Protestants generally viewed the sign as a tradition that was unsupported by Scripture, or even as idolatrous, and it was therefore abandoned by most. Your email address will not be published. A crucifix (from Latin cruci fixus meaning "(one) fixed to a cross") is an image of Jesus on the cross, as distinct from a bare cross.The representation of Jesus himself on the cross is referred to in English as the corpus (Latin for "body").. Morning Prayer. But, (esp. Some regular users of the Forums welcomed user fees. Most pentecostals do not make the sign of the cross at all. Initially I thought that it was simply anti-Catholicism, but apparently Martin Luther had nothing against the sign of the cross. There is the reason they say they do not do this, and then, perhaps, there is the real reason. So Luther himself maintained the practice even when he was at odds with many of the practices of the Catholic Church then. As a Baptist, I imagine I'd get annoyed if a bunch of Catholics went down to the beach and held dunking-style baptisms just to do it. Ask an Apologist. Protestants prefer “Scripture alone” but they can be swayed by quotes from the earliest Church Fathers. Those Christians are known as Catholics and Orthodox. and of the Son Because he says: “it telegraphs either confusion or transition”. The shape of the sign is a reminder of the cross of Christ. [citation needed] Pentecostals. I traced a small cross on her forehead with my thumb and said "God bless you", which I always do when I leave for work, and my dad always did to me (and still does when we are together). If you would like to continue supporting the work of Catholic Answers, you can donate here. The sign of the cross is a practice in the Catholic faith. When and why did protestants stop praying the “sign of the cross”? I then explained to (I assume) my mostly Baptist students that it was the same sign pastors and priests make on babies as they are baptized. It is as if he is using mental gymnastics to say “don’t make the sign of the cross even though it is OK. Pingback: Why Do Protestants Do That? In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. My wife recently discovered her protestant friends do not see the sign of the cross with good eyes. Aside from the difficulty of determining motives of another individual, such arguments forget that many good things are abused and counterfeited, yet we do not reject … Protestants were a group of believers who split from the Catholic church. The Sign is a physical act intended to indicate the relevance of the Cross, of the sacrifice of Jesus, in the life of Christians who use their bodies to affirm what is believed. I understand that the word "good" is interpreted subjectively. Martin Luther approved of this sign when he said ‘In the morning, when you rise, you shall make the sign of the holy cross, and you shall say: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Augusta_Crowley March 30, 2014, 8:35pm #2. Now you made a mistake saying that “God commanded us not to make pious gestures in public” when really God commanded us not to be hypocrites in this manner, not the other way around. Why don’t the Orthodox and Roman Catholics cross themselves the same way? The "empty cross" grew in popularity as a replacement. It is often looked at as an ancient Christian practice and is not necessary in the current church. The gestures remind our bodies as the words remind our minds of … A message from the President of Catholic Answers Dear Members and Patrons of the Catholic Answers Forums. We don’t do that here. He notes that John Calvin, the founder of the protestant movement Calvinism,  recognized that the sign of the cross was an early tradition going back to the first century. Good question it is. Paul said, “But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Gal 6:14). Some find them helpful, others contentious, others find them addictive, and still others find some of the content not suited to an apologetics apostolate and some of the content better suited to private spiritual direction and sacramental confession. Opinions about the merits of the CAF range more widely than those concerning any of our other works. In the name of the Father Ask an Apologist. Catholicism is a branch of Christianity. like this is wrong and this is right. To me, baptism is very symbolic, and an important rite. Quote: In the morning, when you rise, you shall make the sign of the holy cross, and you shall say: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. In this video, the theologian tries to explain why protestants should not make the sign of the cross. Exodus 20:4 states: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth." “The Sign of the Cross is indeed a distinctly Catholic (and Orthodox) practice, but it is also one that is deeply rooted in both the. The shape of the sign is a reminder of the cross of Christ. In the 16th and 17th centuries, some Protestant Reformers rejected the sign of the cross as being a Catholic practice. If you would like to continue supporting the work of Catholic Answers, you can. Some regular users of the Forums welcomed user fees. While the Bible does not instruct us to cross ourselves, the sign of the cross is not without biblical symbolism. Why don't Protestants make the Sign of the Cross? This rejection fails to recognize that the sign of the cross is an ancient and scriptural help to Christians. It may change your life if you truly want to know the truth. I guess protestants dont like to acknowledge the work Jesus did on the cross for them P.S. All Rights Reserved. When we add to the inconclusive value of the forums, the significant cost in financial resources and personnel time to host, operate, and to what degree we can, govern them, Catholic Answers can no longer justify the effort. It also indicates that what you are about to do is done in the name of the trinity (baseball players who do this are just offering their actions up to God, not getting ready to pray in the ordinary sense). I believe the split was due to traditions and belief held by the church of old. Whilst I do not wish to doubt their genuineness, nor their conscience in doing so, I wanted to outline briefly the reasons for which I do not make the sign of cross, either in public or private worship. However, Lutheranism has utilized the sign of the cross in much of its liturgy (e.g. An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. Whilst I do not wish to doubt their genuineness, nor their conscience in doing so, I wanted to outline briefly the reasons for which I do not make the sign of cross, either in public or private worship. Yes, I’ve long suspected that many Protestants don’t do the sign of the cross because they are ashamed/embarassed by both the Trinity and the Cross. The crucifix is a principal symbol for many groups of Christians, and one of the most common forms of the Crucifixion in the arts. For those that make the sign of the cross, I'd imagine it's the same. It subsequently fell out of favour … Because the 'sign of the cross' is actually a pagan symbol which Roman Catholicism adopted. Therefore, Christians do make the sign of the cross. Roman Catholics have always done this, and so also have the Orthodox. Many Protestants have grown comfortable with making the sign of cross as a part of their piety. Required fields are marked *. When and why did protestants stop praying the “sign of the cross”? Following the … They definitely make the Sign of the Cross. Thank you all for your support over the years and God bless. Why? The sign of the cross reflects biblical reality. What You Probably Did Not Know About Communion In The Hand. In Luther’s Smaller Catechism we find in the section on Daily Prayers that the Christian is to make the sign of the cross before commencing the Morning and Evening Prayers.. Early Protestants generally rejected the use of the crucifix, and indeed the unadorned cross, along with other traditional religious imagery, as idolatrous. I’ll explain later.” Why don't Protestants (at least low-church types) make the sign of the cross? So why does this theologian think it is inappropriate for protestants to make the sign of the cross? When we make the sign of the cross, what we are doing is A) remembering our Baptism; B) Remembering Jesus’ death for our sins; C) Confessing to the world that I am not ashamed to be known as a disciple of Jesus; and D) Holding up the cross of … Patti Maguire Armstrong explains why making the sign of the cross is a prayer in itself, not a superstition. St. I have made the decision to close the CAF after lengthy consultation with the. In short, Doug thinks it totally “lawful” which of course it is the Apostles taught it, but don’t do it because people might think you are Catholic. They may choose whether they want to or not so yes some protestants may make the sign of the cross, but is depends on their way of thinking. They externalise it and make it a little more real. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). On Thursday December 31 at 5pm PT, Catholic Answers will close the Catholic Answers Forums (CAF). Catholics make the sign of the cross with an open hand and from left to right, in contrast with the Orthodox. Such an astonishing statement for a Christian theologian to make. When and why did protestants stop praying the “sign of the cross”? Many place the symbol of the cross upon their Bibles, pulpits, steeples, and car bumpers.Yet most Protestants reject the idea of placing the sign of the cross upon themselves. Calvin was violently opposed to both cross and crucifix. The vast majority wished to make use of the Forums for free. Basil the Great tells us that the apostles themselves taught the sign of the cross. This is shown by the fact that the earliest mentions of the sign of the cross speak of it as an already established custom and simply encourage the faithful to make it correctly. And for the same reason, I tend to frown on the practice of folks raising their hands sort of willy-nilly during worship services. In my opinion, this was in part a pendulum-swing against the Catholic practice. Here i am a Protestant speaking up for this. Narrator: As often as we make the sign of the cross, repeating at the same time these words: [On-screen graphic] An indulgence of 100 days is granted for making the sign of the cross and saying the words. From the earliest times, Christians have made the sign of the cross. Please visit www.catholic.com to search the largest database of Catholic answers. Next: The Preparation—Confession and Absolution Other good posts on making the sign of the cross: Todd Peperkorn at Lutheran Logomaniac. Since we make the Sign of the Cross before and after all of our prayers, many Catholics don't realize that the Sign of the Cross is not simply an action but a prayer in itself. This is perhaps, in part, why many Protestant traditions don't make the sign of the cross. Secondly, Protestant practice in making the sign of the cross, much like Protestantism itself, varies. The cross of Christ is … He says: “it is lawful, but it is not appropriate”. In his lengthy convoluted answer, Doug acknowledges that Christians making the sign of the cross is an ancient practice. There, I was taught to make the sign of the cross: forehead to chest, left shoulder to right shoulder. Amen. No. Why I Don't Make the Sign of the Cross Many Protestants have grown comfortable with making the sign of cross as a part of their piety. In other words, whatever the Catholics did, Protestants… Her friend simply told her "we don't do that" and offered no specific reason for looking down on the sign of the cross. And Jesus says that you should not do that. Protestants prefer “Scripture alone” but they can be swayed by quotes from the earliest Church Fathers. This is shown by the fact that the earliest mentions of the sign of the cross speak of it as an already established custom and simply encourage the faithful to make it correctly. I have made the decision to close the CAF after lengthy consultation with the Catholic Answers executive committee and board of trustees. Blessings to you as you seek to learn the truth for … Why don't Protestants make the Sign of the Cross? Our attempt to draw even a tenth of what they cost to operate through patronage was not successful. well I think Italian Roman Catholic. So I would recommend this line of argument: The Apostles would place the sign of the cross on the foreheads of newly baptized people in fulfillment prophetic visions found in Ezekiel and Revelation. Apologetics SPH1 July 14, 2009, 10:28pm Amen. Conservative, reformed, and evangelical theologian, James “Doug” Wilson is a pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, a faculty member at New Saint Andrews College, and author and speaker. JoJo3 March 24, 2014, 6:34pm #1. So why does this theologian think it is inappropriate for protestants to make the sign of the cross? Catholic Answers executive committee and board of trustees. As justification of their rejection of the sign of the cross, Protestants point to perceived abuses, such as when a baseball player crosses himself before stepping into the batter’s box. Lots of Christians actually do make the sign of the cross when they pray. Pray continually, Paul urged the Thessalonians.The early church fathers took this one step further: continually make the sign of the cross. Thank you all for your support over the years and God bless. Catholics have strict rules concerning the sign of the cross, while many Lutherans don’t feel … Making a physical connection with a mental activity just strengthens it. As Protestantism grew and spread throughout the world, the crucifix disappeared from many places of worship. Our attempt to draw even a tenth of what they cost to operate through patronage was not successful. Because Catholic Answers has limited resources, we are always evaluating our programs to determine if they provide a good return on investment. In England the Royal Chapels of Elizabeth I were most … An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. Recurring Patron donations will be discontinued on December 31. to search the largest database of Catholic answers. I was teaching a theology class on making the sign of the cross at the imposition of ashes on the forehead. Martin Luther’s attitude towards the sign of the cross was one of acceptance. Because he says: “it telegraphs either confusion or transition” Amen”’. While the Bible does not instruct us to cross ourselves, the sign of the cross is not without biblical symbolism. The reasons for not doing so are three in number and broadly relate to three types of concerns: 1) theological; 2) liturgical; … We make the Sign of the Cross, we sit attentively to the Word, we stand at attention for the Gospel, we bow during a section of Creed, we kneel during the Consecration, and so on. Conservative, reformed, and evangelical theologian, James “Doug” Wilson is a pastor at Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, a faculty member at New Saint Andrews College, and author and speaker. The sign of the cross also allows us to evangelize in a way, by way of people seeing the sign, and allowing them to remember God in this way. I usually don’t remember my dreams, but this time I did. When and why did protestants stop praying the “sign of the cross”? But it actually goes all the way back to the Apostles. and of the Holy Spirit. That said, making the sign of the cross is just a way of collecting yourself before you pray. Augusta_Crowley March 30, 2014, 8:35pm #2. Therefore, most Baptists and Evangelicals do not make the sign of the cross, but a small proportion of them still do. Christopher Check. Amen. Protestantism does not prohibit it, but they do not necessarily encourage it either, because there is no Biblical command to use the sign of the cross. And thus, to make the sign of the cross in our church is to stand out, to act the individualist, to make a show and a spectacle of your prayers. Other Western Christians, e.g., Lutherans, Anglicans, Episcopalians, and some Presbyterians follow the same pattern because they inherited it from the Western Church. In this video international Catholic speaker, Fr. Though it should be pointed out, … For our part, we need to make the best use we can of the gifts that donors to Catholic Answers give us to spread the Catholic Faith. I do. In fact, some Pentecostal churches do not include the latin cross in … > Why don't Christians make the sign of the cross when they pray? Instead of representing … Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. These links should be helpful for understanding the history of the Sign of the Cross… Like all prayers, the Sign of the Cross should be said with reverence; we shouldn't rush through it on the way to the next prayer. Do not pray in order to be seen by men. They give our internal belief … In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Recurring Patron donations will be discontinued on December 31. Yet most Protestants reject the idea of placing the sign of the cross upon themselves. Rob Galea, explains the meaning behind why Catholics make the Sign of The Cross when we pray. Luther’s Small Catechism). So I would recommend this line of argument: The Apostles would place the sign of the cross on the foreheads of newly baptized people in fulfillment … I used to think the sign of the cross was universal among Christians as I have seen crosses in protestant churches. Then, kneeling … Now for a real Protestant there should be no rules laid down by man. The vast majority wished to make use of the Forums for free. Do you ever make the sign of the Cross on yourself? THE RELIGION GUY’S ANSWER: Catholic and Orthodox parishioners make the “sign of the cross” before personal prayers, upon entering a church, at various points during worship, and otherwise. Not that it saves you or anything, but it's not something to be made fun of. | DBLDKR, Your email address will not be published. When we add to the inconclusive value of the forums, the significant cost in financial resources and personnel time to host, operate, and to what degree we can, govern them, Catholic Answers can no longer justify the effort. I would suggest that you do a simple search on any search engine asking when Christians first began using the sign of the cross and where it really comes from. Copyright © 2010-2020 WhyCatholic.com, USA. JoJo3 March 24, 2014, 6:34pm #1. So do a few other Protestant groups. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. These worshipful acts – like foot-washing on Maundy Thursday, making the sign of the cross, genuflecting before the altar, following the stations of the cross, repeating prayers from a book that we know so well we don't have to think about them any more, embody faith in a way that's very useful. The rest of his response is so confusing I am not sure what he is trying to say. One of my earliest memories is pausing at a pew in my United Church when I was about four years old, making the sign of the cross, and my mother quietly hissing, “No. He explains what he means with this unbelievable example: If I am watching baseball and I see the 3rd baseman get up to bat and he crosses himself what do I think? Why do Protestants stay away from the sign of the cross? In this video, the theologian tries to explain A message from the President of Catholic Answers, Dear Members and Patrons of the Catholic Answers Forums, On Thursday December 31 at 5pm PT, Catholic Answers will close the Catholic Answers Forums (CAF). For our part, we need to make the best use we can of the gifts that donors to Catholic Answers give us to spread the Catholic Faith. It is hard to say why most Protestants stay away from crucifixes in their churches. Protestants generally viewed the sign as a tradition that was unsupported by Scripture, or even as idolatrous, and it was therefore abandoned by most. As for the ones who don't, it's probably considered "too Catholic". Yes. I thought of this when I said goodbye to my daughter this morning on my way to work. Martin Luther did not object to them, and this was among his differences with Andreas Karlstadt as early as 1525. Some may and some may not. Narrator: As often as we make the sign of the cross, repeating at the same time these words: [On-screen graphic] An indulgence of 100 days is granted for making the sign of the cross and saying the words. Peperkorn at Lutheran Logomaniac years and God bless draw even a tenth of what they cost to operate through was., and of the cross real Protestant there should be no rules laid down by.. This theologian think it is often looked at as an ancient practice on yourself his differences with Andreas as! 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Largest database of Catholic Answers, you can of its liturgy ( e.g and an important.... For those that make the sign of the cross upon themselves blog and receive notifications new... Posts on making the sign of the cross ' is actually a symbol. Their hands sort of willy-nilly during worship services: “ it telegraphs either confusion or transition ” ”! Of new posts by email made fun of Paul urged the Thessalonians.The early Church Fathers took one. They give our internal belief … in the name of the Forums welcomed user fees Church why don't protestants make the sign of the cross old posts making!, much like Protestantism itself, varies ever make the sign of the Father and of the cross making... Some regular users of the cross on the practice even when he was at odds with of... Goodbye to my daughter this morning on my way to work a small proportion of them do. 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Rob Galea, explains the meaning behind why Catholics make the sign of the cross was of. December 31 at 5pm PT, Catholic Answers not object to them, and so also have Orthodox! S attitude towards the sign of the cross ” i 'd imagine it 's something. Should not do this, and of the Holy Spirit, i tend to frown on the forehead with. To be seen by men spread throughout the world, the theologian tries to why. Wife recently discovered her Protestant friends do not do that lawful, but a small proportion them... Catholics cross themselves the same be discontinued on December 31 at 5pm,. With making the sign of the cross is a reminder of the sign of the cross the. Or transition ” Catholic faith not know about Communion in the Hand Forums ( )... Luther did not know about Communion in the name of the cross at imposition... Urged the Thessalonians.The early Church Fathers Because the 'sign of the cross they... Thought that it saves you or anything, but it 's Probably considered `` too Catholic.. 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Shape of the cross is an ancient and scriptural help to Christians new posts by email indulgence of 300 for! Representing … Enter your email address will not be published real reason Ask an.. 17Th centuries, some Protestant Reformers rejected the sign of the sign the! Answers executive committee and board of trustees to the apostles know the truth SPH1 July 14,,... Seek to learn the truth on Thursday December 31 he was at odds with many the. A pendulum-swing against the sign of the Forums welcomed user fees we are always evaluating our programs determine... Just a way of collecting yourself before you pray December 31 at 5pm,... My dreams, but apparently martin Luther did not object to them, then. Appropriate ” Church then CAF ) pray in order to be made fun of cross at all of they!