Hi EaglesNestHome,
Question:
In the Catholic Church we hold the cross with the Body of Christ on it to be a beloved symbol of Christ’s Passion and Death on that cross.
So to honor that we Catholics always have crosses with the Corpus and never the cross alone and I might add we have been doing that for about eighteen centuries.
Why did the protestant church remove the Body of Christ from the Cross - it doesn’t sound like they want to be reminded of what he did, which seems to be the opposite of what you are saying.
I am happy to see you so engaged in your faith.
Regards,
Lurking’
Thank you very much for your interesting question, and comment. Please understand that I am not a theologian, just an ordinary homeschooling mom. That said, I grew up in a protestant home, and attended church growing up. Over the years (I’m in my fifties, now) I have visited many churches, both protestant and Catholic. Thinking back, you’re right about Christ not being up on the cross in church, as I recall. I can only speculate about the reason, but I would guess it is a fear that people will worship the object, instead of Christ? Does that make sense? Also, we do not know for sure exactly how Christ looked, so it might be illustrating his appearance incorrectly—making it harder for, say, a native American to identify with a blond, blue-eyed Jesus. If I am wrong about this, I hope some of you professorial types will correct me, and explain this better.
I have, however, seen protestant churches and homes with pictures illustrating the body of Christ on the cross, as portrayed by various artists. (I have a few pictures like that, myself.) I have never heard a protestant sermon condemning anyone for having or hanging a painting of Christ, so I don’t think it is an issue.
That said, I think the cross, with or without Christ, is an offense and a stumbling block to those who deny God. I think that both the protestant and the Catholic cross vividly illustrate Christ’s loving sacrifice for all who will accept it.
I appreciate your love for Christ, and again, I thank you for your question. May God bless you and yours!
I grew up Catholic and now worship in a non-denominational church. I understand both sides. However, we worship the risen Christ. When Jesus rose from the dead two things happened: he conquered death and atoned for our sins. So, it’s the risen Christ that saves us from our sins. So the cross absent the body of Christ symbolizes the Lord’s absolute defeat of sin.
The Protestants did not remove Jesus from the Cross...Jesus' disciples did...Jesus hasn't been on a Cross since about 33 A.D....And he never will be again...
Mar 16:6 And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.
Jesus is not here...He is risen!!!
it doesn’t sound like they want to be reminded of what he did, which seems to be the opposite of what you are saying.
Dying on the Cross is not the end of it...Do you not believe Jesus has risen??? Why do you keep him on the cursed Cross??? It was a shameful thing for Jesus to hang on that Cross...
Jesus conquered; overcame the Cross...He beat it...The Cross nor Satan could keep him there, like you guys try to do...
Jesus does not say to come to the Cross to worship him...He says to come to the Throne...
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
He is not on the cross, but He is risen from the dead, is ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
I beg you, come out of the idolatrous Roman Catholic church, come away from the idolatry of the mass, come away from the idolatry of the crucifix.