Why do Christians feel it is appropriate to wear a crucifix?

Question

In the first four centuries of Christian history, followers certainly couldn't bring themselves to display a humiliating visual like that.

Answer 1

Hi donkey,

I've always found it odd that Christianity chose that as its symbol. If Jesus does return, I'm guessing that would be the LAST thing he'd want to be staring at around the necks of all of his followers. Why they proudly wear such a grotesque display is baffling.

"Whether you interpret the Bible as literature or as the final word of whatever God may be, Christianity has given us an image of death and sexuality that we have based our culture around. A half-naked dead man hangs in most homes and around our necks, and we have just taken that for granted all of our lives."
— Marilyn Manson

BTW, Vin's quote above should have been attributed to Lenny Bruce, lest anyone think he himself originated it.

"If Jesus had been killed 20 years ago, Catholic school children would be wearing little electric chairs around their necks instead of crosses."
— Lenny Bruce

Answer 2

Christians of the first few centuries did not need a cross or crucifix because the crucifixion was familiar to them. As that method of execution fell into disuse, the need arose to remind people of exactly what God put Himself through for us.

Contrary to some other answers, not all Protestants are averse to the crucifix. Some would argue that eliminating it entirely simply reintroduces the very problem its introduction was meant to address in the first place.

Answer 3

I'm Catholic, and I wear a crucifix to remind myself of Christ's atoning Sacrifice on the Cross. I wear the crucifix under my shirt because it's meant as a personal symbol -- not a "Hey, look at me, I'm a Christian" thing.

I find that it helps me because when I'm tempted to sin, all I have to do is look at the Corpus on that Cross and I have a strong visual of what my sins cost Him.

Answer 4

When did people start wearing crosses anyway. I never really thought about that. I don't need a cross necklace to prove to the world what my religion is I just try to be an example of a good woman.

Answer 5

it's a continual reminder of the beautiful sacrifice that Christ made for me. however most Catholics wear a Cross or a small Crucifix - not something that blatant or showy.

Answer 6

Well, I guess for the same reason Wiccans wear their symbol, or the Jewish wear theirs, or hippies wear that peace symbol or gays carry that rainbow flag- people want to be identified as part of whatever group they're in, especially Christians want to show they believe that their Saviour sacrified His Life for their eternal salvation.

Answer 7

Only Roman Catholics wear a "crucifix". Ask them.

All other Christian denominations that I know of wear a bare cross, for theological reasons which I don't fell like explaining right now, because it has nothing to do with the question.

===edit===

Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Answer 8

That is the pendant with Jesus still on the cross? Well I don't cause he is not there he conquered it. If I were a cross it is an empty one to remind me to pick up my cross daily and follow him.

Answer 9

I don't know. If Jesus was executed today instead of in Roman times, would Christians be wearing electric chairs on a chain around their neck?

Answer 10

Considering the symbolism I always thought the cross was morbid.