2007-11-11 13:33:34 · 17 answers · asked by conundrum 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Offended.
First of all, Jesus never told his followers to make an image of his murder implement as a way of 'remembering his sacrifice'.
Second, rosary beads have absolutely no traceable origin in the Bible, and are easily traced to pagans.
2007-11-11 13:39:46 · answer #1 · answered by Tim 47 7 · 4⤊ 4⤋
If we are certain that Jesus knows our hearts in other things -- and most of the folks above would agree that He does -- then I'd think He wouldn't be offended, amused, or even sad, but He'd certainly know to what purpose individual people wear crucifixes or pray using rosaries.
Wearing a crucifix as a fashion accessory, or for show, would undoubtedly disappoint Him. Wearing it as an ever-present personal reminder of His unconditional love for us, or as a witness to this (or both)? How would His opinion of that differ from those who carry a Bible around to witness from it?
As for a rosary, the entire purpose of this devotion is to grow closer to Christ. The beads themselves aren't even necessary, just helpful. Does everyone who prays a rosary have the right intention? Probably not, but you're not privy to that and neither am I.
The issue is not that people use these externals ... but why. And just as we can't know the hearts of individual believers and thus make a pronouncement as to their salvation, neither are we qualified to judge this.
2007-11-11 14:41:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
The only time I recall Jesus growing angry was with people who set out to deliberately misunderstand his teaching.
A good example is equating religious artwork with idolatry. I think even the most obstinate fundamentalist knows that gazing upon a sculpture of Jesus crucified is something different from worshiping a golden calf.
Jesus told Christians, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt 16:24; see also Matt 10:38; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). Wearing an image of that cross is certainly a good reminder of the commandment to take up the actual cross of self-sacrifice in the many daily challenges to acts of charity and forgiveness.
Jesus gave many instructions to "watch and pray," and certainly set the example of extended prayer. For many Christians, the Rosary is an aid for spending time meditating on the works of Christ (as opposed to "toying"). It contains the prayer Jesus taught in Matt 6:9-13 and the salutation of the angel in Luke 1:28.
No, Jesus would be neither offended or amused at people remembering his crucifixion, praying, or meditating on his life. Why would anyone following Jesus be offended or amused by the efforts of their fellow Christians to honor our Lord?
Cheers,
Bruce
2007-11-11 15:39:13 · answer #3 · answered by Bruce 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Bible actually teaches us to wear the crucifix. St. Paul said to teach Christ crucified so Christians who do this are following Scriptures. Teaching can be done by words but most effectively by actions. The wearing of the crucifix is such an action.
As far as the Rosary is concerned I believe as one who believes that our purpose in life is to serve God and worship Him that He is pleased when we pray to Him or ask others to pray for us as well. Why would any Christian have a problem with this?
In Christ
Fr. Joseph
2007-11-11 15:34:00 · answer #4 · answered by cristoiglesia 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Do you think that a person would be offended if people remembered a significant sacrifice they made by wearing a symbol in memory of that sacrifice?
2007-11-11 14:54:13 · answer #5 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Offended,
If someone murdered a little boy, a daughter, or a husband or wife, or any loved one with an AK47 assault rifle,
would that family member wear that murder weapon as a symbol to remember him by as a tatoo, kneckless , hanging as a wall item or picture frame? I think NOT.
It would offend me,, no where does it say in the bible to use or have crosses, crucifixes, or torture stakes, to remember him by conscerning his name.
2007-11-11 13:50:20 · answer #6 · answered by ray_clrk 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Since these are idols I really think these are against what Jesus teaches.
Isn't Jesus the Christian faith and the crucifixes and rosaries catholic? Catholics worship Mary the mother of Jesus.....
2007-11-11 13:41:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋
IF there was a such person, maybe he'd be flattered much like a Hollywood star that people cared about giving him (or his symbols) that much attention.
But seriously.. I thought most religions were informed not to worship symbols. So why is every christian obsessed with advertising their religion with symbols??
2007-11-11 13:37:39 · answer #8 · answered by <3 cats 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Quoted: "offended by idols ? why ask this ? There should be no graven images..."
But haven't you idolized the Bible?
2007-11-11 13:43:03 · answer #9 · answered by wiccanhpp 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Offended. He went by the Mosaic Law – which condemns idolatry in all forms.
2007-11-11 13:37:59 · answer #10 · answered by AEH101 3 · 1⤊ 4⤋