in human culture has long cross confer sacred meaning.Many people consider it a symbol of the Christian faith, but it is not so.Ancient Egyptian ankh, Assyrian and Babylonian symbols of the god of the sun - all variants of the cross, which were inherent attributes of pagan beliefs of peoples around the world.Even the South American tribes Chibcha-muiskov, one of the most advanced civilizations of the time, along with the Incas, Aztecs and Mayans used the cross in their rituals in the belief that it protects people from evil and personifies the forces of nature.In Christianity, the cross (Roman Catholic, Protestant or Orthodox) is closely related to a martyr's death of Jesus Christ.
Cross Catholic and Protestant
image of a cross in Christianity has some variability, as he often changed his views over time.Known types of Christian crosses Celtic sunny, Greek, Byzantine, Jerusalem, Orthodox, Latin, etc.By the way, it is the latter is currently used by representatives of two of the three major Christian denominations (Protestant and Roman Catholicism).Catholic Cross differs from the Protestant presence of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.This phenomenon is explained by the fact that Protestants consider the cross a symbol of a shameful death, which had taken the Savior.In those ancient times, only criminals and thieves were sentenced to death by crucifixion.After his miraculous resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, so put on the cross a crucifix with a living Savior Protestants consider blasphemous and disrespectful to the son of God.
differences from the Orthodox cross
in Catholicism and Orthodoxy way of the cross is far more differences.So if a Catholic cross (pictured right) has a standard four-point form, the Orthodox - six or eight-pointed as it is attended by the foot and titlos.Another difference appears in the image of the crucifixion of Christ.In Orthodoxy is usually depicted Savior triumphs over death.Outstretched hand, he embraces all those who gave their lives for, as if to say that his death served a good purpose.In contrast, the Catholic cross with a crucifix - a martyr's image of Christ.It serves as a constant reminder to all the faithful of the death and prior to her agony that the Son of God suffered.
Cross of St. Peter
Inverted Catholic cross in western Christianity is not a sign of Satan, as they like to us to convince third-rate horror films.It is often used in Catholic iconography and decoration of churches and identified with one of the disciples of Jesus Christ.According to the assertions of the Roman Catholic Church, St. Peter, believing himself unworthy to die as the Savior chose to be crucified upside down on an inverted cross.Hence its name - the cross of Peter.At various photographs of the Pope can often see this Catholic cross that from time to time cause unflattering accusations of the church in its relation to the Antichrist.
