Crucifix

The Crucifix, a cross with corpus, a symbol used in Anglicanism and Catholicism in contrast with some Protestant sects, which use only a cross.

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.

A crucifix amidst the cornfields near Mureck in rural Styria, Austria

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

The image of the cross itself is nearly timeless, in both the East and the West, far predating Christianity itself in the form of two intersecting lines at right angles to each other. While early Christians avoided the use of even this 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. And yet, while there is little evidence to support it, there are references to Christians by the year 200 who would decorate themselves with a cross to differentiate themselves from Pagans during common daily life.

However, the crucifix itself would have to wait until the Middle Ages to find widespread popularity. In these images, Jesus was depicted with open eyes and a calm face—no trace of pain—reflecting the a prevalent theological emphasis on the resurrection—and, hence, Jesus' immunity against suffering and death. By the thirteenth century, the crucifix had begun to show the body of Jesus as twisted and bleeding on the cross, as the importance of the Incarnation and the humanity of Jesus grew. This new crucifix became the centerpiece in many churches and cathedrals, a favored object of contemplation. This may partially be because the medieval Catholic Church placed suffering at the heart of its salvation doctrine. Indeed, Catholics were expected to "crucify" their own human nature, in imitation of the suffering of Jesus.

During the fifteenth century, Renaissance painters and sculptors further refined the image of Christ on the cross, representing Jesus with his arms outstretched and his head bowed and eyes closed, but his body no longer wretched and in pain. In accordance with the prevailing spirit of the day, Jesus often displayed serenity and grace. This Jesus was nothing less than an optimistic figure, standing in stark contrast with medieval interpretations. In this way, Jesus represented the earthly perfection of a new Adam.

Protestants, however, took a dim view of the crucifix. This was reinforced during the Reformation, when Protestants repudiated most representational religious images. Hence, the cross became even more associated with Roman Catholicism. It was seen as idolatry and tied too closely with the Catholic church. While this trend has reversed itself in the last century or so, the crucifix is seen as an object that is almost exclusively belonging to 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.”

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.

External links

All links retrieved July 16, 2008.

• Archæology of the Cross and Crucifix
• The Cross and Crucifix in Liturgy
• Crucifix carving

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