Sermonette: Syncretic Use of the Cross

Sermonette: Syncretic Use of the Cross

A pagan symbol cannot be ‘Christianized’
#649s
Martin G. Collins
Given 31-Jan-04; 15 minutes

listen:

description: (hide) Martin Collins explores the use of the cross as a symbol of Christianity, wondering if a shotgun or guillotine had killed Christ, would people be wearing a gold shotgun or guillotine from a chain? Curiously, the use of the cross did not occur until 300 years after Christ’s crucifixion during the reign of Emperor Constantine, a practice derived from the pagan worship of Tammuz. The crucifix was introduced to Christianity in the sixth century, having been syncretized with prior pagan usage. Wearing a cross or the displaying crosses from steeples is a direct violation of the ninth commandment. The instrument of Christ’s crucifixion, an upright stake, should be an object of disgust and abhorrence rather than adoration and worship. Far more important is the work that the crucifixion accomplished.