The way of the cross leads home

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.