Why does christianity hold the instrument of Christs Death as a Symbol?

Question

Seriously shouldn't symbols be of christ's rising not his death. i know he meant to have conquered it but it almost seems like you praise the death more then the life.

explain to me the relevance of the cross.

i find it interesting that the answers tell me that christ died so we could have everlasting life.

except that christianity isnt the only religion that talks of this. i still think that christians concentrate too much on the death of the savior but alot on what he said while alive, if people listened to the message of Love one another. you wouldnt judge and put down other religions and peoples.

Answer 1

If he were a modern day messiah, people would have electric chairs, or rifles, or nooses, or even gurneys with needles as symbols... yuck...

Answer 2

Most Christian churches use the cross as a symbol of faith but I believe the Roman Catholic faith actually depicts Christ on the cross.

In Christianity, the faith is based on the fact that Christ died for our sins. So thus the cross. It's not really worshipping his death but what his death stood for. The sacrifice that was made for us.

In my opinion the resurrection was to prove that he was the son of God and is symbolic of the fact that those who believed in him and acknowledged his sacrifice will also have everlasting life.

That's my interpretation.

Answer 3

The answer given by "Occam's Pig" (above) reminds me of a line that the famous comedian Lenny Bruce once used: If Christ had lived and died today (in the 1950s when Bruce's career was at its peak), Christians would all be wearing little electric chairs instead of crosses.

Answer 4

if it was not for the Cross, I and many others would not be saved. The cross is where Jesus shed His blood so that the whole world, if they choose too, could have a personal relationship with God. Without the death of Jesus then we would all be lost in our sin- and without the resurrection we would have no hope. The relevance of the Cross- He paid the price we could never pay, so that we could have eternal life.

Answer 5

The cross reminds us that the price has been paid in full. There is no more that needs to be done. Jesus said it best when He said, "It is finished". By His death, He conquered sin and by His resurrection, He conquered death.
You can't fully comprehend the resurrection until you understand the death.

Answer 6

I think it's pretty disgusting myself. Christians are obsessed with death because they fear going to hell when they die. And the cross is a huge guilt trip: Jesus died miserably for you, so you OWE him.

And what does an Egyptian symbol have to do with the question? Is it supposed to justify the Christians' use of the symbol of a tortured dead guy?

Answer 7

I had the chance to know African religions and they have Jesus image ascending to heaven as His symbol. You know that image in Corcovado, Rio de Janeiro? He is dressed in white, arms opened for a hug, or for a blessing. That's the image you see in African rituals in Brazil.

I am Brazilian.

Peace!

Answer 8

The death AND ressurection is what gives us forgivness and the opportunity at everlasting life.

Answer 9

we also praise the fact of an empty tomb, where all other religions where their mortal men who started them, are tucked safely away in their little tombs. you find me a power greater than that!...The symbols are just a reminder of what Christ did for us, so we don't have to fear life or death....

Answer 10

the cross is not the symbol of His death, its the symbol of his Victory, they did all that stuff to him and he still rose from the dead and brought forgiveness and salvation to any who believe in Him..