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by NickyMach on September 9th, 2005

NickyMach

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In Catholic churches, the crucifix on the altar has Jesus' body on it, while in Protestant churches, the cross is bare. Why is this?

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  • by xoxojuli on December 18th, 2005

    xoxojuli

    As a comedian somewhere once said, "Catholics mourn their faith, Protestants celebrate it."

    From the rather unique perspective of an athest raised protestant and sent to a catholic school I must say it is a fundamental difference in the way that the two forms of Christians look at things. Protestants are more into the future (ex. the next coming of Christ, the Rapture, etc.) while Catholics are more into the past (ex. Communion, confession, holy orders, etc.).

    I, having asked this question both at church and school in the fifth grade, got the following answers:

    A Pastor (most protestants' church leader(s) are called pastors, while Catholics have Priests) once told me, "A Crucifix is just too depressing. That's not what we're here for. We are here to celebrate. Every day here is a good day. None of that guilt."

    While my school Religion (really just the Catholic "religion" though) teacher said, "Jesus died for us and we can't forget that. Plus, the most important part of that cross is that he died on it."

    And, because mother knows best, my mom told me in fifth grade that "Yeah, he did die, but now he's alive again. No need to hang him back up there."

    Do with it what you will I suppose.

    Comments

    • interesting experiences...

      Ignatius

      by Ignatius on December 24th, 2005

    • :-)

      Alatea

      by Alatea on January 10th, 2006

    • I think people say such things because they don't understand our form of worship which is the mass. If you can do your homework look up the holy mass under the Catholic Encyclopedia. You may be amazed at the meaning of our worship. It is what has kept us going for over 2000 years.

      Marguerite

      by Marguerite on August 17th, 2008

    • I know many Catholics who celebrate their faith!

      Ananamiss

      by Ananamiss on September 25th, 2008

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