Why don't Lutherans cross themselves?

rd151 · Mar 18, 2007

It is odd to me that I find Lutherans don't cross themselves, especially when Luther gave instruction to in his small Catechism. Also when the Pastor says the words "in the name of the Father, the Son and of the Holy Spirit" one would think to do so at that time. Also when I receive the flesh and blood of Christ during communion I always cross myself.So why is there such a reluctance on Lutherans part to make the sign of the cross, when they are instructed to do so in the first place? Are Lutherans afraid they will somehow turn into a Catholic by doing so.I truely wonder?

filosofer · Mar 18, 2007

[FONT= "Book Antiqua"]
I do cross myself, several times in the divine service.

In Christ's love,
filo
[/font]

seajoy · Mar 18, 2007

As far as I know, it's alright to do it, but it's not a requirement.

I have an LCMS friend that also crosses herself at communion. I don't have a problem with it.

I'm not afraid of turning Catholic, but I'd probably be afraid folks would think I'm trying to draw attention to myself or something, and that would make me uncomfortable.

DaRev · Mar 18, 2007

filosofer said:
I do cross myself, several times in the divine service.

In Christ's love,
filo

As do I.

porterross · Mar 18, 2007

I cross myself during communion and sometimes after praying.

DaRev · Mar 18, 2007

porterross said:
I cross myself during communion and sometimes after praying.

I do so anytime the Trinity is mentioned, either in the liturgy or during a hymn. Also at the reception of each of the elements of the Lord's Supper.

rd151 · Mar 18, 2007

well, I guess it's only at the church I attend then that I see a total lack of it? Thanks for your replies.GBY all

Studeclunker · Mar 18, 2007

If the pastor doesn't cross themselves or do the sign of the cross, I'm rather suspicious. Therefore, Filo and Reverand, with all due respect, you don't count.
I cross myself whenever I pray in private or recieve communion. Mostly when I'm in church I don't though. I feel rather self-concious if the rest of the congregation does not do it. I also often kneel quickly and incline my head whilst approaching the altar, in respect. Crossing oneself and kneeling whilst approaching the Lord is what people did when I was growing up. Hence it's what I'm most comfortable with. Still, since no one does this anymore, it leaves me very self-concious about it.

My son used to do the altar on a regular basis whilst in his tweens. He would get an ear full from me if he didn't kneel in front of the altar and acknowledge the Lord's presence. It's majorly annoying, to me, to see a hap-hazard manner when the altar is being attended at the beginning of service. It's disrespectful. After all, the individual we are dealing with here is the King of all creation.

seajoy · Mar 18, 2007

Like Studeclunker, I incline my head as well. My Pastor at confirmation talked about that, and I've always done it at the altar.

I was never taught how to cross myself. Perhaps I should try it when praying alone. It's just my Lord and I after all. He would understand if I didn't get it quite right at first.

porterross · Mar 18, 2007

Well, I am much more pious in private, but bowing upon approaching the altar and then before kneeling is a must. I don't see any evidence that it's no longer expected or required.
I do have a problem with parents allowing their pre-teen or teenagers to dress as if they were having a day at the lake for services. Why do they think that's acceptable?

seajoy · Mar 18, 2007

porterross said:
Well, I am much more pious in private, but bowing upon approaching the altar and then before kneeling is a must. I don't see any evidence that it's no longer expected or required.
I do have a problem with parents allowing their pre-teen or teenagers to dress as if they were having a day at the lake for services. Why do they think that's acceptable?

I sure agree with that!

DaRev · Mar 18, 2007

seajoy said:
I sure agree with that!

seajoy · Mar 18, 2007

porterross · Mar 18, 2007

I was thinking more about how sloppy and disrespectful it is, but there are women who could have a better understanding of modesty, yes. That is not often much of an issue in my church.

DaRev · Mar 18, 2007

seajoy said:
Oh my...please forgive me...I did not mean anything by that.

I know. I was just making a statement.

Studeclunker · Mar 19, 2007

It's funny, with my older children, getting them to dress in 'Sunday best' was no problem. My youngest, on the other hand, was a constant struggle in this. We were late many a Sunday because he came out in a t-shirt with some dragon or other unacceptable symbol on it (he liked beer t-shirts). I finally got to where he had to wear completely plain clothes for church. Oh my! We did argue over that!

I think many parents just don't want to deal with the battle over clothes. Believe it or not, the Narnia books helped me with this problem. Garrett finally understood when we discussed the protocols for approaching royalty. After all, Christ is our King, our sovereign. We are citizens of the United States, and subjects of Christ's kingdom. It was like the light finally came on (I could almost hear it go 'binggggg'). No trouble with him after that. Then we had issues with all black clothing...

LilLamb219 · Mar 19, 2007

There are plenty of Lutherans who cross themselves and I haven't come across a Lutheran pastor yet who doesn't (nor do I want to).

This is something that is neither commanded nor forbidden.

synger · Mar 19, 2007

The majority of folk in our congregation do not cross themselves. Some do. It isn't a big deal eitehr way.

Interestingly, we have a couple who, after much prayer and tearful soul-searching, left the Episcopal church and became members of our church (if you've been following the news of our Episcopal brethren, you'll understand some of the reason why). They cross themselves. And as I've been reading more of the Divine Services in my copy of the Hymnal (we usually have it printed in the bulletin rather than follow along in the Hymnal), I've noticed more often where it is marked for crossing oneself. As I've been teaching my daughter Luther's evening prayer, I notice it there. So more and more I've been crossing myself as well.

rd151 · Mar 19, 2007

It is remarkable to me that Luther himself urged crossing oneself frequently during morning and evening prayers and yet it is hardly practiced by modern Lutherans today who profess to follow Luther's teachings? One wonders if justification by faith alone will soon be abandoned as well?

porterross · Mar 19, 2007

Just what is your purpose in posting here again?

Why don't Lutherans cross themselves?

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