Sterling Silver Cross Necklaces

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CRUCIFIX AND THE CROSS...

The difference between the sterling silver Crucifix and sterling silver cross pendant is that the Crucifix has a representation of Jesus on the cross and the more popular sterling silver cross pendant is just cross with nothing on it but often times highly symbolic and decorative.

There has been some disagreements between Christian protestants and Catholic Christians on the use of the Crucifix in jewelry, artwork and in use in their Church buildings.

The protestants site idol worship as one main reasons why the crucifix should not be used. Other arguments site the protestants worshipping a living Lord and not a dying Lord. They want to celebrate the risen Lord of the resurrection.

Catholics see things different, and call on the New Testament in support of this using the Crucifix. They specifically call on 1 Corinthians, 1:23 which reads, “We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block.”

Catholic Christians believe their crucifix necklaces are very precious and important to their fundamental worship.  The rest of Christendom use cross necklaces in their worship. This blog does not take sides in this ongoing debate but provides facts for consideration in this ongoing issue. 

More Christians than just Catholics use the crucifix in their worship. Other Christian denominations like the Anglican, Orthodox and Coptic Christian Churches all use the Crucifix in their religious services and identity.

Catholic Crucifix necklaces and Crucifix decorations are very important in the Catholic mass. Some authorities cannot place the crucifix in free use before the 1200's. Others insist that it was venerated, in fact adored as early as the 400's.

Catholics claim the use of the crucifix was not only holy, but also very practical. In the early days, Christians were illiterate. About ninety percent of the population could not read. The inspiring paintings and symbols within the church were ways for the illiterate to learn even though they could not actually read.

The Catholic church maintains there is dignity in the Catholic Jewelry that they implement and display because these crucifixes represent their love and adoration for their savior.

The cross necklace used by all other Christian denominations is just a representation of the empty cross and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Even though the Catholic Church is over one billion strong world wide and then add the Orthodox and Anglican Church's then the number goes far beyond one billion members. It is interesting to note that the plane cross necklace is far more popular in jewelry and in building than is the crucifix.