The use of the cross, crucifix and other objects for inspiration and in worship are considered, today. Given the temporal character and nature of life experience upon the earth, even believers in Christ must be repeatedly encouraged, re-exposed to, and reminded of the things pointing to their salvation. Believers also experience being drawn away into competing activity and doctrine; forgetting; lapses and sudden shifts of their attention and focus as well as detachment and separation that result from lack of contact, and being absent from the active presence of divinity. Correctly received, the use of memorials (e.g., the rainbow, a rest and Sabbath that follows Creation, or even a day remembering shared struggle and those who die unselfishly in defense of their nation) does not exalt or “venerate” (we say, honor as sacred) conflict, death, flesh, and warfare. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “L’nya” (Level 3 with 1,452 points, a member since August 25, 2010) posted the following:
Would you venerate a weapon used to kill one of your loved ones?
Would Jehovah God want the means his Son Jesus was killed venerated?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1st Corinthians 1: 17-27, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Not Images Used in Worship? (09/14/2014); Death is a Divine Tool (09/15/2014); Believers and the Cross (06/24/2013); A Relationship not Just Knowledge? (06/25/2013); On Religious Items (08/29/2012); On Cults (08/30/2012)
“L’nya”, you seem to be disturbed by the continuing use of the cross. For Christians, in the same way it is acceptable to use representations and symbols such as language and words to communicate our inner feelings and thoughts, it is correct to use emblems, images and physical objects such as a prayer shawl, bread and wine. Only where one wrongly attributes divinity to material and physical objects without acknowledging the spirit content, meaning and purpose from Christ (for events, messages, other persons, etc.) do such errors as heresy, idol worship, occultism, and superstition appear. Here are some points to consider that have been useful for correction and guidance among Christian believers:
(1.) Romans 8: 5-9, King James Version (KJV): 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(2.) John 3: 18-20, KJV: 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
(3.) 1st Corinthians 8: 4-6, KJV: 4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
(4.) 1st Corinthians 7: 29-31, KJV: 29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; 30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; 31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually taken into account. (For example, (5.) Luke 22: 19-20, KJV: 19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. 20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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