This has always bugged me.
The 2nd commandment precisely and exactly says:
Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
This would seem to clearly rule out having a cross or a crucifix or anything else as a "symbol" of your faith. I have heard the following arguments:
"But we're not really worshipping the cross". That doesn't seem to matter. Thou shalt not make ANY graven image. When the Hebrews built the golden calf, they didn't really think that they were worshipping the calf, they were worshipping the God behind it.
Another argument: The 10 commandments don't apply to us. Even if you believe that, then what could be more in-your-face to God then doing this?
I think the prohibition is there partly because making an image or symbol limits the infinite nature of God.
No, they were worshipping it. It says that in the scripture. But let's address the verse you quote...
Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Now, let's complete this verse with Exo 20:5 "thou shalt no bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord the God am a jealous God, ..."
It's pretty clear that God prohibits the making of images for the purpose of worhipping them.
Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
This would seem to clearly rule out having a cross or a crucifix or anything else as a "symbol" of your faith. I have heard the following arguments:
"But we're not really worshipping the cross". That doesn't seem to matter. Thou shalt not make ANY graven image
Ahem. You have no graven images in your possession? No images of anything on earth, in the sea or in the heavens?
The literal prohibition is against making anything which images anything else. I bet your computer screen containsd representations of "letters" from the "alphabet." This is a violation.
SD
God became man. He had a face. People saw it. God didn't have a problem then with people seeing Him. God limited Himself in this way when He took on flesh.
SD