Why do we use the symbol of pagan diety as our symbol (the cross)?

Question

The cross is a symbol for other deities, apparently. It seems Constatine wanted to marry up sun worship with the Messiah. Weird huh?

http://www.thewordsofeternallife.com/cross.html

Answer 1

If you took all of Judaism and paganism out of christianity what would be left? not a whole lt really.

Answer 2

Historically, the Cross was not the earliest symbol of Christianity. When Constantine saw his vision and heard the words "In Hoc Signo Vinces" - In this sign Conquer - he likely did not see the cross but rather the Chi Rho, an ancient symbol of Christ that combines the first two Greek letters of his name. It resembles a capital letter P with an X drawn beneath it. Other early symbols were the fish or Ichthus, which was an acronym. The depiction of Jesus as a shepherd was common in ancient tombs but he was not depicted with a beard probably because the the Romans did not wear beards. The Cross, in various forms, began to dominate as the principal symbol in later centuries.

Answer 3

The go is a pagan image. many faiths previous and latest use some type of go in a non secular experience. the classic Egyptians used a go. interior the Jain faith of India they use a go. go in faith are available in diverse varieties. A swastika type go utilized via Jain and Shinto religions, as an occasion. The go represents 'gentle' or 'existence' or the 'solar' analyze advise that Jesus did not die on a go. sure, it somewhat is authentic the Romans did use crosses to place criminals and the such prefer to dying even nevertheless it replaced right into a much extra undemanding prepare to nail people to a wood stake. this could have been very authentic interior the middle East with the lack of ability of suited timber for this form of punishment. The go got here into Christianity around with regard to the 4th Century advert. i believe it replaced into Constantine that presented the go after his dream of a fiery go. i will could analyze that one somewhat extra. yet no rely what. The go is a pagan image presented into Christianity interior the 4th Century.

Answer 4

During the time of Christ, the cross was a symbol of humiliation representing the horrendous way criminals were put to death. But now the cross symbolizes the triumph of Christ over sin and death reversing the humiliation, elevating the last to become the first as is taught in the gospels. Legend say that Constantine saw an apparition of the cross and was inspired to conquer by it. Politically though, the Christian population was increasing in number and it was politically sound to associate himself with the growing number of believers plus he'd be rooting for the underdog since early Christians mostly belong to the lower strata of society.

Answer 5

You are exactly right. Constantine wanted to 'convert' the common people to his form of Christianity so he simply used their symbols and holidays and incorporated them into a quasichristianity. The people could just continue doing what they were and Constantine could say 'look everyone is christian'.
The birth of the sun (winter solstice) became the birth of the Son (Jesus).
The cross used in pagan worship became the symbol of christ. And everybody was happy.
He was a VERY cunning man

Here is a question to consider:
If some one killed your son by a gun would you wear a little miniature gun around your neck. I don't think so!!

Answer 6

Always a good question when the bible clearly states. 8 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous

Answer 7

I will talk generally. From what I read, when Constantine was converted to Christianity, he incorporated the practice of the pagans at the time to the new practice of Christianity to gradually entrench the new religious practices that gave rise to full Christianity.

Answer 8

Protestants separated themselves from Catholics by claiming the Protestant cross is a symbol of the resurrection, yada, yada, yada. The true symbol of the cross is in its notariety of torture and death--the compassion of Christ is the symbol of the cross.

Answer 9

Symbols only have the power that you give them. Some Christians choose to wear pentacles to symbolize the five wounds of Christ. It only matters what they mean to you.

Answer 10

Not Really; before Christianity it was a mostly pagan world; try as we may we cannot wipe out pagan influence; remember the for fathers of Christians and Muslims were pagan; days of the week, months of the year; your name, my name...all Pagan.