Comments on: Catholic Christians: Why is Jesus usually depicted on the Cross in your religious art and jewelry?

By: your real father

your real father — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:49:59 +0000

The crucifix reminds us of why he died, whereas the plain cross doesn't to the same extent. The regular cross is much more prominant in Protestant religions, but for Catholics we always use the crucifix. Not that we don't use a regular cross, but I've never seen one used behind the alter.
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By: OPsaltis

OPsaltis — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:43:59 +0000

If the scene depicts the crucifixion, it’s useful to have the Crucified One in the scene.

Roman Catholic doctrine (and much of Protestant doctrine) emphasizes the satisfaction of God’s wrath at our sinfulness by Jesus’ death on the cross. So Jesus is shown on the cross, to indicate that the debt of sin has been paid by an innocent one (the sacrificed lamb of Jewish Old Testament worship

Orthodox Christian neckwear only rarely depicts Jesus on the cross, which we also wear as a reminder of Christ’s triumph over sin and death. In the church, the icon of Christ is on the cross most of the year. At Easter, the icon of Jesus is removed from the cross, which then stands gloriously empty at a prominent place in the church until the Ascension is celebrated. It’s quite symbolic.

/Orthodox Christian
(Orthodox are Catholic, too, just not Roman Catholic).
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By: Melting Media

Melting Media — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 04:27:59 +0000

Reading Paul Theroux's excellent "The Old Patagonian Express" years ago, I recall Theroux tackled this as he traveled through Latin America by rail. The poorer the area, the more graphic the violent death on the cross was depicted in cathedrals. Asking a variety of people about this, including priests, Theroux concludes the the way to attract and keep adherents is to portray Jesus as suffering far more than they. The cross art varies culture to culture, from Rome to the Philippines. While in cities like Lima and Buenos Aires, Theroux saw much milder displays. But in remote Peru, where the population is mostly poverty-stricken Incas, the horrific cross scenes were in every Catholic church Theroux visited.
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By: Daver

Daver — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:56:59 +0000

1Cor.1:23 – Preach Christ Crucifed.
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By: TattoomomKC

TattoomomKC — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 03:15:59 +0000

The significance is nearly as old as the faith itself — it is a constant reminder of what Jesus suffered for us. It was also a teaching tool to show converts (who were not literate, or where language barriers existed) in the form of paintings and sculpture — again, the horrible death Jesus suffered for us. It’s also a unifying symbol; a way to recognize a brother or sister in Christ on sight.

"Post Easter" crosses (I am assuming you mean the Risen Christ, or a plain cross) can also be worn, kept in the house, etc — but it really is the Crucifix that reminds us of His sacrifice.

Actually Priscilla, I read last year something from the Vatican about those Risen Christ crosses, and how they shouldn’t be used. It’ll be an easy internet search if you are interested.
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Catholic — I’ve missed you girl! Hope all is well.

By: Gastounet

Gastounet — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:43:59 +0000

It’s more dramatic than to depict him having a picinic with his lover John dear….
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John the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23, 19:26, 21:7,20)

By: Alice in R&S Land

Alice in R&S Land — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:54:59 +0000

>>What is the significance of this?<<

"we preach Christ crucified" — 1Cor. 1:23

>>Do "post-Easter" crosses have a place in your religious art and Jewelry too?<<

Eh. Not prohibited, but they don’t make sense to me. Jesus rose from the tomb, not the cross.
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Catholic