[trebb]

The cross symbolizes the fact that there is no salvation without the sacrifice of Christ. This is offensive to those who believe they can “work their way into heaven”.

I understand the symbolism of the cross and I love Jesus for the gift He gave us through his willing sacrifice. I'll leave the second statement alone as it makes assumptions that can be argued but not validated.I asked questions about the wear/non-wear of the cross as a decoration and as a sign of faith (although not always both).

I also asked why the super importance of the physical cross/necklaces of the cross/statuary, etc. I ask such questions to make folks think and to consider what the Bible tells them about things. Not necessarily to change minds - sometimes to strengthen/validate the opinions.

I wonder how many folks actually revere/adore some of these physical symbols vs. just the ideas that make them relevant. It is probably mostly for the ideas, but some seem to think they need to revere the statue of Mary and that it is a sin to defile it. Not saying you are one of them. I would hope that when confronted with such people, one might go back to the Old Covenant and explain why idols were deemed useless and wrong because they could be made of part of the same tree's wood that was used to make a chair or to cook a meal. My questions were posed to provoke thought as i see far too many folks of good faith misusing quotes and forming opinions based on the misuse/misunderstanding of what the Bible tells us.

[greyfoxx39]

I wonder how many folks actually revere/adore some of these physical symbols vs. just the ideas that make them relevant. It is probably mostly for the ideas, but some seem to think they need to revere the statue of Mary and that it is a sin to defile it.

"I wonder how many folks actually revere/adore some of these physical symbols vs. just the ideas that make them relevant".....as in the claim of "sacredness" for mormon temple garments. They are not to be seen by "gentiles" and are credited with powers of protection by many mormons.

"It is probably mostly for the ideas, but some seem to think they need to revere the temple garment and that it is a sin to defile it." Disposal of worn temple garments must be done in an approved manner to avoid this "defilement".

The wearing of the cross is in memoriam of the sacrifice of Jesus...a much more meaningful event than hiding the body by wearing of underwear.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I think different cultures and subcultures have different responses to symbolism, and that's legitimate, just as different individual temperaments and tastes are legitimate. It shouldn't lead to instant judgment, but to a deeper quest for understanding.

Some people highly averse to symbolic signs of reverence in church, nevertheless become irate if they see a U.S. flag trampled, would react with indignation if somebody mishandled a wreath put at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and vocally deprecate a person who failed to rise and put his hand over his heart at the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sometimes a gesture can have many meanings, and it can be tricky to figure out what is meant: a kiss, for instance. Add a physical object (kissing a cross; kissing the Torah; kissing a Heisman Trophy; kissing the ground; kissing a picture of one's departed mom; kissing a lottery ticket)--- and you kinda have to "be there in the culture" before you really understand what it's about.

[CelticIrish]

Trebb good conversation starter. As a Catholic I see all too often people use the symbol as an accessory. In both Catholic and Protestant arena's this is an almost necessary piece of clothing without the meaning it is intended. I carry a cross in my pocket that no one sees but myself. It was carried by my father in the Korean War. I start each day with it in my hand and remember that Christ is within us, above us, below us, in front of us, behind us. In my words, in my actions and in my hands as they serve others. The cross is not an Icon it is a meaning. This is where the discussion should be centered. In terms of Idols and worshiping Icons I can make the argument that I do not idolize the Cross or Mary I seek them as a focus of my Admiration of HE who sent me.

[Elsie]

I'll leave the second statement alone as it makes assumptions that can be argued but not validated

Any comments on the second statement seen in reply #12?

[Colofornian]

I also asked why the super importance of the physical cross/necklaces of the cross/statuary, etc. I ask such questions to make folks think and to consider what the Bible tells them about things. Not necessarily to change minds - sometimes to strengthen/validate the opinions. I wonder how many folks actually revere/adore some of these physical symbols vs. just the ideas that make them relevant. It is probably mostly for the ideas, but some seem to think they need to revere the statue of Mary and that it is a sin to defile it...I would hope that when confronted with such people, one might go back to the Old Covenant and explain why idols were deemed useless and wrong because they could be made of part of the same tree's wood that was used to make a chair or to cook a meal

And I suppose each Christmas, every time you drive by a house or business with a nativity scene or creche, you stop, ring the doorbell or enter the business if open, and question the owners about the meanings of these symbols...and start accusing them of engaging in "idolatry" eh?

Are you consistent then with these types of treatment toward such symbols?

If not, then why have you -- and Mormons -- chosen to single out the cross for this type of treatment? What then is so offensive to you -- and to Mormons -- about the cross?

I mean, do Mormons take offense to every mention of a crib in a Christmas carol -- or nativities, living or otherwise -- that depict the Christ child?

[svcw]

Although I am not Catholic, I know none that worship Mary’s image, revering is not worship.
Wearing a Cross is not worship, it is a simple of remembrance.
I am not sure why you apparently see them as the same.
Idols were objects that are/were worshiped as a god, not reminders.

[RobbyS]

To be sure, the cross was not widely used as a symbol during the first centuries, because it was shameful at the time. But in the 4th century, it became the public symbol of Christianity. The most usual pictorical representation of Jesus in graves was as the good shepherd and him as a beardless young man. As to three dimensional representations, there was always some objection, but this only boiled over into controversy in the 8th century in the iconoclast movement, after the Emperors, in an effort perhaps as gesture to rebut the Muslim criticism of Christian polytheism and its’ pagan’ practices.