What does it mean?
I suppose the top horizontal line signifies the thign that had Jesus King of The Jews but I have no idea what the bottom one could mean?
2007-07-20 15:23:48 · 6 answers · asked by godsrepresentative 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If this question is meant to be serious and respectful, the Russian Orthodox use the diagonal line on the crucifix to indicate the footrest which Jesus used to elevate himself to breathe. Some of the Orthodox include the footrest with the crucifix while others choose to exclude it. The website below provides more info.
{EDIT} On X-Shaped crosses, there was probably no footrest since the condemned's legs were nailed on each side of the X.
2007-07-22 16:25:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The diagonal form is said to represent the X-shaped cross of St. Andrew, the Apostle who evangelized in the place where Kyiv arose (he also prophesied that it *would* arise there). I like the explanation which recalls the response to Jesus of the two thieves between whom He was crucified. The bar which points upwards recalls the one who received Him as Lord; the one downwards - the one who mocked and rejected Him. This can remaind *us* that when we confront the Cross of our Lord we are always called upon to make that choice: receive or reject. Follow or do not follow. It reminds us that our life in Christ must be one of continual vigilance and repentance. Are we with Him? Are we *still* with Him in the daily choices we make? His arms are always outstretched to welcome the prodigals - all of us! Joy is being *on* the Cross with Him. For the Cross is also the way to Resurrection.
2007-07-20 16:00:23 · answer #2 · answered by ladderofdivine 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It represents the foot-rest,; it's on an angle because:
There was a myth that Jesus had one leg shorter than the other.
This is believed to have started from the image on the shroud.
If you accept the theory that the shroud was in the eastern churches;
then it was brought to the west during the crusades.
Because one foot was placed over the other with 1 nail,
the one leg appears to be shorter than the other.
2007-07-20 15:33:06 · answer #3 · answered by Robert S 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
No, it represents the fact that most religionists have a screw loose. Thank you.
2007-07-20 15:26:07 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Last answer was almost correct.
Page down after you link here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross#As_emblems_and_symbols
Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/
2007-07-20 15:49:20 · answer #5 · answered by JimPettis 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Ying and Yang
.
2007-07-20 15:25:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋