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Madonna and Wearing Crosses

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Inadequate in Myself, Oct 25, 2006.

  1. Inadequate in Myself

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    In a report on Baptist Press, Madonna is quoted as concluding that her crucfixion scene "'is not a mocking of the church' and 'is neither anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous.' She also said the depiction is similar to a person wearing a cross as a necklace." (emphasis added)

    http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=24230

    I know that the issue of wearing crosses has been discussed in another forum, but I would like to get opinions on the matter, given Madonna's comparison, of how we think the world views the practice and therefore, how it might affect our witness.
     
  2. menageriekeeper

    menageriekeeper Active Member

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    Madonna is a idoit with no morals whatsoever.

    On the subject of wearing crosses: what could it possibly matter? The cross symbol has been used for more than just symbolizing Christianity down through history. God knows the heart and will know the why's. It's between He and the individual. I certainly am in no position to tell anyone they should or shouldn't wear a cross.

    Wearing of a crucifix is a different matter. Here, I believe, the danger is in letting the crucifix become an idol. For those same reasons Baptist churches don't display crucifixes in our sanctuaries. (and if I'm wrong, someone will correct me)
     
  3. Inadequate in Myself

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    I agree that it is between God and the person (and that Madonna is an idiot) and I am not attempting to judge someone (I have bought crosses for both my wife and daughter to wear). My question is simply intended to raise the issue of whether we are sending some sort of erronneous message by doing it. Surely the cheapening of the cross inherit in her statement can't be solely ascribed to Madonna.
     
  4. blackbird

    blackbird Active Member

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    Its not what you wear ---- its rather what you preach!!!

    1Corinthians 1:18 --- What does God say??

    For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

    Wearing a cruxifix no more demonstrates the power of God than wearing a Hula skirt demonstrates that one is a Hawaiin!!

    The power is not in the wearing---wear it all day long if you want to---wear it in your sleep---wear it while you shower---wear it while you're joggin', standin' up, sittin' down, or layin' down!!!

    The power is in the preaching!!!

    But we've changed the subject---haven't we??? We've gone from the days of preaching the cross--to the days of wearing the cross---and we believe that the power somehow hasn't been lost!!!

    Reminds me of the caveman and his wife talking to each other

    The caveman says, "Ugg!"

    His wife says, "Ugg!"

    Back and forth they talked

    Caveman: "Ugg!"
    Wife: "Ugg!"
    Caveman:"Ugg!"
    Wife:"Ugg!"

    Then the Caveman says, "Ugg! Ugg!"

    His wife looks at him and says, "Don't try to change the subject!!"

    Preaching the cross displays the power of God!

    Wearing the cruxifx is powerless unto salvation

    Lets not change God's subject!!!
     
  5. tinytim

    tinytim <img src =/tim2.jpg>

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    Watchout Blackbird, the Geico Caveman will come after you!!!

    I love those commercials!!

    Ok, sorry for interrupting.
    I agree that Madonna is an idiot!! Smart in marketing, but idiot otherwise!!
     
  6. Inadequate in Myself

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    Well said!!!

    I think where I was going though is that actions do preach whether they be what we wear or what we do and I am wondering the sermon being proclaimed in our actions is somehow overshadowing the sermon of our mouths. Not because there is something inherently wrong in the action, but because of how it is being perceived.

    Ugg!:tongue3:
     
  7. menageriekeeper

    menageriekeeper Active Member

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    I see, or I think I do.

    I believe that the wearing of a cross is overshadowed by other more overt actions of an individual.

    Say if this pretty young thing (certainly not Madonna, who is neither) walks out of her house in a skirt that nearly reveals what hopefully lies beneath and a blouse that covers no more than a handkercheif with a pretty gold cross hanging from her neck, I think most people can tell that the cross is merely decoration meant only to draw attention to the individual wearing it. Whether this pretty young thing is wearing as a sign of disrespect for God is anyone's guess.

    Now, if an equally pretty young Christian girl happens to walk out of her house wearing a cross around her neck, we're going to be able to discern that she is wearing the cross as an actual symbol of her religion. How? Because she is going to be modestly dressed in attire not meant to draw attention. Even her walk is going to be different.

    Saved or unsaved people are smart enough to know the difference between what these girls are "preaching". The actual wearing of the cross is going to be secondary to these other more overt actions.

    As a young girl I was not allowed to wear a cross. The wearing of crosses was something Catholics did and my folks wanted it known plainly that we disagreed with anything taught by/allowed by the Catholic church. It really had nothing to do with the piece of jewelry, but with what it represented to the world. (which is what I think you were asking) In this country at least, I don't believe that the wearing of a cross necessarily represents Catholicism anymore.

    Brother Blackbird, preach on!
     
  8. Inadequate in Myself

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    I think you're right and I thank you for the personal insight too. I wonder though if the prevalence of crosses on people who have other overt actions that undermine its meaning has had a culminative effect of neutralizing the impact of anyone wearing the cross too?

    Just thoughts.
     
  9. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    The genuine will always be copied by the counterfeit. To some, the empty cross still speaks. To someone such as this secular woman, it may be a piece of jewellry, but to another considering the finished work on the cross, it may be the message they needed.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  10. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    I think it has. Wearing a cross these days is a fashion statement instead of a faith statement. That's why I have practically stopped wearing a cross. I used to wear one because it was a way of saying I'm of Christ, now I think I just look like the rest of the world. I wonder sometimes why some people wear crosses at all. They are obviously not Christians. Why would someone wear a Christian symbol who isn't Christian? This subject brings up a question I would like to ask. My mother in law is Catholic and we got into a discussion recently about wearing crosses. She said she would NEVER wear a crucifix as a necklace but she would wear a cross. I asked her why and she said "because I'm a Christian". I never did get any more answer than that. I have seen many Catholics wear a crucifix and they're sold in jewelry stores everywhere, so there's obviously a market for them. What is the difference between wearing a crucifix and having one hanging on the church wall?
    :)
     
  11. Ransom

    Ransom Active Member

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    I know that the issue of wearing crosses has been discussed in another forum, but I would like to get opinions on the matter, given Madonna's comparison, of how we think the world views the practice and therefore, how it might affect our witness.

    If I decide to wear a cross as jewelry, it has nothing to do with McDonna's opinion one way or the other. Why should I let the pagans control my dress code?
     
  12. DodgeRamFanatic

    DodgeRamFanatic New Member

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    I agree, it's so maddening when something that's Christian is turned into fashion just because it's cute or popular. Take the "What Would Jesus Do?" slogan, for example. It can serve as a good reminder, and it's for a good purpose, but now folks are just using it to make money, and I daresay half the people who wear it don't have a clue of what it's all about.

    Personally, I don't have a problem with wearing crosses, but I do have a problem when the figure of Jesus is on the cross. After all, He's not dead; He's alive and well, thank God!
    DRF
     
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