Wearing a Cross as a Form of Worship
Wearing a Cross as a Form of Worship
The practice of wearing a cross as a form of worship is rooted in the biblical concept of the cross as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice and redemption. The cross is first mentioned in the New Testament as the instrument of Christ's crucifixion (Eph. 2:16; Gal. 6:14; Phil. 2:8) [1, 2, 4]. The apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of the cross, stating that "the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor. 1:18) [5].
In the early Christian Church, the cross was not immediately adopted as a symbol of worship due to its association with a shameful death. However, after Constantine's vision, the cross became a revered symbol, and Christians began to wear it as a sign of their faith [3]. The practice was defended by early Church Fathers, such as Tertullian, who argued that the cross was not just a symbol but an integral part of Christian identity [6].
The theological significance of wearing a cross is tied to the concept of self-denial and cross-bearing, as taught by Christ (Mark 8:34) [9]. According to John Calvin, bearing the cross is a form of self-denial that involves submitting to God's will and finding joy in suffering for Christ's sake [7, 10]. The cross is also seen as a representation of Christ's sacrifice, and venerating it is considered a way of honoring Christ.
Different Christian traditions have varying views on the veneration of the cross. The Catholic Church teaches that the cross should be worshipped with the adoration of "latria," as it represents Christ's Passion [8]. In contrast, some Protestant traditions view the cross as a symbol of faith, but do not venerate it in the same manner.
The practice of wearing a cross has continued throughout Christian history, with various forms and interpretations. While some traditions emphasize the symbolic significance of the cross, others see it as a means of expressing devotion to Christ. As a form of worship, wearing a cross represents a commitment to follow Christ and bear the costs of discipleship. The cross remains a powerful symbol of Christian faith, representing the sacrifice and redemption that lie at the heart of the Christian message [2].
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 2:16 (BBE) — And that the two might come into agreement with God in one body through the cross, so putting an end to that division.”
- Galatians “But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. -- Galatians 6:14”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Cross — As the emblem of a slave's death and a murderer's punishment, the cross was naturally looked upon with the profoundest horror. But after the celebrated vision of Constantine, he ordered his friends to make a cross of gold and gems, such as he had seen, and "the towering eagles resigned the flags unto the cross," and "the tree of cursing and shame" "sat upon the sceptres and was engraved and signed on the foreheads of kings." (Jer. Taylor, "Life of Christ," iii., xv. 1.) The new standards were called by the name Labarum, and may be seen on the coins of Constant”
- Philippians “Philippians 2:8 (Rotherham) — And, in fashion, being found, as a man, humbled himself, becoming obedient as far as death, yea, death upon a cross.”
- 1 Corinthians “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. -- 1 Corinthians 1:18”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 3: Tertullian — CHAP. XII.(10)--THE CHARGE OF WORSHIPPING A CROSS. THE HEATHENS THEMSELVES MADE MUCH OF CROSSES IN SACRED THINGS; NAY, THEIR VERY IDOLS WERE FORMED ON A CRUCIAL FRAME. (part 1): As for him who affirms that we are "the 122 priesthood of a cross,"(1) we shall claim him(2) as our co-religionist.(3) A cross is, in its material, a sign of wood; amongst yourselves also the object of worship is a wooden figure. Only, whilst with you the figure is a human one, with us the wood is its own figure. Never mind(4) for the present what is the shape, provided the material is the same:”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 63: 2016 CHAPTER 8. OF BEARING THE CROSS—ONE BRANCH OF SELF-DENIAL. The four divisions of this chapter are,—I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience (not that of philosophers), after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. Sections . 1. What the cross is. By whom, and on whom, ”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of the Adoration of Christ, Art. 4: Article: Whether Christ's cross should be worshipped with the adoration of "latria"? I answer that, As stated above (Article [3]), honor or reverence is due to a rational creature only; while to an insensible creature, no honor or reverence is due save by reason of a rational nature. And this in two ways. First, inasmuch as it represents a rational nature: secondly, inasmuch as it is united to it in any way whatsoever. In the first way men are wont to venerate the king's image; in the second way, his robe.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 8:34: 8:34-38 Jesus’ invitation to his disciples and the crowd lays out the cost of being his follower. • To give up your own way involves letting Jesus determine your goals and purposes in life. To take up your cross is metaphorical (cp. Luke 9:23); it indicates that faithfulness to Jesus must extend, if required, even to the point of death. To follow Jesus’ teaching and example is a continual commitment.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 63: In bearing them patiently we are not submitting to necessity but resting satisfied with our own good. The effect of these thoughts is, that to whatever extent our minds are contracted by the bitterness which we naturally feel under the cross, to the same extent will they be expanded with spiritual joy. Hence arises thanksgiving, which cannot exist unless joy be felt. But if the praise of the Lord 2024 and thanksgiving can emanate only from a cheerful and gladdened breasts and there is nothing which ought to interrupt these feelings”