2006-12-31 16:50:42 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is to some and to others it's a symbol of their faith.
I don't wear one because I want people to see Christ in me, not on me.
2006-12-31 16:54:26 · answer #1 · answered by Sheryl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An idol is an image, a representation of anything, or a symbol that is an object of passionate devotion.
The Encyclopedia Americana speaks of “the ancient usage of the cross by both Hindus and Buddhists in India and China, and by the Persians, Assyrians, and Babylonians.”
Similarly, Chambers’s Encyclopaedia, (1969 edition) says that the cross “was an emblem to which religious and mystical meanings were attached long before the Christian era.”
An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, says: “By the middle of the 3rd cent. A.D. the churches had either departed from, or had travestied, certain doctrines of the Christian faith. In order to increase the prestige of the apostate ecclesiastical system pagans were received into the churches apart from regeneration by faith, and were permitted largely to retain their pagan signs and symbols. Hence the Tau or T, in its most frequent form, with the cross-piece lowered, was adopted to stand for the cross of Christ.”
Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics says: “With the 4th cent[ury] magical belief began to take a firmer hold within the Church.” As with a magic charm, simply making the sign of the cross was thought to be “the surest defence against demons, and the remedy for all diseases.” Superstitious use of the cross continues to this day.
‘It’s just an ornament,’ some may say. Bear in mind, though, how the cross has been used down through history—as an object of pagan worship and of superstitious awe. Could wearing a cross, even as just an ornament, be harmonized with the admonition of the apostle Paul at 1 Corinthians 10:14: “Therefore, my beloved ones, flee from idolatry”?
I would say YES it is an idol.
2007-01-01 01:37:57 · answer #2 · answered by girlinks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all really depends on how you use it. In some denominations it is considered one because people focus more on the cross than Jesus. The cross however did not take the sins, it was only two peices of wood. On the other hand, some people use it as more of a reminder, so in that case its not.
2007-01-01 01:35:13 · answer #3 · answered by Kage Ookami 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can hold something close to you that is dear. A thoughtful gift from a friend, or something that just has a special meaning for you. Anything can become an idol, if it comes to mean more to you than God.
2007-01-01 00:55:34 · answer #4 · answered by rezany 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if the person considers it more important tha thier actual relationship with God. If they are hoping it will save them from danger but fail to pray for help from God, than it would be considered an idol.
2007-01-01 00:56:59 · answer #5 · answered by Shiverbane 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it's not. It is a symbol of the cross in which Jesus was crucified on.
2007-01-01 00:55:30 · answer #6 · answered by Mt ~^^~~^^~ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it's a symbol of what Jesus did for man ,he died for us,
2007-01-01 00:58:40 · answer #7 · answered by purpleaura1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not unless it is worshipped.
2007-01-01 01:18:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no its a symbol
2007-01-01 00:52:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋