What are your feelings about wearing a cross?

Answer 1

It's a reminder of the "suffering" servant.

From "Judaism for Everyone" by Rabbi Schmuley Boteach:

Central to the Jewish response to suffering is a staunch rejection of the belief in its redemptive power. According to Judaism there are no ennobling qualities in pain…. The belief in the redemptive quality of suffering is a profoundly Christian concept. In Christianity, the suffering servant, the crucified Christ, brings atonement for the sins of mankind through his own sacrifice and torment. The message: Without suffering there can be no redemption. According to Christianity, if Jesus had not suffered and died on the cross, mankind would still be damned. Suffering is therefore extolled in the New Testament: “And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces hope” (Rom. 5:3-4). “If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering” (2 Cor. 1:6). Indeed, Paul even made suffering an obligation, encouraging the fledging Christians to “share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:3).
In Judaism, however, suffering is anything but redemptive. It leads to a tortured spirit and a pessimistic outlook on life. It scars our psyches and brings about a cynical consciousness, devoid of hope. Suffering causes us to dig out the insincerity of the hearts of our fellows and to be envious of other people’s happiness. If individuals do become better people as a result of their suffering, it is despite the fact that they suffered, not because of it. Ennoblement of character comes through triumph over suffering, rather than its endurance.
Man’s mission was never to make peace with suffering and death, but to abolish them from the face of the earth for all eternity by joining God as a junior partner in creation. By studying medicine and offering aid to people in need, we live up to our highest calling of having been created in the divine image. The atheist doctor who struggles to cure AIDS is infinitely more in tune with the Jewish response to suffering than the minister of religion who tells his flock that suffering is part of the divine plan. The sinning businessman who may have never stepped into a synagogue but makes a loan to a colleague to save him from bankruptcy is more in tune with the Jewish response to suffering than the Rabbi who seeks to give a rationalization for why children die of leukemia…. Our role as humans is not to give meaning to aberrations, but combating them and to healing wounds.

Answer 2

I wear a cross necklace to show my faith and to let people know that I am a person they can approach if they need comfort. What kills me are people who wear crosses around their necks and a big frown on their faces. Kinda like some Christians in here who are mean ~ great witnesses for Christ ~ NOT.

I personally think wearing cross ear- rings look ridiculous and irreverent.

Answer 3

I have no problem with it. I actually feel so strongly about it being a matter of conscience, I am deeply considering having one tattooed on the back of my neck.

I was raised as an oppressive Jehovah's Witness, and their theology as far as the cross goes is in my opinion, ridiculous...It would be a symbol of my Christianity and a statement of breaking away from an oppressive cult.

Answer 4

How large is the cross?

Is the cross purple or some other color?

Does the cross have a body on it?

Has the cross been dipped in sheep's blood?

Does the cross say in fine print:

My religion is better than your religion?

Other?

Answer 5

If other people want to wear one, I don't care, but I don't personally wear jewelry of any kind. If I did, I don't think I would wear a cross.

Answer 6

If you wish to wear a cross why not do it? It represents the blood sheed by Jesus to save our eternal lives, and that's a beautiful symbol. I have a cross necklace, a fish necklace, etc. I don't wear them everyday, but I do sometimes. =)

Answer 7

The cross is a symbol of the Christian faith. Christians, if they choose, should wear it if they want to.

The problem I have is seeing the cross on people who are either not Christian or... are Christian, but are not acting like they are Christian. To me, that is a slap in the face to Christ.

Answer 8

I have a couple of beautiful crosses that I don't wear because I am ashamed for anyone to think I was ever a Christian.

Answer 9

Don't leave home without it.

Useful for protecting against vampires and other undead. And you never know when you'll be called on for an impromptu exorcism.

I prefer pure silver, around ten pounds, coming to a honed point at the end. That way, it also works on werewolves and can be used as a defense against more mundane attackers.

Also, you gots ta love the Flava bling!

Answer 10

North, South, East & West are venerated in PAGAN religions so many Pagans wear a cross...has nothing to do w/Christianity. I for one won't as my Jewish heritage precludes doing so and I won't spit in the face of heritage in spite of not practicing or believing in Judaism any more. PEACE!