Thread: Is the cross a "graven image"

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this. I converted to Catholicism four years ago. Since then I have married and have a son. My wife, who is not Catholic, has agreed to have our son Baptized at our church that she began attending regularly with me after our son was born. She is however concerned about during the ceremony when she will have to make the sign of the cross. She feels strongly that it is a graven image. How can I help...

There's many protestant churches that also make the Sign of the Cross (my old Lutheran church - ELCA - does it now). They even have a crucifer (with the corpus) up front several years ago.

Just explain to her that the sign of the cross is the way we reflect on not only our own baptism (which was "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit") but also a reaffirmation of to whom we are praying. The Cross is the tool in which God carried out His redemption plan. It was on the cross that Jesus bled, suffered and died to save us. When I think of graven images, I think of something a person...

Quote: Originally Posted by joeycats Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this. I converted to Catholicism four years ago. Since then I have married and have a son. My wife, who is not Catholic, has agreed to have our son Baptized at our church that she began attending regularly with me after our son was born. She is however concerned about during the ceremony when she will have to make the sign of the cross. She feels strongly...

The poll is unnecessary. Don't determine truth on popularity, nor seek out how many adhere to the truth when it comes to doctrine and dogma, for the former is an insult against the authority of the Church and the latter is an insult against the unity of the Church. It is best to simply teach the truth, not permit opinion to be held as high as the teaching of the truth. The Catholic Church teaches that the cross is a symbol and the...

Nope, the cross is not a graven image.

My dear friend A big welcome to the forums to you. It's not a graven image. Your question relates to idolatry. I'll post the definition for idolatry etc below. There are tons of things you can learn to understand this is not idoltry. Idolatry qestions are best in the apologetics section.I'll quote a scripture quote that may help. You know where Jesus says He must suffer and die etc and St Peter says no way. Jesus says get behind...

Quote: Originally Posted by joeycats Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this. I converted to Catholicism four years ago. Since then I have married and have a son. My wife, who is not Catholic, has agreed to have our son Baptized at our church that she began attending regularly with me after our son was born. She is however concerned about during the ceremony when she will have to make the sign of the cross. She feels strongly...