Within Christianity, there are an array of Christian symbols all of which work to relay messages and provide meaning.

Nevertheless, there are two Christian symbols within Christianity that are the most well known and which have, perhaps, the most contention amongst Catholic Christians and Protestant Christians.

Do you know what these two Christian symbols are?

In all fairness, the chances of you having seen these two Christian symbols are great.

Even if you are consciously unaware of what these two Christian symbols are, you have likely seen at least one of them in culture, in Church, and even as decoration.

Have you guessed what these two Christian symbols are yet?

While it might come as a “no brainer” to you once you hear them, the two Christian symbols to which I am referring in this article are the Christian symbols of the cross and the crucifix.

While Protestants are much more familiar with the cross and Catholics are likely to be much more familiar with the crucifix, both of these symbols are prominent in Christianity.

While you may have reservations about one or the other, it is important to consider both of these Christian symbols regardless of your tradition. In truth, both of these Christian symbols can offer you meaning and depth in your walk with Christ and further establish your Christian faith.

so …

What is the cross? What is the crucifix? What distinguishes the Christian symbol of the cross from the Christian symbol of the crucifix?

In this blog post, we are discussing the answers to these questions.

What is a Symbol?

Before we discuss the specifics of the Christian symbol of the cross and the Christian symbol of the crucifix, it is important that we first lay the groundwork of what a symbol even is.

Do you know what is a symbol is?

What comes to mind when you think of what a symbol is?

While defining what a symbol is may be challenging, the truth is that we are all familiar with symbols because symbols are so impactful to our psyche and can work to instill deep seeds within our minds.

In fact, even when you are consciously unaware of the impact and workings of symbols, you are confronted with them everyday. Furthermore, as the collective consciousness of humanity has symbols stored within it, these symbols work to relay meaning to us and also carry an inherent meaning which transcends cultures even if we are unaware of it.

So, what is a symbol?

A symbol is something that works to signify something else. Put another way, a symbol works to relay a message or meaning. However, unlike a word, which speaks to and through cognition, a symbol is usually more pictorial and works to relay something more intuitive. Furthermore, unlike a word, symbols speak more to the subconscious mind than directly to the conscious recognition of an individual.

As such, symbols are oftentimes used to relay messages and can offer a more contemplative opportunity for the individual gazing upon the symbol.

This contemplative opportunity may be witnessed in Catholic churches in which individuals may gaze upon the crucifix in deep contemplation.

On the other hand, symbols are an easy way to relay a message that can be subliminal and thus bypass our conscious recognition, which is why it is important for all Christians to be weary and on guard when it comes to worldly consumption and content because of all of this is laden with symbols which can bypass your conscious awareness and plant seeds in your mind.

“you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, your mind, and with all your strength.”

— Mark 12:30

What is a Christian Symbol?

A Christian symbol is any symbol working to relay a message pertaining to Christianity. The symbols themselves are pictorial expressions of some component of the Christian narrative.

Here are some examples of Christian symbols other than the cross and crucifix:

The Good Shepard
Dove
Peacock
The Christian Fish or Ichthys
The Trinity (i.e., Borromean Rings)
The Rainbow

In symbolic form, all of these examples of Christian symbols would be depicted in a more pictorial form and would work to relay some kind of meaning in the context of the Christian narrative in order to be considered a Christian symbol.

Now, of course, anyone could use any one of these symbols in a nonChristian way to express a nonChristian and even an antiChristian message.

Hence, it is important that one is able to determine the message that is being expressed using the symbol as this message can take a Christian symbol and relay a message that is against Christianity.

In fact, this happens in popular culture quite often. You have probably heard it said, “Hollywood hates Christ.”

What is the Cross as a Christian Symbol?

As far as Christian symbols go, the cross is probably the most popular with even nonChristians being able to recognize the cross as a symbol peculiar to Christianity or at least as a symbol having a significant, prominent meaning to Christians.

When it comes to recognizing the cross, it is easy to do. The cross is a Christian symbol that is an empty cross.

Here is a photo demonstrating the Christian symbol of the Christian cross.

As the photo demonstrates, the cross as a Christian symbol is a shape that is empty or blank.

The Message that the Christian Symbol of the Cross Conveys

The Christian symbol of the cross conveys a message of the resurrection of Christ.

As all Christians know, Christ was crucified on the cross and was resurrected or risen three days after being buried in the tomb.

The cross being empty is meant to signify that Christ has risen. As such, it is a symbol signifying the resurrection.

Have you ever gazed upon the Christian symbol of the cross in contemplation?

It is more likely that you have not as the cross as a Christian symbol is used more by Protestant Christians and such contemplation is less likely to occur or be promoted or encouraged in church.

Nevertheless, if you have you used this Christian symbol for contemplation, you will have certainly have had some significant insights that this Christian symbol helped you to realize.

On a more personal note, when I contemplate the cross as a Christian symbol, I am immediately met with the emptiness of it. There is almost a sadness at the emptiness of the cross. This emptiness works to invoke the realization that Christ is living in me. Furthermore, this emptiness can be beneficially utilized to propel one to seek Christ as he is risen not dead. Additionally, there is a freedom that the cross connotes, which emphasizes the freedom from sin that Christ offers to those who follow Him.

What is the Crucifix as a Christian Symbol?

The Christian symbol of the crucifix is a symbolic representation of the crucifixion of Christ.

Are you familiar with the Christian symbol of the crucifix?

The Christian symbol of the crucifix is most popular in Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions.

If you are coming from a Protestant Christian tradition, you may be unfamiliar with the crucifix entirely.

As the photo below demonstrates, the Christian symbol of the crucifix differs from the Christian symbol of the cross in that the Christian symbol of the crucifix is a cross with a symbol or depiction of Jesus being crucified or hanging on the cross on it.

Christian symbol of the Christian crucifix

The Message that the Christian Symbol of the Crucifix Conveys

The crucifix as a Christian symbol conveys a message pertaining directly to the sacrifice that is Christ.

Given that this Christian symbol is a representation of the finality of the crucifixion, the crucifix brings your awareness to the sacrifice itself or what Christ did for you that is worthy of your veneration and of your humility to ‘pick up your cross and follow him.’

Have you ever gazed upon the crucifix in contemplation?

If you have, then you are likely to be of the Catholic or Orthodox tradition or a curious Protestant. Regardless of your Christian tradition, gazing upon the crucifix in contemplation will soften your heart as you realize the substance of the sacrifice and realize your relation to Christ is one that is more than friendly but one that is reverential.

As I gaze upon the crucifix, I am emotionally moved and find it hard to look at at times because it sinks the substance of what was done for me and offers an immediate humbleness in relation to this recognition and softening of heart.

Final Thoughts

What do you think about the Christian symbols of the cross and the crucifix?

Were you already familiar with one of both of these Christian symbols? If yes, have you spent time in contemplation using them as tools for deeper spiritual insight in your walk with Christ?

If you are yet to give it a try, I strongly encourage you use each of these Christian symbols as tools to deepen your Christian faith and to strengthen your walk with Christ.

Although each of these Christian symbols are associated with different Christian traditions, they both offer value insight into what Christ has done for you and what this means for you moving forward as a follower of Christ.

Two Popular Christian Symbols & What Each One Means