First, I am a Christian. I know that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I have already accepted him as Lord and Savior.
But I am Protestant, and I've always wondered this of Catholics. Why wear the crucifix with Jesus still on the cross?
The story doesn't end there. Jesus isn't still on the cross. He rose from the dead three days later. Does it serve as a reminder to you of His death?
I don't mean to sound judgemental here. That is NOT the point. It is just a curiosity of mine.
2007-01-21 02:40:53 · 15 answers · asked by Oklahoman 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The MOST important thing that Jesus did for us was die for our sins to give us the gift of everlasting life.
He did rise from the dead but rising from the dead did not open the gates of heaven for us, dying for our sins did.
The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the MOST important point in all of history.
The crucifix reminds us of this moment.
With love in Christ.
2007-01-21 13:51:13 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Why do Catholics wear a Crucifix with Christ on the Cross? This is quite a common question non-Catholics ask. They cannot seem to understand why Catholics wear chains with Christ crucified. Non-Catholics believe that Christ is risen from the dead and does not belong on the cross. Christ rose from the dead, but He did not want us to forget what He did for us, and our miserable sins. Only because Jesus died upon the cross does the cross then become a sacred object. If you remove Christ from the cross you get two things, first you get the symbol of ancient Rome, a symbol of suffering and dying-a symbol of punishment. The second thing you get is the small letter "t". Do you think our Lord Jesus Christ suffered indescribable torments for us, not to be remembered on the cross? No! The cross with Christ upon it is a reminder of the love He has for us. The crucifix is also a way to help keep us humble and reminds us not to sin. The crucifix is a reminder for us that it was our sins that nailed Him to the cross. 1 Cor 1:23-24) Peter states: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (John 3:14) Jesus states: And as Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
2016-05-24 05:10:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The crucifix is a symbol of the perfect act of love that Jesus did for us. It is also a reminder that we may have to suffer for our faith. I look at the crucifix and I see what Jesus did out of love for me and it reminds me to love others completely and without regard to my own needs and wants.
The crucifix in no way denies the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
2007-01-21 02:59:12 · answer #3 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It serves as a reminder to us that Jesus died for our sins. Pretty straight and simple..... For those who think we Catholics only worship icons, symbols, I think thats funny. We worship the Trinity Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the Catholic church and only use symbols and icons as tools to deepen our faith. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. I became Catholic because through my research, I found it to be the original source of Christianity.
2007-01-21 02:44:38 · answer #4 · answered by charles 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am orthodox not catholic but some of us wear the crucifix with Jesus still on the cross. it is not that we do not know that he raised in the third day , no we admit it as it is the essence of our faith His death and His raise but what makes you move and touch your feeling more , in general, the suffering or the joy. it is just we always remind ourselves with His love,sacrifice and sufferings and that without His death and raise there is no salvation
2007-01-21 02:58:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a constant reminder that "Jesus SUFFERED, died and was buried. On the third day, He rose again...."
The emphasis for the Catholic faith is that it was not easy, and was truly a sacrifice.
2007-01-21 02:55:06 · answer #6 · answered by jeaner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor. 1:18
Without His Glorious Passion and Precious Death - there is no Mighty Resurrection. It also has to do with what we Catholics believe about the Holy Eucharist....St. Paul says that we are to "do this" - to "show forth His death until he comes".
2007-01-21 02:46:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a reminder of the sacrifice that was made for the redemption of man.
2007-01-21 02:46:45 · answer #8 · answered by drg5609 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a reminder of his suffering.
2007-01-21 02:56:46 · answer #9 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They like to remember his suffering
2007-01-21 02:43:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋