Ethan Walker
The crucifix is a principal symbol for many Christian groups, including Lutherans and Catholics. A crucifix is a cross that includes a representation of Jesus, referred to as the corpus. While the use of crucifixes is common in both Lutheran and Catholic churches, there are some differences in how they are used and perceived by members of each denomination. For example, some Lutherans view the empty cross as a better symbol than the crucifix, while Catholics tend to emphasize the crucifix as a central symbol of their faith.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lutheran use of crucifixes | Lutheranism has traditionally recognized the crucifix as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by Jesus. |
| Catholic use of crucifixes | Catholics also use the crucifix as a symbol of Jesus' sacrifice and it is a principal symbol for the Catholic Church. |
| Lutheran use of plain crosses | Some Lutherans wear plain crosses, and some congregations use an empty cross on their altar. |
| Catholic use of plain crosses | Some Catholics wear plain crosses, but the Catholic Church requires the use of a crucifix on or close to the altar. |
| Lutheran crucifix placement | Large crucifixes are a prominent feature of some Lutheran churches, often placed above the altar. |
| Catholic crucifix placement | Large crucifixes are often placed above or behind a Catholic altar. |
| Lutheran crucifix type | The Christus Rex crucifix is an older variation seen in Lutheran sanctuaries. |
| Catholic crucifix type | Western crucifixes usually have a three-dimensional corpus. |
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What You'll Learn
Lutherans and Catholics both use crucifixes
Catholics also use crucifixes in their religious practices, and they are a principal symbol of the Catholic Church. Large crucifixes are often fixed above or behind Catholic altars, and Catholics may also hang crucifixes in their homes.
While the use of crucifixes is common for both Lutherans and Catholics, it is less common in other Protestant denominations, which may instead use a cross without the figure of Jesus. Some Lutherans also choose to wear a plain cross rather than a crucifix.
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Lutherans and Catholics both use crosses without crucifixes
The Christian cross, with or without a figure of Christ, is the main religious symbol of Christianity. A cross with a figure of Christ affixed to it is called a crucifix, and the figure is often referred to as the corpus (Latin for "body"). Lutheranism has traditionally recognised the use of any symbol, including the empty cross, and many Lutherans and Lutheran congregations use crucifixes. Lutherans have never believed that banning or limiting proper artwork in the church is the way to prevent its improper use. Instead, they believe that proper teaching and right use are the best ways to keep with the gift of freedom they have in Christ.
Catholics also use crosses without crucifixes. Some Catholics wear a plain cross, without a crucifix, as a symbol of their faith. The use of a plain cross is more common among Protestants, but some Catholics also choose to wear a plain cross.
Both Lutherans and Catholics use crosses and crucifixes, depending on personal preference and the specific congregation's practices. While the crucifix is a principal symbol for many Christian groups, it is less common in churches of other Protestant denominations, such as the Assyrian Church of the East and the Armenian Apostolic Church, which prefer to use a cross without the figure of Jesus (the corpus).
The use of a crucifix or a plain cross is a personal choice for many Christians, and there is no right or wrong answer. Some Christians may prefer the visual reminder of Christ's sacrifice, while others may find the empty cross to be a more powerful symbol of their faith. Ultimately, the meaning of a symbol is what an individual assigns to it.
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Lutherans and Catholics both use crosses in worship
The cross is a widely recognised symbol of Christianity, and Christians of various denominations wear crosses as necklaces or display them in their homes. Both Lutherans and Catholics use crosses in worship, but there are some differences in how they are used and perceived.
Lutherans and Catholics both use crucifixes, which are crosses that include a depiction of the body of Jesus Christ, referred to as the corpus. The use of the crucifix is a principal symbol for many Christian groups and is especially important in the Catholic Church and Lutheran Churches. Large crucifixes are a prominent feature of some Lutheran churches, and Lutherans have traditionally recognised the crucifix as a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by Jesus for mankind's salvation.
Lutherans and Catholics both use crucifixes in personal devotion and worship. Lutherans wear crosses as necklaces, and some wear crucifixes. Lutherans also hang crucifixes inside their homes and use them as a focal point of a home altar. Catholics also hang crucifixes inside their homes, and these are often placed above a home altar. In Catholic churches, a crucifix is usually placed above the altar, in accordance with the Roman Rite.
While both Lutherans and Catholics use the crucifix, there are some differences in how it is perceived by members of each denomination. Some Lutherans believe that the use of the crucifix is a "Roman Catholic" practice, and that an empty cross is a better symbol for Lutherans. However, others argue that the use of the crucifix is not contrary to Lutheran Confessions or God's Holy Word. Lutherans have traditionally recognised that any symbol, including the empty cross, can become an idolatrous practice if people are led to believe there is power in the symbol itself.
Lutherans and Catholics also differ in the style of crucifixes they use. Western crucifixes, used by Catholics, usually have a three-dimensional corpus, while Eastern Orthodox crucifixes, also used by some Lutherans, have a painted or low-relief depiction of Jesus' body.
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Lutherans and Catholics both use crosses in personal jewellery
Lutherans and Catholics both use crosses and crucifixes in their personal jewellery. Lutherans often wear a plain cross, but some also wear crucifixes. Lutherans believe that the crucifix is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by Jesus for their salvation. One Lutheran writes about wearing a plain sterling silver cross on a necklace, which serves as a reminder that Jesus went to the cross for their sins.
Catholics also wear crosses and crucifixes as jewellery. For Catholics, the crucifix is especially important, and it is a principal symbol for many groups of Christians. Catholics often hang a crucifix inside their homes and use it as a focal point of a home altar. The crucifix is also used in Catholic religious services.
Both Lutherans and Catholics use crosses and crucifixes in their personal jewellery, but the specific type of cross or crucifix may vary depending on the individual's personal preference and the specific denomination. Some Lutherans and Catholics may prefer to wear a plain cross, while others may prefer a crucifix. Ultimately, the choice of symbol is a personal one, and individuals from both faiths may choose to wear either a cross or a crucifix.
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Lutherans and Catholics both use crosses in cemeteries
The Christian cross, with or without a figure of Christ, is the main religious symbol of Christianity. A cross with a figure of Christ affixed to it is called a crucifix. The figure is often referred to as the corpus, which is Latin for "body". Crosses are a prominent feature of Christian cemeteries, either carved on gravestones or as sculpted stelae.
Both Lutherans and Catholics use crosses in cemeteries. Lutherans have historically recognised that the use of any symbol, including the empty cross, can become an idolatrous practice. However, they believe that proper teaching and right use are the best ways to prevent this, rather than banning or limiting artwork in the church. Many Lutherans use crucifixes as a meaningful reminder of the sacrifice made by Jesus. Lutheranism considers the crucifix to be a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and salvation, with some large crucifixes featured in Lutheran churches. Lutherans also wear crosses as necklaces, with some preferring a plain cross without a crucifix.
Catholics also use crosses in cemeteries. They view the crucifix as the perfect fulfilment of the serpent created by Moses in Numbers 21:8-9, called the Nehushtan. It was promised that sinners who looked upon the Nehushtan would be healed. Catholics also hang crucifixes inside their homes and use them as a focal point of a home altar. Catholics often have a crucifix above the altar on the wall, with the Catholic Rite requiring that "on or close to the altar there is to be a cross with a figure of Christ crucified".
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, both Catholics and Lutherans use crucifixes, which are crosses that include a depiction of Jesus Christ, also known as the corpus. Lutherans have historically used crucifixes in their worship and devotional life, and they are a common feature in Lutheran churches.
Lutherans use crucifixes as a reminder of the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for mankind's salvation. The crucifix is also seen as a fulfilment of the serpent created by Moses in Numbers 21:8-9, which promised healing to sinners who looked upon it.
Catholics use crucifixes for similar reasons to Lutherans, to symbolise the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion, which they believe brought about the redemption of mankind. The crucifix is a principal symbol for Catholics and is often placed above or behind a Catholic altar.
There are many different types of crosses, including the Greek cross, the Latin cross, the Tau cross, the Coptic cross, and the Russian Orthodox crucifix. The Greek cross has arms of equal length, while the Latin cross has an elongated descending arm. The Russian Orthodox crucifix includes a third crossbar to represent the penitent and impenitent thieves present at Jesus' crucifixion.
