Are Catholics the only Christians who use crucifixes?
Are Catholics the only Christians who use crucifixes?
Question: In a recent gathering, my men’s club examined the rationale behind Catholics being the sole faith that utilizes a crucifix. Is this accurate? Is the cross employed by Protestants to highlight the Risen Christ; and do Catholics display a crucifix to commemorate the suffering of Christ?
— Kevin Brehmer, Toledo, Ohio
Answer: The crucifix represents the crucified Jesus, while a cross is devoid of any figure, consisting only of plain wood. The Catholic Church, tracing its roots back to ancient times, has consistently utilized the crucifix; the same is true for the Orthodox and Eastern Churches. The unadorned cross appeared in the 16th century, initially among the Calvinists, who focused on a minimalism in both worship and design. Lutherans and Anglicans of that era still favored the crucifix, and their churches tended to be more decorative than those of the Calvinists, yet less elaborate than Catholic Churches. Over the years, splinter groups and successors of the Calvinists and Anglicans — including the Methodists, Baptists, and Presbyterians — adopted the plain cross, while numerous Anglicans and Lutherans maintained the use of a crucifix. Among those, some converted to the simple cross. Catholics, on the other hand, continued to embrace the crucifix as we always have.
What likely commenced among Protestants as a straightforward inclination towards minimalism evolved into a distinct theological viewpoint for some individuals who adopted the unadorned cross to highlight that Jesus had resurrected and was “no longer affixed to a cross.” For many of them, the cross was now devoid of the figure, and our representations of it ought to reflect that. Some even claimed that Catholics believed Jesus remained on the cross. This, of course, is false. We are completely aware and earnestly affirm every Sunday in the Creed that Jesus has risen from the dead and reigns in glory at the Father’s right hand. The crucifix illustrates the occurrence of the Passion of our Savior, Jesus, a once-for-all and perfect offering (cf. Heb 10:14) that spans across time but is completed.
The incorporation of a crucifix (as opposed to a plain cross) is required in the Catholic liturgy, including both the altar and processional crucifixes. This is due to the fact that the holy Mass brings to life the crucifixion of Jesus. We are not “re-crucifying” Jesus. Instead, that singular, perfect, and complete sacrifice is made present for us. The presence of the crucifix serves as a reminder of this. While Catholics can possess a simple cross in their residences, the prevalent custom among Catholics is to display a crucifix. Nothing conveys to guests more clearly, “We are a Catholic home; we are a Catholic parish,” than a crucifix.
The crusades
Question: Even though the crusades didn’t unfold as the popes intended, shouldn’t the Western world express gratitude for them? Also, I find myself questioning why discussions about the crusades rarely include mentions of Islam’s own atrocities.
— Armel Audet, via email
Answer: The crusades span a lengthy timeframe from 1095 to 1291 if one focuses solely on the efforts to liberate the Holy Land and safeguard Christians residing there. Nevertheless, if one broadens the perspective to include the wider battle against the Muslim invasions of Europe (often referred to as the Reconquista), the crusades persist into the 15th century. As in any extended historical period, there are ample displays of both positive and negative actions. Simplistically portraying the crusades in a purely negative light is inadequate. There are moments when nations and cultures must defend themselves and their populations against devastation and even extinction. It is important to note that all of North Africa was taken over by the Moors and other Muslims, leading to the near eradication of the Church there. At one point, there were more than 500 bishops along with the believers, and the Church had thrived there since apostolic times. The conquest advanced as Muslim troops traversed at Gibraltar and entered Spain and Portugal. To the east, Muslim expansion extended as far as the gates of Vienna. Christendom confronted a profound existential threat, prompting popes and various national leaders to respond to the danger that unfolded over the years and centuries.
Regarding the atrocities committed by both factions, they were indeed present; warfare is a dreadful affair and ought to be a final option. This is not restricted to the crusades; it has always been the case throughout all periods and locations, as it remains today.
The globe, without a doubt, ought to express appreciation for the efforts of Christendom to maintain its existence. The Western civilization we recognize today is predominantly the outcome of the Judeo-Christian beliefs and perspectives. Numerous progressions in science, politics, art, law, medicine, and education overall emerged within the Christian West.
Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.
