why do people wear crosses?

Question

if the bible clearly states not to make heaven idols or worship them why do people wear crosses. if your mother died in a car accident, would you wear a car symbol around your neck to remember her? if not why do it to jesus

Answer 1

Modes of heinous execution are apparently appealing to some people.

Answer 2

A cross should never be worshipped. It is just a symbol, and has no power. If a christian feels that wearing a cross brings him anywhere close to the line concerning idolatry I would encourage him not to wear one. It is just jewelry, and should never come between a person and God
On the other hand, the Bible says what we are to "glory in the cross". The cross has a very special meaning. It is the place where Jesus took all the penalty for our sins. It is the very reason we can go to heaven. There is no true Christianity without the cross.
As for the car, or electric chair, or revolver argument, I've heard it before, but there's a big difference. Jesus isnt dead! I think that is very important. No memories of Jesus should be tinged with the same sadness as those of a loved-one that we will not see until we get to heaven if at all. Jesus is alive and ready to listen, to speak to work in us right now.
The empty cross is a symbol both of his death (for our sins) and his resurrection. To some people wearing a cross as jewelry is a way of glorying in it. Of all the glorious things they could hang from their necks they choose the cross, to make a statement that there is nothing more beautiful to them.

Answer 3

Ok. Here's where the line gets sorta fuzzy. As a diehard pagan, I would not be wearing a cross anyway, but I do believe that people have the right as well as different reasons for wearing them. It could have been a gift from a loved one, a religious implication, an amulet (if you believe a symbol has power, then it does), or even a lucky charm. I have a pentacle that my husband gave me. I wear it as a religious symbol, in honor and respect of it being a gift and as an amulet. It helps remind me that I am not powerless in my life and that I do have a say so in what happens to me every day. The same things may also apply to wearing a cross. So don't take too much offense if you can help it. Let them have their fun and wear what they like. It really doesn't hurt anything.

Answer 4

Jesus was a little bit more than just a person dying in a car accident. He was the world's savior and all he wanted to do was to help people and for that he was crucified. Even though you do make an interesting point about what the bible clearly states, a cross is just merely a symbol for the lord and not FALSE idols, which it also states in the bible.

Answer 5

The cross is a symbol of life. Wearing a Cross reminds me of Jesus' sacrifice and Resurrection. The cross reminds me that there is more to this world than my little problems and that when I have finished all my labor in this world I will enter into a wonderful and abundant eternity. Christians don't worship the Cross they worship the God behind what happened on the Cross. Christians rejoice in the fact that there is a way to escape the suffering and death which we ALL deserve.

I want to thank you for asking the question. I've been having a rough time these last couple days thinking about your question reminded me of all that I have to be thankful for and why I should let go of my problems and trust that God will take care of me. Thank you and God Bless you.

Answer 6

For one thing a cross is not an "idol". It is a symbol of the empty cross of the resurrection, just as a crucifix is a symbol of the Crucifixion. We wear them as a remembrance of what Jesus did for us. We do not bow down and pray to the cross nor do we place the cross before God. We worship God, not a cross, nor a statue, nor Mary or the saints.

Answer 7

I can't speak for anyone else except myself.
First of all, my cross necklace is not an idol, nor do I worship it.
Perhaps Jesus DID die on the cross, but I don't believe He STAYED dead. The cross to me symbolizes hope, and that not even death could hold my Lord and Savior back from doing what He was sent to do.
I wear my cross prominently, with no other jewelry, to let people know that I'm a Christian. It also serves to remind me to watch my behavior, and to pray.

Answer 8

Do you carry photos in your wallet? It is not worshiping idols to do so is it? People wear crosses not to worship the cross but as a symbol of their affection for Christ. It is the same as carrying a photo of someone you love in your wallet. Having something sentimental to have close. Sort of like saving a lock of your baby's hair to remember how precious she was with her baby curls when she is all grown up. If my mother died in a car accident, I certainly wouldn't tear up all my pictures of her when it comforts me to get them out and remember the good times when she was still with me! From the perspective of the logic (or lack of) you are using, taking photographs is idol worship. It is an IMAGE of a person, not the person himself. And what about mirrors? Are they idols since they REFLECT back the image of the person staring into them? And what if you had your portrait painted? Would you be worshiping yourself to hang the picture in your house? I don't think so!

Answer 9

I dont know another pple, but I can reply by my own experience.
I use the cross not as an idol.. It is not that. Is only the way i feel closer to Jesus, and a reminder about the way he died for us. He took his cross with sacrifice across the city the last day of his life..
Why wouldnt we remember that in our own way nowadays??

I cant compare my mother with Jesus...never. I love her but I think it is a sacrilege to compare her with HIM.

Answer 10

The people who are wearing crosses or crucifixes around their neck aren't worshiping or idolizing them. They use those symbols are reminders of Jesus and their faith in him. You don't worship the photos of your family that you have around the house or in your wallet, do you?

Answer 11

Protection and remembrance of the Lord thy
God that died on the cross reason people wear necklaces of the cross. One can wear what they wish to remember anyone, and yes I had a symbol I sure would wear it in remembrances of my mother.