Why do christians and catholics use the cross as their symbol?

Question

Do you really think that if and when jesus comes back he wants to see his so called devotees wearing crosses? Maybe thats why he aint showed up yet!!

Answer 1

The cross tells the story of the Gospel without words.

Many people wear a cross to show their faith in Jesus Christ.

If you choose to wear a cross, then remember to behave accordingly. You are telling the world that you believe in and are trying to live the Gospel message.

It would be wrong to wear a cross and then behave in an unchristian-like manner.

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Because it is not only a symbol of the sufferings of Jesus, but also of the Christians who were persecuted at the hands of the Romans and thrown to the lions. At the Colosseum in Rome, a cross has been placed in the main gateway, alongside a memorial to those Christians who were killed there.
It has been argued by some Christians however that the cross was used as a pagan symbol before Christianity was widespread, and therefore should not be used. They also say that the cross has been hijacked by 'trendy' celebrities and it has lost its value as a religious symbol, but is now an decoration and a worthess symbol. Many Christians prefer the ICTHUS fish symbol, or wearing a rosary chain or Virgin Mary medallion.

Answer 3

I don't think the cross should be weared on by common christians, and in my religion, orthodox christianity, this was not accepted until recently for some crazy fashion ideas. The fact is wise people still know this practice has never been common, and only preists wear crosses for they have devoted to share Christ's suffering and in this way symbolically they never forget Chrsit's death.
As for the cross itself as a symbol, it is much older than christianity, you probably all know that. The egyptian cross is most closely geographically and historically to Christianity, though this is not decisive. The cross were broght my men as a protection agains evils but ususally that was for the dead. Edyptions did not pay much attention on life.
Crucifiction was very common way to punish criminals in the Roman empire, and the main purpose were suffering, not anything else. You can just imagine how helpless and exposed to anything is a crucified person... that's probably the impression that was under the idea to crucify.
I accept the cross as a christian symbol meaning "we are vulnerable but that is what make us strong" ... still I would not put it on a chain round my neck... bit stupid that.

Answer 4

First of all, Catholics are Christians. They are one of the many denominations which make up the Christian church worldwide.

Second, you can read about the history of the cross as a Christian symbol here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_cross

The cross was not actually used as a Christian symbol until the 3rd century CE. Before then, they used the fish (you've probably seen this symbol on cars). There is even some doubt as to whether the cross Christ was crucified on was the shape most commonly associated with Christianity today.

But the cross ultimately came to symbolize Christian salvation. You may notice that some churches have crucifixes, showing Christ on the cross, symbolizing his sacrifice. Other churches have empty crosses, symbolizing Christ's resurrection and victory over death.

Answer 5

Okay, first, Catholics ARE Christians. Catholicism is a sect of the Christian faith, just as the Methodists and Baptists are.

The reason they use the cross as a symbol of their faith is because Jesus was crucified on a cross (as was common practice at the time for criminals, which He was considered). As it is widely believed among Christians that Jesus died for their sins (thus paving the way into Heaven for any who accept Him as their savior), it is only logical that the cross upon which He died become representative of Him.

As for whether or not He wants to see people wearing crosses; who can say? Jewelry has long played a part in religious practices.

Answer 6

The first sign was the fish. Any ritual ar symbol that has no meaning to the devotee is wrong. Jesus would not be pleased with empty religion. He would look at the heart of the devotee and see if they are genuine or not.

Answer 7

Its like showing Yoko a pendant of a pistol and saying "Just thinking of John", Know where you are coming from completely, however:
I think it predates the death of JC and has been used to sybolise a higher plane.
i.e. If you see a cross it sybolises the Normal Plane.
A Crusafix sybolises a higher spiritual plane because the "Bar is set Higher"
An upside down one sybolises Lower Darker Plane.

I may be wrong but you are right about him not wanting to see the cross. Maybe hes waiting for everyone to wear Fish Pendants before he returns.

Answer 8

Wearing a nice little cross as decoration for themselves is a mockery of Jesus Christ. Like Katherine said, if it was today Jesus crucified, they need to wear a little electric chair. LOL. Funny respect by the so called Christians for a respectable personality who gave His own life for rest of the world. Let the Christians carry a large wooden cross that was equal to the one Jesus was crucified. Then the world and God will accept their sacrifice.

Answer 9

The Sign of the Cross is a ritual performed mainly within Latin-Rite Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Oriental Orthodoxy, Eastern Rite Catholicism, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism. For the members of the Faith, it symbolizes, by manifestly marking directly on one's own body or in the air, the four points of the Cross on Calvary. It also represents loving God with all one's heart, soul, mind and strength. There are two particular arrangements one is most likely to observe. One is followed by many of the Eastern Churches, the other by the Western (Latin) of Roman Catholicism and the Oriental Orthodox.

Answer 10

The Christians in the 1st century who easily walked with Jesus and people who converted below Apostle Paul's ministry had no such merchandise as a 'pass'. They observed the pass as a pagan image. Catholicism got here approximately in 400CE and integrated the pass into worship because of the fact the pagans they have been 'changing' refused to worship and not making use of a image to ascertain. They counted 'bums on pews' as greater significant than Bible actuality. Exodus 20:4 “you should no longer make for your self a carved image or a sort like something it is in the heavens above or it is on earth below or it is in the waters below the earth. 5 you should no longer bow right down to them nor be prompted to serve them, because of the fact I Jehovah your God am a God exacting unique devotion