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

I have to completely agree with that statement David R. made and I also agree with Shrimp and Chris N.
I have no tolerance for false doctrine or brainwashing.

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: