The Crucifix Scandal

Catholic Exchange ^ | 7/21/03 | Patty Bonds

[Pyro7480]

"In all things charity..."

[Desdemona]

I remember lots of "devout and zealous" folks (even me) kissing many statues feet (particularly Mary) as well as the crucifix that were hanging on the wall (not to mention kissing the crucifix hanging on the end of the rosary when we'd say it. Friday afternoons during lent were the stations of the cross. Lots of genuflecting(sp) and rosary kissing going on then.

The Stations have Christ and his crucifixion as the journey. Why should we not genuflect to Him?

The Crucifix on the end of the Rosary is Christ. If we say the Rosary in His honor, why not kiss it?

Jesus loved His mother and hanging on the Cross saw to her welfare. She was loved by His diciples, why should she not be loved by us? Why should we not honor her?

These are gestures of love and honor. What's the problem?

[nickcarraway]

There is one thing of which demons are frightened: the Crucifix. Christ on the Crucifix, not an empty cross. Good enough for me.

And you know this to be a fact how...?

If you were a demon, wouldn't you be afraid of the one person that threatens you more than any other, and at the one time that was critical in saving people from the demon's work? It's almost sacrilegious to suggest a demon wouldn't be afraid of the crucified Christ.

[drstevej]

Jesus rebuked Satan with Scripture not a symbol.

[Polycarp]

And further more, having a crucifix does not bother me in the least.

How big of you.

If you get comfort from it that's your business.

Its a form of witness to the gospel and evangelization. To compare it to a rabbit's foot only reflects the shallow and callous nature of the one making the comparison.

[Polycarp]

Jesus rebuked Satan with Scripture not a symbol.

Jesus defeated Satan with a Cross (not a scripture) and then a Resurrection.

[Pyro7480]

He also defeated Satan by His Passion and Death on the Cross, for hope of salvation was gained through this selfless act.

[Zack Attack]

That's not how I read it:

(4) He received what they gave him, melted it down, and made it into the shape of a calf. They said, "Yisra'el! Here is your god, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!" (5) On seeing this, Aharon built an altar in front of it and proclaimed, "Tomorrow is a feast unto YHWH."

The god was declared to be the one who brought them up from Egypt. The calf was a common form of idol in Egypt, so thats what they were familiar with. Note also, they specify the name YHWH as the one they are holding a feast unto to celebrate.

We see a very similar scenario in 1 Kings, when Jeroboam sets up 2 calves, one in Beit El and one in Dan in order to try and keep Israel from going to Jerusalem to worship. He declares they represent the god who brought them out from Egypt just as those at Sinai did. And he also establishes a feast, on a date of his own choosing, rather than keeping the commanded feast day in the seventh month.

[Ex-Wretch]

"Then you are the sole existing RC dumb enough to have thought you were worshipping those statues."

Ever the diplomat, Polycarp. Superstitious is more the word you're looking for. And, tell the truth, if possible: Haven't you ever been in a dark church at night with only the vigil candles going and the lifesize statues on the wall kinda looking at you ... scary (FEAR - the intended effect, I'm sure).

"Obviously, Christ's Church didn't lose much when you turned your back on Him."

I was a Wretch, Polycarp. My salvation is nothing short of a miracle. Your institution doesn't miss me. That's ok. I've come home. - "Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth." (Luke 15:10)

Jesus found me. I was that one lost sheep.

[drstevej]

Neither a cross or a crucifix is the reality, it is a symbol. Ephesians 6 says our offensive weapon is the Word of God, not a cross or a crucifix.

[drstevej]

post 50

[Land of the Irish]

Neither a cross or a crucifix is the reality, it is a symbol.

Why does the devil fear it? Or is Satan not a reality?

[nickcarraway]

God is not powerful enough to scrae demons through a representation of Him?

[drstevej]

Of course Satan is real. Jesus countered Him with Scripture, Paul tells us when we battle powers and principalities our sword is the Word of God.


Where is a verse in the Bible saying Satan fears a cross or crucifix? I've seen lots of indications in Dracula and horror movies, but I know of none in the Bible.

[drstevej]

Jesus countered Him with Scripture, Paul tells us when we battle powers and principalities our sword is the Word of God.

Why is this approach deficient? Why not follow a Biblical pattern?

[Zack Attack]

You weren't the only lost sheep. I never would go to church and never had read the Bible until 2 years ago, when the Father really began convicting me and teaching me things I never thought I'd be doing. It's a great feeling isn't it?

[Maximilian]

I was a Wretch, Polycarp.

How do you react to having been edited out of the new politically-correct version of "Amazing Grace"? I suppose you take it as a personal affront that they should have deleted you by name?

[Ex-Wretch]

drstevej: Neither a cross or a crucifix is the reality, it is a symbol.

LOTI: Why does the devil fear it? Or is Satan not a reality?

The devil doesn't fear a crucifix any more than the Taliban fear a GI Joe doll. Satan delivered his best knockout shot at Calvary. What Satan fears is the risen Christ!

I have witnessed first hand many deliverances (including my own). There is power in the blood of Jesus. Jesus promised great, wonder-working power for His saints.

[drstevej]

A guy I know, who is a nice yet very slow mentally, used to sing (in all earnestness), "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a WRENCH like me."

Not bad, I thought.

[Ex-Wretch]

"It's a great feeling isn't it?"

Indescribable! :-) Like a sighted person trying to desribe a clear, star-studded sky to a blind man.