christianity symbolism

so after a debate with a friend of mine we discussed if a cross is a "correct" symbol of christianity.

he argued that using the monument you were nailed to as a symbol of your beliefs is pushing it a bit

(not sure if this has been done or not)

I always thought it was strange to use an execution device as a religious symbol.

I see no issue with it, nor did I when I was religious. It's perhaps the most recognizable symbol in all of religion. And it represents suffering for the sake of Mankind. It would only be a negative symbol if there weren't the salvation part as a result.

It also explains historical fetishism with religious martyrdom. It's easier to justify the sh*t life throws at you if part of your religious belief includes the idea that suffering nobly brings salvation and piety.

Originally posted by Digi
I see no issue with it, nor did I when I was religious. It's perhaps the most recognizable symbol in all of religion. And it represents suffering for the sake of Mankind. It would only be a negative symbol if there weren't the salvation part as a result.

It also explains historical fetishism with religious martyrdom. It's easier to justify the sh*t life throws at you if part of your religious belief includes the idea that suffering nobly brings salvation and piety.

the most recognisable symbol? perhaps in the western civilisation

although i quite agree with the idea of suffering in religion to deal with pain and torment

Originally posted by Genesis-Soldier
the most recognisable symbol? perhaps in the western civilisation

What symbol would trump it? I'm curious.

Originally posted by Digi
What symbol would trump it? I'm curious.

Symbols are just that though. Its the belief you put in them.
-shrug-

Look at the swastika. Hitler adopting it as a symbol for the third reich forever tainted it, even though before then it had been used by religions all over the world since days of old and such. Its actually called a gammodian cross in some circles.

Originally posted by riv6672
Lamb, dove, anchor, the fish symbol on cars (forget the proper name), have all been used.

.

None of those are more used/recongized then the cross through, which is what Digi is asking.

Well then we'll go with your answer.

Oh wait.

😛

I don't think any religious symbol is.

I know, i was busting on you.
The cross wasnt the first symbol but its the most well known.
It has that Superman aura going for it. Or is it the other way around? Cant recall which came first...

Originally posted by riv6672
Lamb, dove, anchor, the fish symbol on cars (forget the proper name), have all been used.

Symbols are just that though. Its the belief you put in them.
-shrug-

Agreed. But yeah, this:

Originally posted by Lek Kuen
None of those are more used/recongized then the cross through, which is what Digi is asking.

...

I'm pretty sure the cross is the most ubiquitous religious symbol in the world. And to say it's barbaric or odd to use is to ignore the actual symbolic meaning behind it, a meaning that literally billions of people share.

In regards to its barbarity, its in line with the religion as a whole. They drink blood and eat flesh. They took out the original Sin Cities, stone people left and right...a torture device as the main symbol of the religion isnt so odd.

Originally posted by riv6672
In regards to its barbarity, its in line with the religion as a whole. They drink blood and eat flesh. They took out the original Sin Cities, stone people left and right...a torture device as the main symbol of the religion isnt so odd.

👆

Thanks.
I always find it funny how the religion is portrayed as fluffy goodness. It was a tough religion for a tough world.

1. Christian Cross
2. Red Cross
3. Superman "S" shield

The three most widely recognized symbols in the world.

i would have thought the star of david or the tibetan OM symbol would have been the oldest and most recognised

or the nazi swastika (and budda's form of it, the original)

The top ten Religious symbols:

http://www.spellbrand.com/top-10-religious-symbols

I saw Shaky at church today, you could say I was shocked.

Originally posted by Time Immemorial
I saw Shaky at church today, you could say I was shocked.

Really?! What was I doing? Did I talk to anyone? Did I embarrass myself? And why would I be at church on a Tuesday? 😛

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
The top ten Religious symbols:

http://www.spellbrand.com/top-10-religious-symbols