SYMBOL OF CHRISTIANITY
Dear Father L,
My cousin is a protestant pastor, and he vehemently warned me about the crucifix that we have at home: that it is idolatry. However, I was surprised to learn that they have a cross in their church. He explained to me that many Protestant groups lean towards a plain cross. This comes from their focus on Christ’s resurrection more than his crucifixion. For them, the empty cross stands for Christ having risen, beating death and sin. That’s why you’ll find the plain cross more often in Protestant churches. Father L what is the difference between the cross and the crucifix? Which one do we use in the Catholic church?
Sincerely,
Confused Catholic
Dear Confused Catholic,
Both the cross and the crucifix are the two of the most identifiable symbols of Christianity. No matter the setting, the country, the building, a cross or a crucifix mark that place as Christian. To see someone wearing a cross or a crucifix also identifies them with faith (for now, let’s set aside pop stars who flash these as mere jewelry or fashion.)
Yet, there are differences between a cross and a crucifix, ones so distinct that even a small child can manage to point them out. Even more distinctly, a crucifix is generally identified with the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, and yes, a cross with Protestant. So, why the difference?
For non-Christians, these symbols can seem odd, at the very least. The cross is an instrument of death. It seems, to non-believers, the same as wearing a small electric chair on a chain around one’s neck. Even the early Christian community preferred not to use the cross as a symbol of faith because it was still being used in the torture and death of people. With the passage of time, though, the cross ultimately stands as the instrument of our salvation. It is the beginning of the end of death’s eternal hold on us.
The most marked difference between a cross and a crucifix is the corpus or body of Christ on a crucifix. Some Protestants object to the crucifix because of the belief (which we Catholics share!) that Christ is resurrected, not still on the cross and thus, (some believe) He should not be depicted that way. Others find the prominent Catholic use of the crucifix in our churches and homes borders on idolatry.
Of course, Catholics use both symbols frequently. While the crucifix holds a prominent place in most churches, you’re just as likely to see a simple cross in use by Catholics. For instance, many bishops choose to use the cross, rather than a crucifix, as their pectoral cross. Many Catholics choose to wear a cross as a symbol of their faith.
It should also be noted that most crucifixes include the sign INRI across the top. INRI is the Latin abbreviation for “Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum” or Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews.
St. Rose of Lima said, “Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.”
Catholics understand that both the plain cross and the crucifix are symbols of our faith, helping us to recall Jesus’ great sacrifice for us. Both give us a profound visual reminder of His Death and Resurrection, His sacrifice and His triumphant annihilation of sin and death. Yes, there are differences, but Catholics should hold both signs in high esteem, acknowledging both as powerful reminders of the Truth that is Christ.
Sincerely,
Father L
(Letters are welcome at: OClarimEnglish2022@gmail.com)
Follow
