Because I have no clue.
2006-11-26 07:25:29 · 24 answers · asked by jellybeans 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Many Christians at the English Reformation decided not to have crosses at all because they can be objects of worship where Christians should only worship God.
A cross without Jesus on it is accepted as a christian symbol and so if often found on church buildings usually Protestant.
A crucifix - that is a cross with Jesus on it is usually used by Roman Catholics. Many Christians would not wear a crucifix because it includes an image of Christ which the commandments forbids.
Best not to worry too much about the symbols but do seek to know the real Lord Jesus.
Best wishes, James
2006-11-26 08:31:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
A cross without a figure on it is called a cross. A cross with a figure on it is called a crucifix. Both are used as symbols of the Christian religion.
However, different Christian denominations treat crosses and crufcifxes differently. Some Christian denoms allow all artisitic representations as long as they are sincere and respectful. Other denoms only allow artwork that does not contain pictures or sculptures meant to represent Christ. They consider it to be idolotry even if no one is praying to the artwork. A few denoms ban all religious artwork as idolotry.
Personally, I like Christian artwork. I know the difference between an idol and Christ. I'm not confused enough to pray to a piece of artwork and expect the artwork to perform a miracle. I have, however been moved enough by the beauty of a piece of artwork to say a prayer to God directly. Anything that brings Christ to mind and causes one to contemplate the truths of Christianity is a good thing.
2006-11-26 15:47:47 · answer #2 · answered by angry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a question based on, maybe unknowingly, an argument between protestant and catholic faiths. Some say that a cross with Jesus still on it is a representation of His suffering that ended and the cross should be bare. In actuality, if it isn't more than a reminder to live a faithful life, it can be an icon that leads away from focus on God.
2006-11-26 15:30:14 · answer #3 · answered by TCFKAYM 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus
2006-11-26 17:13:10 · answer #4 · answered by waycyber 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus
2006-11-26 15:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In all liklelyhood, there is no symbolic difference between the two. Both symbolise the Christian faith. However, if a cross does have a Christ figure on it, it may be intended to remind us the suffering Jesus went through to "save us" from our sins. Often, even devout Christians, forget exactly what the crucifx embodies other than the Christian faith itself. The crucifix was, after all, a form of torture, and emobodies pain, suffering, death, and of course the last tragic words of Jesus Christ that may in fact be proof that there is no God. "Father why have you forsaken me!" Perhaps this is the difference between the two crucifixes.
2006-11-26 16:07:19 · answer #6 · answered by Sebi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the crucifix relates to the cross with the body of Christ on it and is a sign used in Catholicism to remind catholics of the pain he went through to save us. Without the body the cross is a protestant symbol to remind them Jesus rose from the dead and is now living among us. the guy above is correct about it being a pagan symbol too, the symbol of a cross dates before Christianity.
2006-11-26 17:44:03 · answer #7 · answered by jessika 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus on a cross conveys a messages that primarily focusses on his sacrifice for his people. Jesus not on a cross has to do more with the lessons taught through the life of Christ.
2006-11-26 15:28:45 · answer #8 · answered by ThoughtSmith 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cross without jesus is a cross, with jesus is a crucifix
2006-11-26 16:45:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cross is without Jesus and a crucifix is with Jesus. The difference is probably protestant and catholic symbolism.
2006-11-26 15:52:34 · answer #10 · answered by Eagle 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋