Cross (Christian Symbol)

Definition and Meaning

The symbol of the cross is an emblem modeled on the cross on which Jesus Christ was nailed and died. Christianity understands this emblem as pointing both to His death in the place of sinners, that is, the atonement, and to the resurrection that followed. Paul called "the preaching of the cross" the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18), and Jesus told His disciples to "take up his cross" and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

Biblical and Historical Background

Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution in the Roman Empire, inflicted on slaves and rebels. For this reason, the early church is known to have used emblems such as the fish or the Chi-Rho, formed from the first Greek letters of "Christ," more often than the cross. After Christianity received official recognition under Emperor Constantine in the fourth century and crucifixion was abolished, the cross became established as the church's principal symbol.

The Catholic Church widely uses the crucifix, a cross bearing the body of Jesus. The Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church use the sign of the cross, traced with the hand, in prayer. Since the Reformation, Protestants have generally used an empty cross without the body, sometimes explaining it as an emphasis on the resurrection. Some within the Reformed tradition, citing the second commandment of the Ten Commandments (the prohibition of images), have kept the decoration of worship spaces to a minimum altogether.

Practice in Korean Churches

Most Korean churches erect a cross on the roof or steeple of the sanctuary and also place one on the wall behind the pulpit. Presbyterian, Methodist, Holiness, Baptist, and Full Gospel churches usually use a plain, empty cross. Some congregations of the Anglican Church of Korea and the Lutheran Church in Korea use the crucifix. Some churches also observe customs based on the liturgical calendar, such as veiling the cross with cloth during Lent or Holy Week.

The red neon cross that glows at night is known to have spread widely during the period of growth of the Korean church. The red color is sometimes explained as signifying the blood of Christ. At the same time, the following problems have been raised repeatedly:

• Urban landscapes with an excessive concentration of crosses
• Light pollution that disturbs neighboring residences
• The danger of steeples falling during strong winds

In response, some churches have switched to white or softer lighting, or turn their lights off late at night. Others, however, argue for retaining the red cross on the grounds that it marks the church's location even at night and serves as a sign that makes the gospel visible to the community.