"Sign of the Trinity"?

dumbox1 · Sep 10, 2003

A friend recently mentioned that he's heard the "Sign of the Cross" (familiar to Catholics Orthodox, and some other groups) referred to by others as the "Sign of the Trinity."

Have any of you ever encountered this name? If so, in what sort of context?

Thanks,

Mark

MikeS · Sep 10, 2003

I've never heard it called that, but we do affirm the Trinity in making the sign of the cross, so I wouldn't object to that description.

Johnv · Sep 10, 2003

I've heard it called that, but not that often. I think most Christians (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Evangelical) know it as the sign of the cross.

Kiffin · Sep 10, 2003

Hi Mark,

I'm not sure if I've heard it specifically called that though Ken Collins excellent Litugical site. http://www.kencollins.com/how-01.htm mentions the symbolism of the sign of the cross,

Basically, you can cross yourself whenever you feel like it. It is customary to cross oneself when invoking the Trinity, and before and after prayer. There are other times at which it is customary to cross oneself, which you can learn by observing other people in your church. You can also cross yourself when you need to pray but you are at a loss for words.

If you are a Protestant, don’t get all huffy and say, “We don’t cross ourselves.” You may be surprised. I have seen black Baptists crossing themselves.

Preparation
Use your right hand, even if you are left-handed. Hold your thumb and first two fingers together, and fold the other two fingers down against the base of your thumb.

Crossing Yourself Western Style
This style is used by Anglicans, Lutherans, and Roman Catholics:

Touch your forehead
Touch the base of your sternum
Touch the left side of your chest
Touch the right side of your chest
As you cross yourself, say, whisper, or think: “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Crossing Yourself Eastern Style
This style is used by Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Christians:

Touch your forehead
Touch down to your navel
Touch your right shoulder
Touch your left shoulder

As you cross yourself, say, whisper, or think: “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The Symbolism
The movement traces a cross over your body. By crossing yourself, you are taking up your cross and following Jesus.

The three fingers represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; the two fingers folded down represent the human and divine natures of Jesus Christ.

In the western style, the movement from the left to the right represents Jesus’ descent into hades (the left side) and His ascension into Heaven (the right side).
Click to expand...

The Discussion group I moderate discusses such things. at
Liturgical Baptists Discussion Group

One contributer stated in a thread,

Dear Brothers,

The sign of the cross goes back to the 2nd century given to us by Tertulliam who called it the sign of The LORD the same church father who gave us the term Trinity.

There is nothing more evangelical than crossing ones self proclaiming ones faith in the Most HOLY TRINITY and also proclaiming the sacrifice of the LORD JESUS on the cross as our salvation. We of all people who constantly preach the cross and are for liturgical Trinitarian worship should make the sign of the cross in public worship and private devotions. let us show the world the sign of our faith.

In the shadow of the cross,

St. John of Geneva
Click to expand...

I am sure there are some here with more insights but that is just a few thoughts.

Christ has risen from the dead,by death he has trampled on death,and to those in the graves given life!
Randy +T+

[ September 10, 2003, 02:07 PM: Message edited by: Kiffin ]

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