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Alexis Carey
WRA 110:748
Instructor Manthey
13 March, 2014
Not often are there physical objects that create strong meanings to people; meanings
beyond this life and into eternity. For me, the symbolic and well-known object of a cross has
such effects. As one of the most widespread and varied symbols there is no doubt that it is full of
history and meaning among people. By examining closely the history, current meanings, and an
insight on the meanings to myself, one will then have a strong representation of the object and its
effects on the world as a whole.
It is safe to say that there are many diverse forms of a cross. It is a commonly found
symbol around the world because of its many variations. The first “cross-like” symbol dates back
to the ancient Egyptian and Babylonians (“America and Britain in Prophecy”). At this time, the
common “cross” symbol was called the Ankh cross, containing meanings connecting life and
often the renewal of life (“The Ankh Cross”). This renewal can be related back to the fertility of
the human being as well as the fertility of crops. It was also used to relate high waters and floods
among the Nile River that brought along new and fertile soil (“The Ankh Cross”). In Babylon
and some Egyptian areas, a “T” was used to symbolize the god Tammuz (“America and Britain
in Prophecy”). It is quite ironic that the ancient cross-like symbols had such pagan meanings,
compared to what the common knowledge is now of a cross directly correlating to Christianity.
Christianity and its symbolic crosses were not something that was present throughout
history. It was not until Jesus of Nazareth was crucified upon a cross that the correlation began.
Crucifixion comes from the Roman meaning, “to be fixed on a cross” and was a common
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method of execution throughout the time of the Roman Empire (Fairchild). It was perceived at
that time to be a horrible form of death, with a cursed stigma (Deuteronomy 21:23). The cross
adapted this stigmatism along with crucifixion in general. Once the Jesus of Nazareth was
crucified and rose again three days later for the forgiveness of the sins of the world, the meaning
of the cross changed drastically for those who believed in him (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Jesus of Nazareth was the beginning of Christianity. Christians believe that there was a
heavenly God who loves the world so much that he came down in the form of a man as his only
son, and gave his life so that those who believed in him may not perish, but enjoy eternal life in
heaven with Him (John 3:16). The cross, through Christianity, became a developed symbol of
this meaning. This did not take place until the time of Constantine, a Christian Roman emperor,
300 years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ ("America and Britain in Prophecy"). It was then
that the widespread connection of the cross and Christianity took flight throughout the world.
Since then, there have been a variety of deviations that have taken place to the cross and its
meaning. Different denominations formed among Christianity, developing their own kind of
crosses to fit their own values. Even now, there are many different forms of the “cross-like”
symbol, much like the variations that took place in the beginning. These include the Latin cross,
which is the cross of Christianity, the Celtic cross, the Eastern Orthodox cross, St. Peter’s cross
and many others (Robitaille).
Currently in the world, the cross varies symbolically. There are cases where it is seen as
nothing less than a fashion statement, plastered on clothing, jewelry and graphics (“Latin
Cross”). It is even becoming an epidemic in permanently being branded within the skin as a
common tattoo. It has even developed in to everyday symbols used throughout the world, such as
the Red Cross associated strongly with emergency health care. It continues to be a strong
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symbol for Christians around the world, as well as the different variations becoming equally as
widespread. There are also cases where people are indifferent to the cross and it has no effect on
them personally. It generally depends on one’s personal beliefs and values.
An interviewee, Marwa Mallah, was asked questions concerning her personal views on
the symbolism of the cross in the world today, and any possible personal meanings it has for her.
When asked about her personally, she stated that the cross had no meaning to her. This stems
from her strong Muslim religious views, which do not recognize the cross as a holy or sacred
object of worship. When asked about her direct thoughts of crosses and what comes to mind
immediately, her answer was simple, “Christians,” she said. She was also asked what she
believes the current meaning of a cross is, not to her personally, but in a worldly realm. Her
answer was the basis of Christian beliefs that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the sins of the
world. She also said that the overall portrayal of the message of the cross was something
positive, something that brought hope to those who believed it.
This information is not unique, I am assuming the common person may answer similarly.
The interesting piece of the results is that although the cross meant nothing to Mallah personally,
she was able to explain what it meant to those who were Christians. She knew that it was directly
correlated to Christianity and she also knew the basis of their beliefs. Although it was only one
person, it does show that the cross is a well-known object. Despite her different values, she had
an understanding of what it represented. This displays the current meaning of the cross, to not
just Christians but to the world.
There is a strong personal correlation that is present for myself, and for many other
Christians as well, in something as simple as pieces of wood joined together. As a Christian, the
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cross embodies the very center of our beliefs. It embodies the event that took place the day that
Jesus Christ lay down his life, so that we as sinners may experience the ultimate gift of eternal
life through grace. For me personally, when I see a cross my first thought is freedom. By dying
on the cross, I was given eternal life in heaven. The oppression of sin no longer has hold of my
life. I am able to live within forgiveness, knowing I am not perfect, and that I will fail to live up
to the potential that God created me to be. Yet, because of grace I am forgiven day after day.
Emotions such as guilt and depression cannot take hold of my life. I am able to find light in the
hope that the cross represents for me, and the new and eternal life I am given because of what
Jesus did for me on the cross.
There was an unfathomable sacrifice that took place the day that Jesus Christ was
crucified on the cross. When I see the cross, not only are there feelings of forgiveness and
enlightenment, but also utmost appreciation. Jesus is God’s Only Son; He was God made flesh
and came to this earth for a purpose. His purpose was to die in order to save sinners. God knew
this was the end result, as did Jesus. He was the atoning sacrifice. His slow, painful death was for
us. As a father, I cannot imagine how hard it was to bring to life his perfect Son knowing the
death he was going to die. The cross is a strong representation of the overwhelming love and the
unfathomable sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. God’s unfailing love is what brings me
hope. The cross is the most symbolic representation of freedom, life, grace, sacrifice,
appreciation, and love. There is one specific wooden cross that I keep in the bottom of my purse.
It may seem as if it is simply being discarded by its placement, but it is not. I keep it there
because I am constantly rummaging through my purse, usually in a hurry to find something.
When I just happen to stumble upon the cross, it is a simple reminder to slow down, and be
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grateful for what has been given to me. I am also reminded that I am loved. No matter what kind
of day I am having, the moment I feel that cross in my purse, I feel at peace.
In conclusion, the cross for me is something that carries an immense amount of emotion
and meaning. For my fellow Christians, this is a common view. Although, there are others that
understand the overall meaning but do not have such strong emotional ties to it. They see the
cross and understand the basis because of how the cross is interpreted by people around the
world. Knowledge of the history of the object also helps to understand its current meaning to
people around the world. This goes to show that despite the variations and widespread
knowledge, something as simple as a cross can have an impact on one personally and worldwide.
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Work Cited
1 Corinthians. Life Application Study Bible. Grand Rapids: Tyndale, 2005. Print
"America and Britain in Prophecy." What Is the Origin of the Cross? N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar.
2014.
"The Ankh Cross." The Ankh Cross. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.
<http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/ankh.html>.
Deuteronomy. Life Application Study Bible. Grand Rapids: Tyndale, 2005. Print.
Fairchild, Mary. "Roman Crucifixion." About.com Christianity. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.
<http://christianity.about.com/od/glossary/g/crucifixiondefi.htm>.
John. Life Application Study Bible. Grand Rapids: Tyndale, 2005. Print
"Latin Cross." Latin Cross. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.
<http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/crosses/latin.html>.
Robitaille, Joanne. "The Different Religious Crosses." EHow. Demand Media, 29 Sept. 2010.
Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.ehow.com/list_7255722_different-religiouscrosses.html