Is it inappropriate for a person who is not Catholic to cross themselves?I just think this is a very nice expression of Faith and was wondering if doing it as a Protestant was wrong or offensive to the Catholic religion.Thanks for any input.
2006-07-31 02:50:09 · 11 answers · asked by zeus2quincy 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The prayer called the Sign of the Cross is appropriate for any Christian who believes in the Holy Trinity:
The Sign of the Cross is
- A statement of belief in the Holy Trinity
- A statement of belief in and thanksgiving for Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross
- God blessing us
- Us Blessing God ("I will bless the Lord at all times")
- A prayer using your entire body
I open my hand and touch my brow, and say,
"In the name of the Father"
Then I touch my heart with my hand, and say,
"and of the Son."
I touch my shoulders left and right, and say,
"and of the Holy Spirit"
I say,
"Amen."
With love in Christ.
2006-07-31 18:08:09 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a catholic, it doesn't offend me in the least to see a protestant doing the sign of the cross. But I know for a fact that it DOES offend protestants to see their kind doing the sign of the cross. Makes them feel betrayed as they think we're not christian. To clarify out doubts, the word CHRISTIAN comes from CHRIST, meaning believer of Christ. Therefore, whomever believes in Christ IS a christian. And, as far as I know about history and such, we catholics were the first Christians in the world, from which all the protestant denominations come from. So don't feel bad about it. I can even tell you the meaning of it so next time you cross yourself, you do it with more devotion :)
forehead = in the name of the father,
chest = and the son,
shoulders = and the holly spirit,
kiss your fingers = (divine trinity)
and end it up saying AMEN.
2006-07-31 10:02:10 · answer #2 · answered by M'lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catholics won't get offended. As far as some Protestants go, they will most certainly get offended. They'll try to "straighten" you out.
Tertullian talks about making the sign of the cross in everyday life in the second century, so it was a basic pracitice in
Christianity then too.
2006-07-31 10:11:33 · answer #3 · answered by Tiberias 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not offensive. In fact, there are times when it would be deems as appropriately respectful. I was raised a Catholic and have changed gears into a more strict Christian lifestyle and I still find myself from time to time doing it. When I go to a mass, I follow the accordance's of the mass...standing, kneeling, sitting...etc. I don't go to confession, nor do I receive communion while at a mass...but I follow the other mandates of mass.
2006-07-31 09:55:01 · answer #4 · answered by tjjone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is something you like to do, then do it. About the only real taboos in the Catholic church is the taking of the Eucharist at mass if you aren't Catholic. My husband used to cross himself before he converted.
2006-07-31 09:54:40 · answer #5 · answered by bubba's mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Protestant is also a Christian so I don't think it's inappropriate. It will only be weird if you're not a Christian.
2006-07-31 09:54:46 · answer #6 · answered by avenus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of you, do me a favor and open your bibles. Please read the following scriptures. Exodus 6:3 and Pslams 83:18. If you know so much about the bible and religion, then tell me how you missed God's name? Give it a try.
2006-07-31 10:11:23 · answer #7 · answered by Meghan K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nah, anyone can cross themselves.
its not offensive.
it only looks a little weird if you're a jew. but even then, no one cares.
2006-07-31 09:56:00 · answer #8 · answered by Aleks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope
2006-07-31 09:53:32 · answer #9 · answered by rel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DO WHATEVER YOU WANT....YOU CAN ONLY OFFEND YOURSELF
2006-07-31 09:54:12 · answer #10 · answered by flowerspirit2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋