Why Shouldn't We Wear a Cross as a Sign of Being a Christian?

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Why Shouldn't We Wear a Cross as a Sign of Being a Christian?

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Having a desire to let our light shine and to share our faith are positive goals! In order to answer this specific question, though, we must also consider the background of the cross, the New Testament record and Jesus' teaching about how to display our Christianity.

One of the first questions we might ask is, Who decided that the cross was to be the sign of Christianity? This tradition of wearing a cross does not come from the Bible or the practices of the New Testament Church. Though there are at least seven different types of crosses, we are not even certain that Jesus was crucified on a cross-like apparatus. Though crucifixion on a cross was common at the time, the Bible allows that Jesus may have been put to death on an upright pole (rendered "tree" in 1 Peter 2:24 from the Greek word stauros, which primarily means an upright stake).

A study of history shows that the cross symbol predates Christianity. According to author Ralph Woodrow, "Centuries before the Christian era, the cross was honored as a religious symbol by the people of Babylon. It is seen on their oldest monuments. Historians say that it was a symbol associated with Tammuz" (Babylonian Mystery Religion, p. 51). From Babylon, the cross spread to other nations and was associated with paganism long before Jesus' crucifixion in A.D. 31.

Woodrow further explains, "It was not until Christianity began to be paganized that the cross came to be thought of as a Christian symbol. It was in 431 A.D. that crosses in churches and chambers were introduced, while the use of crosses on steeples did not come until about 586 A.D." (p. 50).

While most people today connect the cross with Christianity rather than paganism, we must also ask if the cross is something to be worshipped or honored. While the apostles preached "the cross [stauros]" as part of the history of Christ's ministry for our sakes (1 Corinthians 1:17-18), it was not something they idolized. It was a shameful instrument of death (Hebrews 12:2). In His crucifixion, Jesus took on Himself our shameful sins. Having our sins forgiven is a wonderful blessing, but there is no need to glorify the instrument used.

Finally, consider what the Bible teaches about wearing any religious symbol. Under the Old Covenant that God made with ancient Israel, God instructed them to wear reminders of their faith upon their hands (Deuteronomy 6:8; Deuteronomy 11:18). In fulfillment of this command, phylacteries, small leather boxes containing scriptural passages, were traditionally worn by Jewish men during their morning weekday prayers. Many did this to appear righteous to others (Matthew 23:5).

During His New Testament ministry, Jesus taught His followers to display their spirituality through their actions and deeds (Matthew 5:16). Under the New Covenant, ushered in by Christ, God's laws are to be written on our hearts—that is, in our minds (Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:16). People who truly practice the Christianity of the Bible stand out as beacons of light in a spiritually darkened society because of the way they live. They have no need to wear external signs like a cross to identify themselves as Christian.

If you would like to learn more about the history of the cross and how this pagan symbol entered Christianity, read chapters 6 and 7 of Ralph Woodrow's book, Babylon Mystery Religion. These two chapters are respectively titled "Is the Cross a Christian Symbol?" and "Constantine and the Cross."

 

 

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Comments

  • solracmartinez0

    I was saved 1 week ago today. Praise God! And my hunger for knowledge is ferocious. Thank you brothers and sisters for your answers I'm so glad that I looked this up I feel like I need to be around others like you so that I may learn more from others that are so much more experienced. I know of a little church by my house I visited a couple of times way back when and I really enjoyed it and felt comfortable there only I stopped going because sin still had a hold of me. I was recently in a bad accident from a fall riding an electrical bike (don't laugh). Lol. Anyway I sustained some cracked ribs and a shoulder injury and actually that was part of the reason I gave my life over to Christ and I can honestly say my life has changed so much in a short period of time that I find myself praying and praising God a lot (and crying) I'm not ashamed to say. My point is when I get well I can't wait to go back to that church to be around my family in Christ. God bless you all, thank you!

  • jdtrace

    God bless you

  • Davilaje

    Believe me. I get it. I personally don't wear any type of jewelry or adornments because I have always associated it with vanity. I tried, in my teens, wearing a silver or gold necklace, but it always made me feel uncomfortable, like this is not me. I'm 42 and my family has gotten used to it. Don't gift me jewelry or watches because I won't wear it. We're not in the 1st century, though. People today will continue to view the cross as representative of Christianity. If it were not for the cross on my work email profile people would not have known to approach me with questions regarding salvation and proper Christian living. I make it a point to always do my best to express that I am a Christian through my actions, though.

  • padams50

    The book, "The Two Babylons," by Hislop, is a good place to learn about the paganism that's been incorporated into what is called "Christianity" today.

  • Iamtwheelz

    When you are seeking answers to “Life Questions” they are easy to find if you will do one thing. That’s right, I do not care what the question is, it is that SIMPLE!! I say this because, from the day that God pointed me to this simple solution, to answer whatever question you may have in this world, it has never failed me. It is say simple, written down in the WORD of God himself. It all begins with John 17:14:16 and you hear this passage quite often and it is the base for this simple solution to answer those questions.
    The next time you have a question that you need an answer for you must first remember that we are to be in the world and not of it. Then go and read Exodus 20:17-2 to find your answer. Yes Exodus 20:17-2, the “Stairway to Heaven”!!

    Things of this world are NOT in the Kingdom of God and the Gospel of Jesus is that “The Kingdom of God is at hand” and He will show you the way if you will REPENT and follow Him because he Scrificed His Life to pay the wage of sin for all of mankind. Do you know him today, friend don’t turn him away! Call on Him where you are and receive the free gift of Grace, before it is too late! When you die your dead without Him

  • Iamtwheelz

    And BTW: If you need to wear a cross or any other symbol to remind you of what Jesus did at the cross, you are not spending enough time in the WORD. Come out of the world and into the WORD, He is not dead, HE IS ALIVE!!

  • hniccum

    "And BTW: If you need to wear a cross or any other symbol to remind you of what Jesus did at the cross, you are not spending enough time in the WORD" This is your opinion. You are not in the heart or mind of anyone that you are bringing this on. Colossians 2:16 states "Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath." 1Corinthians 2:10: These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. You are not God and know not of what is in someones mind or heart to judge anyone. And BTW, I don't look to ANY other book except the Bible for information. If it's not explained in the Bible, I pray for answers from God

  • Iamtwheelz

    I just love how we like to put what we think over what God says. All of the symbols in the church need to be removed. Not only do they violate the 2nd commandment, they bring God down to the level of pagan gods. Just like Eating, Drinking and Marrying are not in The Kingdom of God, you will not find a cross there either, it was incorporating the symbols and customs of sun god worship that brought the flood waters! It’s time that the church stops following people and turns back to God and He will then heal our land!!

  • Lisa red

    I wear a cross, not to symbolize that I am a Christian as my cross is rarely visible to others. It reminds me of the amazing gift I have been given. It reminds me of the suffering our SAVIOR experienced for us so that we have the chance and the choice to believe in him so that we too can defeat death if we endure to the end.
    Praise GOD and the LIVING WORD JESUS

  • joeq

    Hello all,
    I have researched the cross and it dates back before Christ as it is stated in the article. It was used in Pagan religions before Jesus was crucified. It was brought into the church by Constantine. He wanted the vote of the Pagan and the
    Christians due to his political aspirations.
    He too changed the day of worship to Sunday to bring all the religion together, so it is said.
    This in my opinion was to dishonor as well as disobey God. Sunday was a day to worship Pagan gods, mainly the Sun god. God is a forgiving God but if you wear a Cross you are breaking the 2nd commandment. It is clear " You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments ". (Deuteronomy 5:8).
    It is clear that the cross is not of God, nowhere does it say to worship the cross. Take care in what you do and what you read, my love to all

  • MartinSpir

    The cross is worn as a "reminder" as you said.

    Most people wear crosses as a reminder that Jesus suffered greatly for our sins and that we should try to sin less

    I don't think anyone worship the cross in its true meaning as that would mean worshiping torture

    All in all, we shouldn't be discussing about whether or not to wear something because if people judge someone by what they wear and believe, that would be against "don't judge a book by its cover".

  • joeq

    You have go take care in the things you say and do. This would include wearing objects that bring dishonor to our Father. The Son of God was crucified on a cross...supposedly, now ask yourselves what is Holy about the cross.? If Jesus was actually crucified on a cross, tree or a stake. I try not to step into a church that has a cross, someone put it to me this way. " Do people honor their loved one by wearing a Needle around their neck after a drug overdose?
    Then why would you wear a cross around your neck?"
    When you feel you find fault in something someone does or says does not mean that you are condemning them or judging them. I believe if you are silent about your beliefs then you are not helping them to see the light. It could work the opposite way and you would be shown the light. I grew up withthe cross and Sunday was the day of worship and I was shown the light. In some situations your placed it might be meant for you to teach the other person or for you to be taught.
    Our Father did not want us to have difficulty in understanding. Read the Ten Commandments, it is not hard to discern, our Father did not want us to be confused, beware of false teachings, Jesus is Love

  • Lena VanAusdle

    Hi Martin, explaining that someone might be doing something in error isn't judging them; it's helping them to see a better way. That being said, if we are converted Christians, having God's Holy Spirit dwelling within us, why do we need a reminder? As God says He will write His laws on our heart (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 10:16); this is also why we don't have to wear tassels to remind us of God's laws. Being young in the faith, we might see someone wearing tassels or wearing a cross, but as they mature, and they see that it is not what God would have us do, hopefully they will move away from it, but we still have a duty to show the truth of these things.

  • Skip Miller

    Hello Martin,
    I am amazed by what "most people" do.
    I also believe that "most people" do not wear a cross to worship Tammuz.
    "Most people" don't get tattooed to open a conversation about (whatever.) BUT
    I believe that anyone who does wear a symbol or does a visible thing (like regularly go to Church Services) needs to be able to explain why they are doing this very visible thing.
    Jesus Christ does want us to proclaim Him and His Way!
    Are we doing this correctly?

  • dust_i_am

    Is it fair to cite Ralph Woodrow's book, since he took it out of print and recanted much of what he wrote? Apparently including the part you're quoting?

  • Iamtwheelz

    You will not find a cross in the Kingdom of God

    Do you use the Jewish Encyclopedia in your studies? Gather all your facts, find the harmony and then make your decisions?

  • dtsmith1008

    What does it mean in the Bible where it says "If any man come after me, let him deny himself, and pick up his cross and follow me?"

    I was taught from a little girl, that because of that passage, Jesus wants us to wear a wooden cross around our neck to represent him.
    What are your thoughts on this?
    My email address is dtsmith1008@gmail.com.

    Thank you.

  • GKTM300

    I wear a cross is that sinful?

  • Skip Miller

    Hello Gabriel,
    Simple question that you have!
    But what a difficult answer I will give!
    What does that cross mean to you & what will it mean to others?
    The article explains pretty clearly why we do not recommend wearing crosses But if you want to give a different message, then go ahead & wear a cross! Some people get tattooed just to give a message. If you wear a cross you will have to explain to someone, sometime, why. Please read the article again so you will be better prepared to answer.
    But because I have a few more spaces left, allow me to tell you what I learned in a museum in Florence, Italy. This museum had pictures & statues depicting Roman crucifixions. Many (not all) but many were simply upright stakes with the person's hands tied or nailed above his head. That was what I had been taught in God's Church but I had never seen it. Now I even more firmly believe that Jesus Christ was killed on an upright stake.
    Jesus Christ died so that you & I can have eternal life.
    The instrument of His tortuous death should not (I believe) be displayed as honorable.
    Skip Miller

  • Blessedmc100

    Yes, so true.

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