Ankh crucifix

[FHC]

Is it OK for a Christian to wear the Ankh cross. I am aware of its origins in ancient Egyptian beliefs, but have seen it for sale as Christian jewellery. Can it be considered “Christianised”?

 

[thirddec]

If you are wearing it a piece of jewelry I would say no; but if you are wearing it as a talisman then it would be wrong.

 

[SonCatcher]

It is unfortunate how many people are ignorant that an ankh is NOT a Christian symbol. As a simple piece of jewelry, there is no problem, as the ancient Egyptian religion is extinct. However, I would advise removing it whenever practicing your Christian faith actively (i.e. performing some ministry) as it could cause confusion for others. One altar server I know wore an ankh ring while serving at Mass. I thought it rather inappropriate.

 

[puzzleannie]

it is not a crucifix which by definition is a Christian symbol consisting of the figure of the crucified Christ on a cross.

If it is just jewelry, fine, if you are wearing it because of some new age or mystic symbolisim or ritualistic meaning, no, not fine for a Christian.

 

[1ke]

It is unfortunate how many people are ignorant that an ankh is NOT a Christian symbol.

The anhk did not begin as a Christian symbol. And, technically speaking the anhk is not a Christian symbol.

However, the Coptics based their cross upon it, and it has ancient origins in Christian symbolism.

As a Christian symbol it would be properly called crux ansata– the ansate cross-- or the looped Tau cross.

 

[1ke]

Is it OK for a Christian to wear the Ankh cross. I am aware of its origins in ancient Egyptian beliefs, but have seen it for sale as Christian jewellery. Can it be considered “Christianised”?

Yes, it is perfectly fine.

 

[FHC]

Thank you to all who replied. The advice has been most helpful and much appreciated. The item was bought inadvertently by someone who didnt know the origins of the symbol. So far it has not been worn, it has just been sat on the mantle piece. It is interesting to know that the Copts based theirs on it.

 

[SonCatcher]

However, the Coptics based their cross upon it, and it has ancient origins in Christian symbolism.

I was not aware the Copts co-opted the symbol. That happens quite a bit, actually. My current pastor has a chasuble that features a Chinese image that he explains was originally a Chinese goddess but has been adopted by Catholics as an image of Our Lady due to persecution.

 

[John_Paul_Jones]

It is unfortunate how many people are ignorant that an ankh is NOT a Christian symbol. As a simple piece of jewelry, there is no problem, as the ancient Egyptian religion is extinct. However, I would advise removing it whenever practicing your Christian faith actively (i.e. performing some ministry) as it could cause confusion for others. One altar server I know wore an ankh ring while serving at Mass. I thought it rather inappropriate.

I know a parishioner who wears all kinds of non-Christian symbols, I don’t think there is one religious symbol or superstitious amulet not represented around his neck, with all those gold chains he looks like Mr T - and he is a reader! Why a priests would allow someone to read at mass, that wear as jewelry different types of religious and superstitious symbols is beyond me.

Is it OK for a Christian to wear the Ankh cross. I am aware of its origins in ancient Egyptian beliefs, but have seen it for sale as Christian jewellery. Can it be considered “Christianised”?

The title to the thread is “Ankh crucifix” but you ask “Is it OK for a Christian to wear the Ankh cross?]” There is a difference between a “crucifix” and a “cross” where the former has the image of our crucified Lord, Jesus Christ. Does the ankh in question have an image of Jesus or is it plain?

Anyway I would advise not wearing it at all. The ankh is associated with ancient Egyptian though the religion itself is extinct, New Ageism has exhumed many superstitions, beliefs and symbols from the past. You might not be into that but shouldn’t want to unwittingly promote it either. You have to ask yourself do you want to bear witness to Jesus Christ alone or do you want to give credence or promote other religions and superstitions as well? What the ankh represents could be anything from “a totem representing male and female reproductive parts” or “It may also have been associated with the “Sa” (the hieroglyphic symbol which represented magical protection)” Ancient Egyptian Religion Whatever the case whether from it’s original New Age meaning (as an amulet for protection against evil), it’s not compatible with Christianity. No, I wouldn’t consider it Christianized.

 

[FHC]

The title to the thread is “Ankh crucifix” but you ask “Is it OK for a Christian to wear the Ankh cross?]”

Thanks for spotting that. It is a cross. No image of our Crucified Lord. I had realised my error when I asked the question, but forgot to change the title.