Crucifix
A crucifix (from Latin cruci fixus meaning "(one) fixed to a cross") is a cross with a representation of Jesus' body, or corpus. It is a principal symbol of the Christian religion. It is primarily used in the Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox Churches and emphasizes Christ's sacrifice— his death by crucifixion.
Overview
On some crucifixes a skull and crossbones are shown below the corpus, referring to Golgotha (Calvary), the site at which Jesus was crucified—"the place of the skull." It was probably called "Golgotha" because it was a burial-place, or possibly because of a legend that the place of Jesus' crucifixion was also the burial place of Adam. The standard, four-pointed Latin crucifix consists of an upright stand and a crosspiece to which the sufferer's arms were nailed.
The Eastern Christian crucifix includes two additional crossbars: the shorter nameplate, to which INRI was affixed; and the shorter stipes, to which the feet were nailed, which is angled upward toward penitent thief St. Dismas (to the viewer's left) and downward toward impenitent thief Gestas (to the viewer's right). It is thus eight-pointed. The corpora of Eastern crucifixes tend to be two-dimensional icons that show Jesus as already dead, as opposed to the depictions of the still-suffering Jesus that can be found in some other Churches. Also, Eastern crucifixes have Jesus' two feet nailed side by side, rather than one atop the other, as Western crucifixes do. The crown of thorns is also generally absent in Eastern crucifixes.
Another depiction shows a triumphant risen Christ (clothed in robes, rather than stripped as for his execution) with arms raised, appearing to rise up from the cross, sometimes accompanied by "rays of light."
History
While early Christians avoided the use of even a simple cross, not to mention any rendering of Jesus' crucifixion, achaeological evidence places the first image of a crucified Jesus in fifth century Rome. Earlier renderings depicted Jesus as a lamb, and Christians tended to focus more on Jesus divine attributes than his earthly presence. The crucifix would have to wait until the Middle Ages to find widespread popularity.
"The art of the early Middle Ages, still heavily influenced by ancient Christian theology, tended to depict Jesus on the cross with open eyes and no trace of suffering, reflecting the theological emphasis on the Resurrection, and hence, Jesus’ immunity to suffering and death. By the 13th century, with the increasing theological importance of the Incarnation and the humanity of Jesus, the crucifix, now showing Jesus’ body twisted and bleeding on the cross, became established as the altar centerpiece in most churches and cathedrals, and as the favored object of contemplation of the mystics. The medieval Catholic Church, now separated from the Eastern Orthodox Church (1054 B.C.E.), placed suffering at the center of its doctrine of salvation, such that through the imitation of the suffering of Jesus, who is both human and divine, human beings could "crucify" their human nature and become divine, immortal, and perfect—to the degree that humans are able. The crucifix served as a complex symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for humanity, the fullness of his human nature, the depth of tragedy that is overcome by the Resurrection, and as a kind of model for imitation.
The Renaissance painters and sculptors of the 15th century, in accordance with the prevailing spirit of the era, transform the image of Jesus yet again. As with medieval representation, Christ’s arms are outstretched, his head bowed, his eyes closed, but his body is no longer wracked with pain. Instead, he is modeled on the Greek ideal of taut, sensuous muscularity, displaying serenity and repose rather than agony. The optimism of the Renaissance regarding human nature and the body stands in stark contrast with medieval views. In the imagination of the humanists, Jesus’ figure on the cross represents the earthly perfection of the new Adam, his body made beautiful through measure and proportion.
With the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, the crucifix, and, in the case of Calvin, the form of the cross as well, was banned in all newly formed Protestant churches as idolatry and "popishness." While the cross has reappeared in Protestant churches in the last centuries, the crucifix is almost exclusively associated with Catholic Christianity."
Usage
Anglican, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Coptic Christians generally use the crucifix in public religious services. They believe the crucifix is in keeping with Scripture, which states that “We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness.”[1]
Prayer in front of a crucifix is often part of devotion for Christians, especially those worshipping in a church, and private devotion in a chapel. The person may sit, stand, or kneel in front of the crucifix, sometimes looking at it in contemplation, or merely in front of it with head bowed or eyes closed. In the Roman Catholic Mass, and Anglican Holy Eucharist, a procession begins Mass in which a crucifix is carried forward into the church followed by lector and servers, the priest, deacon, along with some of the other items used in the service such as the Gospels and the altar candles. Eastern Christian liturgical processions also include a crucifix at the head of the procession.
The crucifix is also considered by some to be one of the most effective means of averting or opposing demons, as stated by many exorcists, including the famous exorcist of the Vatican, Father Gabriele Amorth. In folklore it is considered to ward off vampires, incubi, succubi, and other evils.
Notes
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External links
All links retrieved July 16, 2008.
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