What are the advantages and disadvantages of the crucifix as an article of worship?

Question

Thanks for all the help! There were some very informative and interesting answers here.

I had a friend who wanted to put dozen of "crosses" around. I see a distinction noted between "cross" and "crucifix". I hadn't thought of that.

I've had doubts about both the "cross" and "crucifix" in religious worship. It seems they are given too much value towards spiritual advancement. They could even suggest that there is nothing wrong with torture.

Isn't the main concern that we understand the wisdom of Christ, incorporating that wisdom into our lives? Shouldn't we simply work on giving up anything that might anger God and eventually totally surrendering to the glorification of God?

DHARMA
http://japa-mala.org

Answer 1

Pro: The graphic symbol reminds the believer of the degree of sacrifice endured by Jesus, and to which the believer is also called.

The "graven image" argument doesn't really apply. There are millions of crucifixes around the world and it's clear they all represent one person and event. Reverence applied to the symbol are virtual acts. The crucifix concretizes what can no longer be seen and allows the believer to use more senses in prayer.

Con: The graphic symbol draws attention exclusively to the Crucifixion and the idea of the Atonement, to the exclusion of Resurrection and living in Christ.

A corpus is not necessary to convey the totality of the message of the Passion. Excess focus on the physical details of Christ's death can distract from its spiritual meaning.

Answer 2

A crucifix basically serves the same purpose as any cross in reminding us of Christ's sacrifice and death for us. Roman Catholics will use both crosses and crucifixes, while most Protestants prefer only crosses. The main difference is that a cross without the corpus recognizes Christ's death, but focuses more on His resurrection and ascension. A crucifix does not mean that Catholics ignore the resurrection or believe that Christ is still dead, but focuses on His sacrifice for us. This is because it was when Christ died that we were redeemed, and not at His resurrection, hence why Jesus told the Good Thief that He would be in Heaven this day. Christ's resurrection is also important, but is not directly related to the forgiveness of our sins; it is important because it shows that Christ was God.

Answer 3

To me, the crucifix is an extremely powerful symbol. It reminds me in a very graphic and vivid way of Christ's sacrifice. There are no disadvantages, as far as I'm personally concerned. However, I've heard other people say that it glorifies a dying Christ rather than a living Christ, or that it's somehow macabre. I think it's very important for Christians to remember what Christ had to endure to bring redemption to mankind. If you believe that He died for you, then meditating upon a crucifix can help you realize how precious that sacrifice was.

Answer 4

The crucifix is not an article of worship, it is a symbol of what Christ went through for all of us. No one or I should say no one should worship the crucifix, they worship God and Christ. Therefore the advantage is the reminder and the disadvantage would be the misunderstanding of what it represents.

Answer 5

The advantage is group security and the disadvantage is you will be a follower and not an individual with your own mind.

Answer 6

It is a matter of faith and nothing to do with reason and logic. There fore the question does not arise and in particular of dis advantage.

Answer 7

Worshipping is expressing our LOVE upon God.
There is nothing like advantages or disadvantages.

Answer 8

Jesus crucified is the greatest power above evil. The empty cross is only an empty cross, no power over evil.

Answer 9

None, as far as I can see. It simply reminds me of a dead man