The Sunday News
Peter Matika
A FEW weeks ago I wrote an article about how fashion and religion have always had an uneasy relationship.
I stated how it has been documented in history that there have been some nasty clashes of religious values with respect to fashion and the use of religious connotations in clothing designs over the years.
Well it would seem the article ruffled some feathers, with some people posing the questioning — “If religion is at loggerheads with fashion, how then do most of these spawning churches — Pentecostal to be precise — then have congregants adorning religious jewellery, such as a crucifix. Should Christians wear religious jewellery, such as a crucifix?”
Seeing as there is so much debate as to whether it is appropriate or even sinful to wear religious jewellery like crucifixes, I sought comments from our local prominent pastors. Unfortunately for me they were unavailable; surprisingly even their aides were unavailable. Anyway going back to the question posed, I would like to believe that the jewellery being sold by these so-called spawning churches was to raise funds for the church.
Another person asked me when Christians began wearing religious jewellery.
I guess Christians did not start wearing crosses around their necks until after crucifixion was no longer the primary source of capital punishment.
Therefore, it is not equivalent to a modern-day person wearing a miniature death chamber around his neck, as some have suggested.
Some people argue that the crucifix is simply the instrument of death used to slay our beloved Saviour — Jesus Christ.
Some Christians would like to argue that the scripture forbade wearing religious jewellery like the crucifix, because it would become an object or idol used for worship, or if the person wearing it would end up consumed with how the jewellery made him or her look.
It is a fact that many people wear religious jewellery as a fashion piece without concern for its symbolism or a desire to represent Christ. But that should not mean Christians can’t or shouldn’t wear them.
Many Christians wear crucifixes as a proud expression of their love, respect, and service to Christ, along with a remembrance of what he did for them.
While that concern was somehow addressed, another person sent me this via WhatsApp, “Another concern is when people allow objects such as crucifixes, rosaries and stickers to take the place of the true change that should take place in our hearts.
“The things we wear, carry or put on our cars are not what make us Christians. God is not concerned with what we wear as long as we do not dress in a way that would cause anyone to stumble in his or her walk with God, as stated in the Bible. And we are not absorbed with our looks or possessions. God is searching out our hearts to find who is faithful to Him and whether we encourage and show love to others. It is not for any of us to judge whether wearing religious jewellery is proper or not; every Christian has to seek God’s approval in all he does. If it is not clearly outlined in scripture whether a practice is lawful or edifying, then the practice is one better left to each person’s conscience.”
After reading that I really had no response, as it left me pondering at whether I have been faithful to the Lord or not . . .
In my opinion, the crucifix is revered and admired across the wide spectrum of traditional Christian churches. It is a cornerstone symbol supposedly representing the message of Christ and how He died for the sins of humanity.
Generally worn around the neck, placed on the dashboard of a car, hung from a wall or placed on top of church steeples, this icon is made of varied materials and found in different sizes.
However, this also made me wonder whether people blindly follow traditions they do not know or understand.
The crucifix is a symbolical object. Symbols carry significance and meaning. They are used to invoke feelings or thoughts in the minds of people.
Some bring remembrance of events, places or people.
The image of the crucifix is no different. Yet few people consider what meaning this symbol has for God.
Does God want you to wear a cross and display it where you live? Does God want to see this instrument hanging from Christians’ necks, on the wall of their homes, or placed on the dashboard of their cars? And would you wear a constant reminder of how your child was put to death? Think about this!
I read an interesting article online about the subject, where a question was posed: “If Christ were put to death with a handgun, would you wear this around your neck? If Jesus were put to death in an electric chair, would you place a miniature one on your dashboard as a sign of faith? What if by lethal injection? Would you have its representation prominently placed on the wall of your home?
“Why give honour to an instrument used in Christ’s death? Are you certain God desires this?”
Quite a mind boggler, so link up with me and share your views with me via sms or WhatsApp on 0772337433. You can also drop your opinion via e mail — [email protected]
