Is it wrong to wear a cross or have a picture of Jesus on your walls?

Question

i have been told many different beliefs on this , some to say that would be a image,idol so forth. or that you are worshiping to a idol (picture) i wear a cross everyday , and i also have picures of jesus in my home and plaques, i believe it is a reminder to myself and whoever enters my home as to what he did for us. am i wrong? plz help :(

Answer 1

This issue has long been solved, in the 10th century AD. Between the 8th-10th century some people (iconoclasts) said it was idolatry to worship icons, but the Ecumenical Council finally considered the iconoclasts as heretics, and the symbols and icons are sacred, not as objects, but as symbols and reminders of the person involved. ever since Christian art flourished, so you realize it is not wrong to wear the cross and have pictures of Jesus, quite the opposite, at least according to the orthodox and catholic faith. Some heretic groups may not approve, but you express your faith as you like and it is definitely not wrong.

Answer 2

Well, of course you're going to get all sorts of answers here. My personal opinion is that you should do the best according to the knowledge you have.

According to your knowledge, wearing a cross and having pictures of Jesus is a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for all people. That doesn't sound like you're worshipping the cross and the pictures. To me, it sounds like you're worshipping Jesus with help from visual reminders. Looking at it from that point of view, I don't understand how those could possibly be idols to you. (This is my opinion, by the way).

For some other people, a cross and pictures might be less of a reminder to them. And thus for them, having that stuff really might be idol worship to them. (Again, my opinion).

You do the best you know how. If these images are reminding you of Jesus and helping you to draw closer to him, do you think it's a good thing or bad thing?

Answer 3

A cross is a symbol, like the star and crescent.

When you start getting into pictures of Jesus things get more complicated and this depends on your beliefs. I suggest that you pray and ask God yourself.

I do not have a picture of Jesus in my house, however, I do have a nativity scene that I keep around all the time.

I consider the nativity scene a symbol reminding me that Christ is God born in the Flesh who came to Earth to be rejected and bring forgiveness to all mankind.

I do not pray to or in front of any symbol except when I am at church and they have a Cross hanging up or a nativity scene or picture of Jesus at the front.

A Greek orthodox priest explained to me that the images presented in churches are icons and not idols. These are imaginations of what people looked like, not what God looks like even though Jesus is God in the Flesh.

See what I mean about "complicated'?

My suggestion is that you should put your faith in God and ask God what God thinks.

People are all sinners and as much as they usually mean well they often end up doing things that are not quite right.

Answer 4

No, there is nothing wrong with wearing a cross or having a picture of Jesus. Presumably you have enough maturity and sense to know these are simply representations--symbols that you--as you say--fid to be useful reminders, but that are still just objects with no spiritual qualities of their own.

The tendancy to discourage such symbols had some justification centuries ago, when most people had no education and easily fell into superstitions about such objects. Not in this day and age. Those who still object to such things are at best misguided, at worst they are being judgemental to the point of fanactisim--and either way need to learn some respect for you and other s who don't happen to do things the same way they do. This is 2007, not 1600--they need to get up to speed. :)

Answer 5

No having a picture of jesus hangin on your wall does not mean you are worshipping an idol. What most people consider worshiping of idols are different religions that worship different. You wearing a cross and having the picture up is probably like me wearing my pentacle neckless and having a drawing of the moon goddess hanging.
I do not think it is wrong, it is your choice. As you stated it is a reminder to you and to others who enter your home..

also if it was so wrong.. why do most churches have a picture if JC hanging?

Answer 6

I'm not Christian any more, so I might not have the best answer for you, but I'll give it a shot.

I think it would only be considered idol worship if you put Jesus in place of God. That seems to be my understanding of it. In that case you wouldn't be worshiping God anymore, you'd be worshiping Jesus which would then be an idol.

Answer 7

Do you have pictures of your family and friends? Do you worship the pictures?

Pictures are used to remind you of someone. That is a lot different from worship. The cross is a Christian emblem. Displaying it in your house is no different than displaying an American flag. It is a symbol of your beliefs and sentiments/

Answer 8

No, it's okay.

I assume you have family pictures, or mementos from people you love? it's not different. Having a cross, or crucifix or picture that reminds you of God, of his mercy and his sacrifice is a good thing. We can get so caught up during the day in our selfish little world...it's important to remember we are part of something bigger.

I think it helps, if I happen to touch my necklace with a religious image, I'll say a quick prayer or thank you to God.

Answer 9

I agree with you. These things serve as a reminder. I have the same things for my children, it gives them a visual reminder of Jesus and what He stands for. Now do we worship these items? NO never, and they serve as no purpose to assist us in our prayers either. And I am sure you are the same. Worshipping false idols or engraven images are as such bowing down in worship, thinking these objects can help you, when in fact only the Lord can help us. You are fine. God Bless!

Answer 10

no you are not wrong. You are not worshiping "the picture" or the "cross" - you are worshiping the PERSON that represents - who is real and whom you have active communication with. He can't be an "idol" - because idols are not real - Jesus is real. Let your personal convictions come from the Lord Himself and His Word not from other peoples ideas. Most of the time others ideas are so off base from the character, nature of God and His written Word.