The Cardinal Archbishop of Edinburgh and St Andrews feels marginalised as a Catholic Christian and urges his fellow believers to wear a cross. Oh dear, poor man. I would rather that Christians be recognised not by what they wear but by their deeds and actions. If I have to wear a badge to tell others of my beliefs then that is sad. Walk cheerfully over the world seeking that of God in every one seems to be a better injunction that to wear to a cross.
If we are to take the idea seriously then I have long argued for Christians to wear white alb type clothing, somewhat like Muslims, to point to the resurrection. It has not caught on yet.
Leaving on one side for a moment the clear commandment not to make images we are left with the question as to whether we should wear a cross (as in plain) or a crucifix (cross with dead Jesus). I have long taken the view that the cross points to the resurrection whilst the crucifix feels like the permanent Good Friday. Perhaps this is where the cardinal is in reality?
I do have one area of agreement with Cardinal O'Brien: get rid of Trident.
Is it me? Didn't Jesus leave clear advice about how Christians should make themselves recognisable, i.e. by loving one another. Is the Cardinal worried that if people just went on how much he seems to love others no one would ever guess that he was a Christian?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/giles-fraser-the-cross-is-a-symbol-of-cruelty-not-a-club-badge-7626854.html?origin=internalSearch
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to read this on Sunday, not long after reading your blog. Giles, again, seems to be one of the very few authentic Christian voices in the media.