Not Your Average Cross: The Importance of Symbols
Symbols, numbers, etc. They play key roles in so many religions and cults the world over. For Christianity we things like the numbers 3, 7, 12, the triple 6 and so on. We have the Icthus fish and the cross. In Dream of the Rood, the cross takes on a whole new life. The poem gives the cross a living quality we have not seen before. By showing the crucifixion from a previously un-thought of point of view, we see this symbol not as a torture device but as a living thing to listen to. I found this interesting to say the least.
Now on to the point of my post. When does the cross stop being merely a symbol and instead becoming an idol? Lines 80-85, 97-102 and 123-148 seem to give the cross a divine worship of sorts. It says, and I am paraphrasing: Men will pray to the symbol of the cross for its part in the salvation plan. The author of this passage is commanded to write of the glory of this symbol. The author also prays to this symbol instead of Christ.
So my question for everyone: Is this idolatry or not? Our focus is supposed to be on Christ himself, but since I know we have a number of different denominations in class; i want to hear what you think.
P.S. I will be commenting on Brenna and Spencer's post.
Now on to the point of my post. When does the cross stop being merely a symbol and instead becoming an idol? Lines 80-85, 97-102 and 123-148 seem to give the cross a divine worship of sorts. It says, and I am paraphrasing: Men will pray to the symbol of the cross for its part in the salvation plan. The author of this passage is commanded to write of the glory of this symbol. The author also prays to this symbol instead of Christ.
So my question for everyone: Is this idolatry or not? Our focus is supposed to be on Christ himself, but since I know we have a number of different denominations in class; i want to hear what you think.
P.S. I will be commenting on Brenna and Spencer's post.
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