In my experience, preferring the crucifix (the cross with the figure, also known as the corpus, of the crucified Jesus on it) versus the cross (without any symbol of Christ on it) is often influenced by what denomination of the Christian faith we claim. For Protestants, the symbol of the cross without a corpus signifies the risen Christ. You will not find many Protestant churches with a crucifix displayed prominently. Some might say that is because we are an “Easter people.” Yet, in the Catholic church a crucifix is, I will have to say always, prominently displayed.
I will not argue that as a Christian one is better than the other. Instead, I will say that our Christian faith says it is both. You cannot have one without the other.
As I was making these Chotkis (see the history and meaning of these prayer beads under Types… on the right hand column of this website) I was pondering my own Christian faith and what I choose to focus on. The traditional prayer used with the Orthodox Chotki is what is known as the Jesus Prayer–Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
The same dualism between the crucifix and the cross could also be seen in the Jesus Prayer. For some, it might have too much focus on sin. That might be true, but for me I have found that there is a significant paradox in the Jesus Prayer. When I use the Jesus Prayer in my own prayers, there is a profound feeling of release and forgiveness. There is something about the acknowledgement of my sins that opens up a place in me for healing.
Just as in the great paradox of the Christian faith that it is in death we have life, I believe acknowledging my weaknesses and sins–letting go of them, dying to self, letting go of my pride–I am actually able to experience the healing power of forgiveness and new life in Christ.
From my perspective of growing up in the Lutheran church, this has been very profound for me.
Whether it is the crucifix or cross that speaks to your soul, I invite you to try using the Jesus Prayer in your own prayers.
