The cross is the symbol of the greatest triumph in human history. God demonstrated his love for his creation on that cross. If it weren't for the cross we would all be doomed to hell. Jesus laid down his life on that cross and it was of his own volition. God put the southern cross in the sky and arranged the came of Israel in the wilderness in the shape of a cross. It is not pagan or sick in any way.

Thank you Lisa,David and Shrimp. And David I'll check out the link.

I mean I know why the cross has meaning because Jesus died on it for us to forgive us of our sins. No one died from a knife or an electric chair to save us from our sins.

I guess my main problem is that a barrior has been put up after hearing their "reasons" for so long. You could say it was brainwashing. How can the barrior come down though?

The best way to get over the brainwashing of the JW's, is to go directly to the word of God. Here are a few verses that tell us, and remind us, of the wonder of the cross. Also, keep reminding yourself that the JW's are a cult, and just about everything they tell you, is false. One example; they don't believe that Jesus Christ was actually God manifest in the flesh. They tell you that He is Michael the Arch Angel. If they've got that so wrong, why believe anything else that they tell you? Now, go and pick up your cross, and follow Him. :) Luke 9:23

Again, read these verses, and it will do even more good, if you go to each verse and read the chapter, getting it all in it's proper context. :)

Rom 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1Cr 1:18 ¶ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1Cr 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

Gal 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Phl 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Hbr 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

And this lovely video, kind of says it all.

When I Survey The Wondrous Cross:

What???? The JWs know to avoid my door now. I have a reputation of shutting the door when they start arguing with me.

Like with many things, i think there is an element of truth to the idea we shouldn't wear crosses, if it becomes a substitute for what it really stands for. What i mean is you have certain denominations who actually believe the cross itself has power, which makes it an idol. How many times have you seen Hollywood use this in their media, where the vampire hunter [just as an example] actually keeps his toothy enemy at bay with the cross... Nope, sorry, that piece of wood means nothing, except perhaps as a reminder.... but do we really need one?

I think most people wear them just as a sign to other believers... but the cross also means different things to different people, so that can become a problem too.. The power is not in the cross, its in the shed blood and resurrection. Its in the blood of Yeshua that was placed on the mercy seat on our behalf - wearing a cross around our neck has no effect on that. I see lots of wolves wearing them.

When i first became a Christian i wanted to wear a cross, but then after i got one i realized, this thing is just a symbol of death... and i don't need it. Everyone is different, though.. I certainly don't judge someone who wears one, because i try to ascribe to them doing so the best of intentions.

Phl 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

It's a good example, and a reminder to us.

While I agree that's it's a personal choice for a person to wear a cross, and that it has been portrayed badly in some movies, the 'tree, stake, cross', whatever you want to call it, represents God's love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ Died for us.

As I mentioned above, it also represents the manner of death our Savior undertook for us, and His Obedience to His Father's will. Even His death on the cross. He took upon Himself the curse of sin and death. Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:

Col 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

I look at it this way. If I wear my cross, that doesn't mean I look at it as an idol. It's a statement of what Yeshua did for me and you...a statement of my belief. It's also a reminder. It's not a replacement. It helps me to go through my daily activities and keep seeking His will and hearing Him...as in, "What do You want me to do, Lord?" It helps me to treat others as He would want me to treat them.
Now, if that's idolatry, I don't know. I know there are people who wear a cross as just a piece of jewelry. But I don't judge people for wearing a cross. My behavior should reflect what I have hanging around my neck.

Thank you all very much for commenting.

And Chris N. I'm listening to the song. It's very pretty.

I guess the best thing I can ask is for you guys to pray Jesus removes the barrior that's been put up. I know the cross is a wonderful reminder of what Christ did for us. It's just going to take time for the barrior to be removed. I know fear and guilt were used to help "prove" their point. I need your prayers that Jesus brings His healing touch and erases any brainwashing [including that of things I might not even realize that I've been brainwashed with].

Thank you all. :hugs: