office of the holy inquisition was not "officially" created until the 13th Century, but the RCC started persecuting "heretics" a long time before that non-august beginning. What ever happened to just rejecting heretics as Paul taught us?

Matthan

 

[Y_Cathol]

I don't know if this is the way that everyone else sees it, but the way that I see it is this: It was not an empty cross that saved us, It was Christ who died on that cross. To me, takeing the body off of the cross is removing the real point of the cross: Jesus' suffering for our sins. Yes, He is raised, but He suffered, immesurably, and to take the body off is to me, a way to try to forget His suffering, and the cruelty of our indifference when we sin. - The way I see it is: Each time we sin, we participate in the scourging, and the crucifixion.

- And thanks for coming to us and asking! It means a lot.

 

[Archbishop 10-K]

Archbishop 10-K, I find your "message" at the end of your post interesting. You wrote, Shouldn't that read "since the 10th Century?" Oh, I realize the office of the holy inquisition was not "officially" created until the 13th Century, but the RCC started persecuting "heretics" a long time before that non-august beginning. What ever happened to just rejecting heretics as Paul taught us?

Matthan

Aww, ya shoulda PM'd me! I don't particularly like debating on denominational boards (either I get warned or the thread gets locked), but I guess I set myself up for that one, eh? Well, anyway, Cardinal Ratzinger has been in office since 1981, hence the given date. And rejecting heretics is pretty much all the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith or "Inquisition" does nowadays (and besides, we don't mess with you guys anymore either.) I'd agree that execution is going over the line, but I'm not holding a grudge against Protestants for Henry VIII, Elizabeth, and Cromwell killing my Catholic ancestors. Those are human failures. So please don't hold a grudge against us, either.

 

[FreeinChrist]

Why do we choose not to depict Christ on the cross like the RC do?

Because we serve a Risen Saviour, one who conquered death and sits at the right hand of God. The cross isn't the end of the story ....

 

[aReformedPatriot]

Matthan, Archbishop 10-K

No need to get Hostile now gents.

 

[SonOfThunder]

By the way, Son of Thunder, congratulations on finding God's Truth. I was born into a loving Baptist family, and I have known that wonderful blessing all my life. I have often felt so very sorry for Catholics who have been so misguided by the very church they have placed their faith in (This IS NOT an attempt to bait any Catholics, so please do not take it that way!) I want to jump for Christian joy whenever I hear of someone such as yourself who has been freed from the tentacles of sinful man.

That's right, Thunder. You did not free yourself, you were freed by God. And that logically means He has other plans for you. So, grab onto the seat of your pants, hold on tight, and get ready to do His will at some point in your life. You are truly blessed by this special gift.

Matthan

I did not grow up a Catholic, I did find what I was in was false in major areas and do not profess to have truth myslef, in fact quite the opposite. Life is full of confusion on who has truth and if my salvation is secure.


James