Why do so many Christian faiths use a tool of execution as a "holy symbol"? No one can deny this fact. The cross was one means of execution used in that day and age by the Romans. If Christ had lived in France during the Inquisition, he most likely would have been killed by guillotine. If that had been the case, these same churches would use a mini-guillotine as a holy symbol. If He had lived in the "Wild West", He would have died by hanging. Would they then use a noose hanging from the gallows? Or if He lived today, would they begin using a syringe? The means of execution most commonly used here in the US is lethal injection.
I guess I just don't understand why so many Christian faiths have such a morbid symbol in their church.
I must add, I am Christian. However, there are no crosses in any of the THOUSANDS of buildings throughout the world with our name on it.
2007-01-12 20:50:32 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When I choose a best answer, I will respond to which thousands of church buildings do not have crosses on them. All are Christian and they are all around the world, all of the same faith. I am hoping that someone of my faith sees and answers this question to give some credibility to my statement.
2007-01-12 21:00:45 · update #1
In my Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we worship the birth of Jesus Christ and the resurrection. We are thankful for the price that Jesus paid for our sins, but when he arose from the dead to show that we might have eternal life also. That is what we worship.
We have no crosses what so ever in our churches, we also have no pictures of Jesus with the crown of thorns on his head. We do remember these things.♥♫
2007-01-13 10:19:38 · answer #1 · answered by nevada nomad 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Intresting question! It does have "mu" flaw too it though. The symoblism of the crusifiction ***while*** being a method of execution is not ment in christian core values too symbolize the execution... It's intent is too symbolize the sacrifice. The reason why it is still used in a great deal of christian art, cerimony and decor is too serve as a constant reminder too the viewer that Christ died for our sins as a matter of self sacrifice. And let me head off the discussion that he was killed at the hands of man not by his own. Christ was a devine being who preformed many MANY many publicly viewed mericals. For such a being too escape from his situation would be a very simple mater. Thus... he chose to die and more importantly to the symbolism he ***chose*** too be resurected and accend too heavan.
SO! In short... The basic question you asked only has one answer. "Mu". That's a greek term that basically means "The available answer set can not answer the question posed." Your question assumes some things that are not supported by the scripture on the event.
Not a symbol of execution. A symbol of sacrafice. Furthmore it would probably stem too logic that if he had died in a different fation under similar cercomstance the symbol would be different as you suggested.
Also... I'm not a Christian.
Hope this helps.
2007-01-13 06:45:12 · answer #2 · answered by refresherdownunder 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with you, the cross is merely a symbol of the death, suffering, and payment that Jesus Christ took upon himself for our behalf.
I much prefer the fish symbol or the ancient Christian symbol of the anchor.
If I had to create a symbol myself, I'd have an empty tomb with the stone door rolled away, because it's Jesus's resurrection that really proves who He is.
Just as a quick response to someone else who answered this question, not all churches have crosses. We are in the process of building our church have already decided that there will NOT be a cross on it, for the reasons you mentioned in your question and my answer here.
Oh and again to the first person who answered this, the dove is traditionally held to be the symbol of the Holy Spirit, God's third manifestation to us in the Trinity, not a symbol of Jesus Christ Himself.
God Bless!
2007-01-13 04:58:27 · answer #3 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
gwhiz1052: lds/mormons don't have crosses.
The Cross represents a Christian's salvation, through the grace of God. It was finished on the cross. We are to be ever mindful of what Jesus Christ has done for all sinners. The cross is not looked on as some morbid execution trinket. It represents the very essence of our salvation, through Him. We don't worship the cross, we worship Him. The cross represents the suffering God went through to save His children. Without Jesus Christ dying on the cross, there is no salvation.
2007-01-13 05:06:42 · answer #4 · answered by JohnC 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
great point, does a person really need that symbol of pain, or are his words enough to carry faith within!!! great question!!! faith is within, the biggest church i think is maybe the grand canyon or yosemite national park, to really behold gods glory!!! why be bound to the sacrifce only, or let that be the way in, his words of freedom are the faith, not how he died, he did suffer, but put a cross up on easter, otherwise put up a picture of the sun or something amazing like he was!!! thomas
2007-01-13 04:56:53 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas A 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Huh? what thousands of christian buildings do not have a cross,
every church I see has a cross,that is what identifies it.
2007-01-13 04:57:22 · answer #6 · answered by gwhiz1052 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The cross is where He made his sacrifice for all mankind. It is also where He had a moment of wondering, asking His Father..."Why have you forsaken me." I believe every person, across faiths, has moments of wondering. But we all know what happened 3 days later. God is with us in our troubled times, He will not forsake us.
2007-01-13 05:48:23 · answer #7 · answered by A. L 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think if Jesus ever did come back, a cross would be the last thing he's want to see.
2007-01-13 05:14:49 · answer #8 · answered by gebobs 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
And for their saying, 'We did slay the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah;' whereas they slew him not, nor did they bring about his death upon the cross, but he was made to appear to them like one crucified; and those who differ therein are certainly in a state of doubt about it; they have no certain knowledge thereof, but only pursue a conjecture; and they did not arrive at a certainty concerning it.
2007-01-13 05:14:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
wow thats an interesting question..mainly when i think of Jesus and symbols i think of a dove...not the cross, the dove first and then the cross.
2007-01-13 04:55:48 · answer #10 · answered by heather feather 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋