How do I respond to this attack on the crucifix?

[Deblette]

I have an uncle who is a seventh day adventist. He is very anti-catholic. He calls my mother and trys to dispute her catholic beliefs. His lastest was telling her that no where in the bible does it state one must have a crucifix in the church and having one or wearing one is idolatry. She did not know what to say. I told her to tell him Catholics go by the word and tradition. That a crucifix is a reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the reason we worship.
I am going through RCIA and am still new in learning about my faith so I don’t know if what I am saying is correct, it just feels right. Any suggestions on how to answer my uncle?

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

He’s bluffing. While it is true that the New Testament does not tell us that we must have a crucifix, it definitely does not say that having one or wearing one is idolatry. It doesn’t mention crucifixes at all!

I know of no other image that recalls the Lord passion (God’s greatest self Revelation) more vividly than the crucifix—other than the living image we have of His Body and Blood on the altar at Mass! But I’m afraid your uncle is light years away from recognizing this. We need to pray for him.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.