Ship of Fools: Crucifix or cross?

Thread: Crucifix or cross? Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by spork (# 18260) on :

Sorry if this is a) The wrong place or b) Has been posted before.

Which do we prefer a crucifix or a cross?

I will always say a cross, to me it represents 'Jesus risen' reminding us that He rose from death.

Posted by Moo (# 107) on :

I prefer a crucifix when I'm concentrating on Jesus' sacrifice. I prefer a cross when I'm concentrating on his (and our) victory.

I saw this fresco last summer, and to me it expresses it all.

Moo

Posted by Sir Kevin (# 3492) on :

I like yours, Moo.

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :

Above the pulpit is a crucifix, which I like to look at and think about during sermons. Otherwise, I prefer the clean and simple lines of the cross because I prefer unfussy things. The symbol, in Graphic Design, stands for much more than the simple outline would suggest. But it is up to us to put on the layers of meaning, rather than have it spelled out for us already.

Posted by churchgeek (# 5557) on :

Either. Both. The empty Cross is more of a symbol, I think, while the Crucifix is a devotional aid. It shows us that God has shared in our suffering, as well as what God is like - and thus, what power is actually like (since St. John gives us wonderful imagery of Christ reigning from the Cross).

Posted by spork (# 18260) on :

That is beautiful Moo, it captures Jesu's life, death and ascention perfectly.
I can see paintings, sculpture etc as art work.
I think (forgive me if I'm wrong) that it could could stem from being a Methodist and not growing up with any imagery in church.

Posted by Patdys (# 9397) on :

I think somebody with the name 'spork' would be a fan of both...

Personally I like the empty cross. I wonder if the tradition of faith in which you were raised plays a significant role in personal preference.

For me, the Cross says it is finished.
For me the Crucifix says, It is finished (but not yet). Even with a dodgy understanding of parousia and proleptic tension, I prefer to live with the understanding that God sees me unblemished through Grace, despite how I might appear on board...

Hence the Cross preference.

Bloody autocorrect- praise- not praise. And again. PAROUSIA dammit.

[ 11. November 2014, 00:53: Message edited by: Patdys ]

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