A crucifix is a cross with a representation of Jesus's body, or corpus (plural, corpora). It is a principal symbol of the Christian religion. It is primarily used among Roman Catholic, certain Lutheran, and high church Anglican Christians, and emphasizes Christ's sacrifice—his death by crucifixion. Some styles of crucifix feature a skull and crossbones below the corpus, reflecting a legend that the place of Jesus' crucifixion was also the burial place of Adam.

The corpora of Eastern Orthodox crucifixes tend to be two-dimensional icons that show Jesus as already dead, as opposed to the depictions of the still-suffering Jesus that can be found in some other Churches.

Among Protestant denominations, some prefer to depict the cross without the corpus in order to emphasize the resurrection while others claim that including the corpus is idolatry.

A crucifix is

Most Christians will ask their priest to bless a crucifix and place it in their home as a reminder of what Christ has done for them.

Usage

Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic and Anglican Christians generally use the crucifix in public religious services. They think the crucifix is in keeping with Scripture, which states that "we preach Christ crucified." Also, in the Old Testament, Moses lifted up a snake crucified on a pole-- a kind of symbolic crucifix. For a long time it was revered, but not worshiped. Later on it was destroyed by king Hezekiah because the people were treating it just like other pagan gods.

See also

• Christian symbolism
• Corpus
• INRI
• Rood

Kruzifix Crucifix Krucifiksas Crucifix Krusifiks Krucyfiks Krusifiksi Krucifix Triumphkreuz