Why do we choose not to depict

[ZiSunka]

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

I'll be praying that you will find Truth and security in the Lord.

 

[GreenEyedLady]

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.

Many many many men were scrouged and hung on a cross. Christ was not the only man that this happened to. He was not the only one beated, spit on, stripped naked and nailed. This is probally the biggest reason why Christ is not on our cross in the church. Its not that he died on the cross, its that HE BEAT DEATH, HE WON THE VICTORY!!!!
Yes, his death paid for our sins, but its the fact that he was God manifested in the flesh, its the glory of his resurrection that gives us evidence to call him Messiah.
GEL

 

[FreeinChrist]

oops...

 

[Y_Cathol]

Many many many men were scrouged and hung on a cross. Christ was not the only man that this happened to. He was not the only one beated, spit on, stripped naked and nailed. This is probally the biggest reason why Christ is not on our cross in the church. Its not that he died on the cross, its that HE BEAT DEATH, HE WON THE VICTORY!!!!
Yes, his death paid for our sins, but its the fact that he was God manifested in the flesh, its the glory of his resurrection that gives us evidence to call him Messiah.
GEL

And by the same token, Christ is God. Christ died on that cross, so it is not an empty cross that saved us, but Christ who suffered the scourging, and died on that cross who saved us, hence the reason why the Body is on the cross.

 

[ZiSunka]

And by the same token, Christ is God. Christ died on that cross, so it is not an empty cross that saved us, but Christ who suffered the scourging, and died on that cross who saved us, hence the reason why the Body is on the cross.

Not wishing to engage you in an illgeal debate, but the work is all done on the cross, Christ was tortured and did die on the cross, but then he arose and showed us that death is not the victor, that Christ is. That is why we depict the cross empty, because death doesn't get to win, Christ overcame death!

It's not his time on the cross that saves us, it's his death and resurrection that paid for our sins.

 

[Archbishop 10-K]

Since there are good arguements for both sides, I suppose it's just a matter of personal preference. I guess we Catholics are biased towards the crucifix because we focus more on the passion and sacrifice of Our Lord for our iniquities, while you Baptist guys focus more on the resurrection and the hope of the life of the world to come. Both are very big theological points, expressed by two symbols. I suppose it would be ideal if we could find a balance between the two. For this reason, I use both symbols interchangably (and for one thing, the cross is easier to draw.)

I do think there is one main benefit about the crucifix not yet mentioned: in my generation, at least, the cross has been transformed into a mainstream fashion statement, so that even the pagans and atheists at my school wear the cross. When I wear the crucifix, though, it is unmistakably Jesus Christ, and thus, gives off the message "hey! This is a Christian symbol!" You know what I mean?

Just my two cents......

 

[SumTinWong]

Great points archbishop!

 

[Y_Cathol]

Since there are good arguements for both sides, I suppose it's just a matter of personal preference. I guess we Catholics are biased towards the crucifix because we focus more on the passion and sacrifice of Our Lord for our iniquities, while you Baptist guys focus more on the resurrection and the hope of the life of the world to come. Both are very big theological points, expressed by two symbols. I suppose it would be ideal if we could find a balance between the two. For this reason, I use both symbols interchangably (and for one thing, the cross is easier to draw.)

I do think there is one main benefit about the crucifix not yet mentioned: in my generation, at least, the cross has been transformed into a mainstream fashion statement, so that even the pagans and atheists at my school wear the cross. When I wear the crucifix, though, it is unmistakably Jesus Christ, and thus, gives off the message "hey! This is a Christian symbol!" You know what I mean?

Just my two cents......

There is the other thing... I see a lot of ppl wearing a plain cross, more as a fashion statement, and so it is difficult to tell whether the person is a Christion or not. - Crucifix is a definite answer...

but, i suppose that both are fine to wear

 

[aReformedPatriot]

There is the other thing... I see a lot of ppl wearing a plain cross, more as a fashion statement, and so it is difficult to tell whether the person is a Christion or not. - Crucifix is a definite answer...

I definitly wouldnt say anyone depicting the crucified savior around thier neck is a hands up christian. Most of the people I know now dont wear jewlery but when i was in high school I had several "christian" friends engaging in the same pagan practices as me bearing that symbol. If they were true Christians I might as well lighten up and go have a goooood time

 

[Garuda]

I spend a lot of time on the streets as a law enforcement officer. I really just want to say that it really goes both ways - i see about equal amounts of bling bling crosses and crucifixes nowadays.

 

[Y_Cathol]

I spend a lot of time on the streets as a law enforcement officer. I really just want to say that it really goes both ways - i see about equal amounts of bling bling crosses and crucifixes nowadays.

It is actually sad that it happens, but it is meant to be a symbollic profession of faith...

 

[aReformedPatriot]

It is actually sad that it happens, but it is meant to be a symbollic profession of faith...

Sad yes. I find myself wanting to rip it off peoples necks and ask why they are wearing it

 

[Y_Cathol]

I definitly wouldnt say anyone depicting the crucified savior around thier neck is a hands up christian. Most of the people I know now dont wear jewlery but when i was in high school I had several "christian" friends engaging in the same pagan practices as me bearing that symbol. If they were true Christians I might as well lighten up and go have a goooood time

I don't mean whether a person is living their faith or not, I mean baptised, or unbaptised... but as someone above so eloquently put it, both are becoming "bling bling"

 

[aReformedPatriot]

I don't mean whether a person is living their faith or not, I mean baptised, or unbaptised... but as someone above so eloquently put it, both are becoming "bling bling"

haha yea.

What does baptism have to do with anything?

 

[Y_Cathol]

haha yea.

What does baptism have to do with anything?

Baptism is the first step in Christianity. To be baptised is to be a part of the family of Christ.

Now my point was that I found it more difficult to see who they are with a cross, where a crucifix is easier... because those that are not baptised Christians wear the cross merely as decoration.

 

[John 15:13]

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

Thank God He is risen! Because He lives, I have power and authority!

 

[SumTinWong]

Baptism is the first step in Christianity. To be baptised is to be a part of the family of Christ.

I thought belief in the Christ was?

 

[Lynn73]

Baptism is the first step in Christianity. To be baptised is to be a part of the family of Christ.

Now my point was that I found it more difficult to see who they are with a cross, where a crucifix is easier... because those that are not baptised Christians wear the cross merely as decoration.

The first step in Christianity, if that's how you want to word it, is to believe on Christ as Savior. One cannot become a Christian without doing so. To be born again, spiritually, if you will. A person can be dunked in water and still not know Christ as Savior. If you're talking about spiritual baptism where Christ adds to His church daily those who are being saved, I could agree. But I can never believe that putting someone in water will save them if there's been no change in their heart.

P.S. Even if I had never been baptized, the wearing of the cross for me would NOT be as decoration.

 

[Y_Cathol]

The first step in Christianity, if that's how you want to word it, is to believe on Christ as Savior. One cannot become a Christian without doing so. To be born again, spiritually, if you will. A person can be dunked in water and still not know Christ as Savior. If you're talking about spiritual baptism where Christ adds to His church daily those who are being saved, I could agree. But I can never believe that putting someone in water will save them if there's been no change in their heart.

P.S. Even if I had never been baptized, the wearing of the cross for me would NOT be as decoration.

Maybe I should rephrase... those who are baptised receive their second birth, their birth in Christ - and are recieved into the Church. - and Yes, your heart is important... ie. if I am baptised, but don't live as I should, but call myself a christian, then I am living a falsehood - the next step is the Confirmation... A maturity in the Church (But not necessarily Spiritually)... But once again, the way I act is important - "And so, by their fruits, you will know them...". And I speak of Non Christians that wear it for decoration... not Christians.

 

[Y_Cathol]

Look... in NO way was I trying to insult or "flame" anybody here - (It seems that certain members are upset at my arguments... My arguments (Aside from the one where I stat why I choose as a Catholic to wear the crucifix) Were not meant to be theological... nor were they to downplay anybody.... My point is merely this:

It is sad that the symbol of faith that we, as Christians, wear around our necks is to many people merely a decoration, which makes it sometimes difficult to distinguish them... (Which may be a little off topic )

But I sincerely appologise if I have been misunderstood... because my intention was never to offend anybody!