#religion
𝘾𝙍𝙐𝘾𝙄𝙁𝙄𝙓 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝘾𝙍𝙊𝙎𝙎.
Both the cross and the crucifix are the two most identifiable symbols of Christianity.
No matter the setting, the country, the building, a cross or a crucifix marks that place as Christian. To see someone wearing a cross or a crucifix also identifies them with the faith.
Yet, there are differences between a cross and a crucifix.
A crucifix is generally identified with the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, and a cross more with the Protestant religions.
The cross is an instrument of death. Even the early Christian communities preferred not to use the cross as a symbol of faith, because it was still being used as an instrument for the torture and death of people.
With the passage of time, though, the cross ultimately evolved as the instrument of salvation. It is the beginning of the end of death’s eternal hold on men.
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 that Christ is resurrected, not still on the cross and thus, He should not be depicted that way. Others feel that the prominent Catholic use of the crucifix in their churches and homes borders on idolatry.
While the crucifix holds a prominent place in most churches, you’re just as likely to see a simple cross in use by the 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 their faith, helping them to recall Jesus’ great sacrifice for men. Both give a profound visual reminder of His Death and Resurrection, His sacrifice and His triumphant annihilation of sin and death. Catholics hold both signs in high esteem, acknowledging both as powerful reminders of the Truth that is Christ.
