Symbolism Of The Cross In The Catholic Church

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The Symbolism of the Cross in the Catholic Church Religious groups throughout the world have used symbols to represent the historical events, deities, and beliefs of a faith. Symbols express the moral values of the teachings of religion and bring the ones who practice the belief closer to the divine. The catholic church uses the cross or crucifix to represent the belief that Jesus died on the cross to redeem humanity. The crucifix is similar to the cross, but depicts the body of Jesus Christ, representing his sacrifice. While the cross and the crucifix differ because of the image of Jesus Christ, the meaning of the image is a sacramental sign that prepares Catholics to receive the grace of God. In the following, a history of the cross will …show more content…

When the sign is made, a Catholic is professing the belief in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Baptism is a sacrament for Catholics which signifies a rebirth, similar to what Jesus Christ did on the cross. When the sign of the cross is made during baptism, it symbolizes how the individual died with Christ and rose back to life. This act is similar to the meaning of the circumcision. Discipleship is marked by the cross and according to the book of Luke shows obedience to the scripture. Catholics also use the cross as a symbol of ownership, meaning a Catholic belongs to, obeys, and is obedient to God and the law of God. This is also an example of self-denial, one is going under the ownership of Christ and no longer belongs to themselves. When suffering occurs, the sign of the cross is a symbol of acceptance. When suffering occurs or when one feels like God is no longer there, the sign of the cross bring the presence of God to the individual and acknowledges to the individual God is with them in his or her time of need. In Catholicism, the greatest defense against Satan is the cross. When a Catholic believes that protection is needed from Satan, he or she will make the sign of the cross showing Satan that he or she is willingly owned by God and the He is protecting them. In modern times, this is portrayed in cinematic displays such as movies and books. The movie “The Exorcism”, portrays how Satan is expelled from a young child using the Holy Bible, a cross, and the words of Christ done by a priest of the Catholic church. Lastly, the cross signifies the triumph over self-indulgence. The temptation of the flesh, such as lust, fear, greed, and anger, can all be destroyed and conquered through the cross. To a Catholic, the sign of the cross is sacred and reminds them daily of his or her obedience to God and

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