The way of the cross leads home
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Do you cross yourself?
My brother does. He's Episcopalian.
I usually do not. I'm Methodist.
I've always wondered why this is so. Did Methodists ever used to cross themselves? And if they once did, why did the practice fall out of use?
In a recent article in Christianity Today, the practice of crossing oneself was explored from an evangelical perspective. Obviously, evangelical Protestants are not widely known for making the sign of the cross as an act of piety. But the author of this article suggests that it is a practice that evangelicals should claim.
Reading the article reminded me of some passages from the 4th-century church father Athanasius. In his treatise, "On the Incarnation of the Word," he argues that making the sign of the cross conveys great spiritual power against demons. Specifically, Athanasius says that making the sign of the cross can make "demons fly, oracles cease, [and] all magic and witchcraft [can be] brought to nought." He later argues that these opponents of Christ are "put to shame by the sign of the cross."
With that degree of power, we should all re-think how and why we use the simple practice of making the sign of the cross over our chests. If such an external action can convey significant spiritual power for us and against those who would wish us ill, why don't we all do it as a matter of spiritual habit?
For the record, lately I have recently followed Athanasius' advice. I often cross myself in worship when the full Trinity is invoked ('In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit') and during the Communion liturgy ('Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord'). If nothing else, it is a reminder to me of the power of the cross for salvation - and of the power of the church when it joins together in a common witness.
posted by Andrew C. Thompson at 9:51 PM
6 Comments:
I'm Methodist, but ever since I spent a couple of years working for a Catholic college, I've had the urge to cross at the mention of the Trinity, regardless of the denomination of the service I'm in. I view it as an amazing sign of respect, as well as a simple way of "checking in." Of course, I'm too self-conscious to actually be the only one do it in a service, but I'm usually crossing in my own mind.
In any event, it's great to learn more about the history and theology behind this. Thanks for highlighting it!
Good stuff...even this Baptist crosses himself every now and then!!
If Episcopalians cross themselves, then there's a good chance that Wesley did, which means that we should do it.
I am so glad to have found this blog! As the person above said, I also cross myself in my mind when we invoke the Trinity in service. And, I also pray the rosary from time to time. Some of the mysteries are theologically suspect, but on those I just say a personal prayer. I don't know why, but it's powerful to have someting to "do" and keeps me intentional in my prayer time (I don't always pray the rosary during prayer time) and keeps my mind from wandering. I read somewhere that Wesley's rosary is on display at Oxford. I wonder what the rosary prayer was like when he was praying it?
i will cross myself quite a bit, in personal prayer or in services. i've even done the cross for youth during communion services (outside the regular sunday, that would slow down the traffic for a sunday service).
sometimes i forget, i suppose that is where the being part of a community helps a brother out.
As a Roman Catholic, may I add that the sign of the cross is intended also to remind us of our baptism. I'm not sure how baptism is carried out by Methodists, but the RC ceremony includes anointing the recipient with oil on the head and breast, and marking the sign of the cross on the forehead, eyes, breast, shoulders and ears. By touching some of these points in the shape of a cross, we remind ourselves of the sacrament as well as recalling the cross of our salvation.
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