Why is christianity represented with the symbol of the cross?

Question

I know that some say the cross means the trinity, but in the cruxifiction days it meant death. Why do we kinda honor it and make it this huge symbol?

Answer 1

I have to agree with the first answerer, to remember what Jesus did for us in dying in our legal place.

But I have sometimes reflected on the fact that many Jews, when immigrating to the US at Ellis Island would refuse to make the sign of the cross (an 'x') on their immigration papers if they were too illiterate to write their names. So they began writing a little circle (kykel) instead, which was eventually shortened to the derogatory term 'ki-ke' (One syllable.)

It is so highly ironic, that so many Jews, who would deny the Resurrection, actually wound up signing, in lieu of their names, the symbol of the Empty Tomb!

Another very popular Christian symbol used these days (bringing it back into common use since the first century or so) is the fish symbol, containing the letters IK(TH)YS, standing for Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior. (In Greek, the TH symbol is the single letter theta.)

The fish symbol is sometimes imitated by Darwinists and modified into a fossil fish symbol, or into one fish eating another, suggesting the strugle for survival.

Answer 2

It helps us to remember the love and great sacrifice Jesus Christ did for all mankind. We don't have to have it...it's just a visual reminder of the payment the Savior made for our sins.

Also, Catholics, have crucifixes and crosses. The crucifix is a cross with the suffering Christ figure on it.

The cross might represent the Trinity to some, but not all.

Also wearing the cross or hanging one on the wall is important to Christians because we love Jesus. I think it's a beautiful reminder.

It's a symbol...not a have to have thing.

Answer 3

we all have a cross to bear. we are all crucified eventually.
by our own 'sins'. our imperfectons. the imperfections
around us. the cross of illness, and death. the cross of
betrayal. an everyman story in a way. if only tresspasses
and debts could be forgvien. a tax collector, matthew
in the story. converted from his embezzling ways.
hoboes riding around like outlaws looking for a free meal
in bad economic times. no more houses for carpenters
to build. his father dead, his mother at her wits end,
mary magdalene gang-raped and almost murdered, he
heroically saves her life . the woman at the well, lusting
throughout her life for satisfaction, only to lust again.
he satisfies her forever, and away they go on a white
horse into the sunset. martyrs and saints by the millions.
or billions. was jesus a time-traveller? a physical explanation
of the supernatural. what is the origin of space itself?
if the universe is closed, what is on the other side?

Answer 4

At that time Crucifixion was a form of death penalty, true. but in Christianity, from death life came. The cross represent Jesus Christ and what he did for us. He died on the cross so as we can live, again.

Answer 5

In actuality, Jesus didn't die on a cross, but on a stake. The symbol was adopted by Constantine when he converted to Christianity. Unfortunately, he had to bring along a pagan symbol to convince his subjects that he was right. It's interesting history actually!!!

Answer 6

I presume it refers to the crucifixion through which he suffered, died, and overcame by resurrecting. But I've long wondered if it's resemblance to the Egyptian ankh had anything to do with it winning out over other early Christian symbols like a fish.

Answer 7

Emperor Constantine had a dream in which God told him he will win on that sign, the cross. So he used the sign for an important battle and he won.

Answer 8

Jesus, who is Trinity - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - died on a wooden cross, taking all of our sins and forgiving us. That is why we wear crosses on our necks and our clothing and hang them on our walls. We love Jesus.

Answer 9

Christianity teaches love. Contrary to what hedonism proposes, true love entails suffering. Christ gave his life to free man from sin. I know this does not add up to our present way of thiniing, but those who are serious about their search for God often find this to be true.

Answer 10

christians never honor the cross or any images that catholics do, its just symbolizing that Jesus died on the cross to pay our sins..