So throughout history people have been capitally punished by needle, electric chair, the gallows, the guillotine and the cross. If Jesus had been just 1500 years later we would be wearing electric chair necklaces or have tattoos of the guillotine (though this is slightly regionalistic). Anyone want a noose necklace? My question, why don't we have a better symbol? Why isn't the symbol for Jesus and christinaity one of light and hope and peace, not the method in which he was killed. Though his death did save us, for those believers, why would we still choose to represent him in his final moments and celebrate his life? Why aren't there more of those damned Jesus fishes?
2006-06-25 14:10:09 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Great question and one that I have often pondered. I don't know the answer except that most "Christians" I know only see the negative side of life, always condemning others and passing judgement...maybe that is why they chose the one symbol of Christ's suffering.
2006-06-26 08:33:53 · answer #1 · answered by Chainsawmom 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well symbolism is only something of a reminder. Something that someone has put meaning to, so they can keep it close to themselves. I keep a pair of old skeleton keys with me. There is a heart on one and a infinite sign on the other. I made these symbolic to me. It is a reminder to me that my life is in my hands. I have the keys to my heart and mind. I am the holder of my future. -- See? It is just something on a personal level for each individual.
If you look into the symbolism of the cross, there are many. The cross was not associated with Jesus at first. It was the lamb until the 7th century AD. It is also believed that Jesus was hanged, not put on a cross (Acts 5:30; 1 Peter 2:24).
But like I have said, it is a personal matter, really. It is whatever works for you, and that is all that matters. I hope this helps explaining things. Cheers!
2006-06-25 21:28:08 · answer #2 · answered by Jesse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The second coming of jesus about a 1000 yrs ago was actually the use of the crucifix. It was used to revive the catholic power base. And other christian religions sprouted from it. Jesus is a symbol, but not of anything good. He saved nothing. The pope called for unity between the christians in the 80's & 90's. But that is comming to an end... the cross is a curse, baptism is the mark of the beast. when nature is balanced we will see karma working to perfection.
2006-06-25 21:16:37 · answer #3 · answered by Gyspy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You seem quite upset at what other people choose to use as representation of their faith. I can't understand that animosity.
I'll try to answer your question: the cross represents what sacrifices were made for us. The cross/crucifix reminds me of how much God loves me and what Christ was willing to endure for me.
It also helps me remember, as I am wont, as a human, to dwell on my own misery, that crosses (figuratively and literally) are to be borne with dignity and love, as Christ bore His. As he walked, carrying his own cross most of the way, He never hated, condemned or berated. Remembering His destiny with the cross helps many people remember to take their "crosses" with less anger, animosity, hatred, whatever.
You may find it most important to remind yourself of a message of hope, light and peace - although I "know" that intrinsically daily and don't need to be reminded) - and that's fine, and I would never question a symbol that you found more fitting to your personal faith.
Why do you feel the need to question (and with your sarcasm, ultimately condemn) a symbol that others use to represent their relationship with God?
2006-06-25 21:19:25 · answer #4 · answered by tagi_65 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good question! And you make a good point-- but I think what we're doing with the cross is celebrating the eternal life that Christs suffering and death brought about to us....because it wasn't His life that saved us... it WAS His death.. and I think we use the cross out of respect for Jesus Christ,by acknowledging that his death was long and agonizing,and He SUFFERED. He did not die quick and painlessly-like being shot by firing squad,or injection. ( but if he'd have died by the chair,I'd wear one of those little chairs around my neck ,in solid gold,with PRIDE,my man!)
2006-06-25 21:21:05 · answer #5 · answered by jakkibluu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The crucifix is of the RCC...who keep Him nailed to the cross... Jesus was taken down, buried, and resurrected...He no more hangs on the cross...and it is demeaning to Him to wear a symbol keeping Him on the cross. We are not to have idols...our faith is in our hearts. It is not a token to wear to show the world who we believe in..it should be shown in our actions, in how we live our daily lives...not by a necklace.
2006-06-25 21:25:11 · answer #6 · answered by indiebaptist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christ was Crusified, died and was burried. On the third day He arrose again.
The Crusifix is a symbol that death has been DENIED!
No Jesus fishes? Hmmm, guess I'll have to order more. Good lookin' out!
2006-06-25 21:15:36 · answer #7 · answered by pickle head 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Cross of Christ is a symbol of life and not of death. On it He died, but from it He also descended into hades and liberated the souls of those bound there; from it He trampled on death and destroyed the power of the devil; from it He ascended into heaven and glorified our human nature, sitting in the flesh at the right hand of the Father.
Christ said that "when I am lifted up, I will draw all people to me." So by His death on the Cross, His arms were spread open wide in a love-embrace of all mankind.
When one of the Pharisees asked Christ what the most important of the commandments was, He replied that it was to love God with all one's heart and mind and soul, and to love one's neighbor as one loves oneself. The vertical bar of the Cross represents this love of man for God, and the horizontal bar of the Cross represents this love of man for fellow man.
The Cross of Christ is a weapon of peace; it is the valiant standard by which Christianity overcame a pagan and idolotrous empire and spread throughout the world. By the Cross, we are enabled to follow Christ and become as gods ("I said ye are gods, and all of you the sons of the Most High").
Don't be so quick to despise the Cross, which is the sign of our salvation and eternal life. When Christ comes again on the clouds to draw all His people to Himself, it will be the sign of the Cross in the heavens that announces His Second and Glorious Coming.
"We worship your Cross, O Good One; show us your Holy Resurrection!" - Hymn of the Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross (September 14)
2006-06-25 22:39:08 · answer #8 · answered by LDRship 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the cross was hard and painful and the scripture says that we endure "light affliction". when we complain about our light afflictions we can always remember what jesus went through for us to be free.He conquered death hell and the grave so that we would be victorious.That is why the cross is our symbols, it reminds us of his suffering and how every time we sin we crucify him all over again.
I think it is an excellent symbol and i'm glad he died for me!
God Bless
2006-06-25 21:18:48 · answer #9 · answered by TRU_TEXAN 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly! The original symbol was the fish.
I suspect the Catholic Church kept Constantine's cross so they could remind their followers of what those evil Jews did to their savior.
Onward Christian soldiers!
2006-06-25 21:15:51 · answer #10 · answered by Hatikvah 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋