Outward signs of faith for Catholics

[scapularkid8]

We proclaim how great our religion is and a lot of us try to live it, but something I noticed about other religions is this: they seem to make a greater use of outward symbols of faith than we do (i.e. hijab in Islam, red forehead mark in Hinduism, tallis tassels and/or yarmulke in Judaism). I’m not saying it’s a bad thing that we don’t have more symbols to identify us as Catholics, I’m just saying I guess that it couldn’t hurt. I did something in Newark airport yesterday where I wore the Crucifix and first four beads of my Rosary hanging out of my pocket and I realized that I had to be completely accountable for all of my actions as a Christian. I wasn’t just some kid walking through the airport, I had to be careful about all I did because I was acting in the Name of Christ. It wasn’t out of pride that I showed my Rosary, I was just trying to bring Christ to myself and others and I will never know if someone seeing me walking with it could have been so affected their life was changed…you never know.

How can we increase the use of outward signs of devotion as part of our sharing the Good News? This could be taken the wrong way and hypocritical by some, but if done with the right intentions, the Spirit will do the rest as long as we remember we carry Christ.

 

[Della]

I think a crucifix with no rosary beads would be a better option for you, and here’s why. There are young people who wear the rosary as a cultural symbol or even as a gang symbol, sad to say. A good-sized crucifix would certainly tell the world you are a Catholic. I know some people who wear several medals along with their crucifix, but that’s not for me. I’m a bit of a hermit who sees almost no one most days so outward signs of the faith don’t have as big an impact for me as they might have on other more visible people.

 

[JRKH]

There may be a lot of reasons why we do not use many outward signs of our faith. Perhaps the biggest is Jesus admonishment against public displays of piety for the purpose of appearances.

That being said, I think that your idea of exposing the Crucifix and first 4 beads of your rosary was a good idea precisely because of the effect that it had on your actions. So on the one hand, you are declaring your faith and on the other you are more cognisant of the need to live that faith you are publicly declaring.

I wear a medal every day for the same reason, although I rarely wear it exposed. The fact that I have it on and feel it reminds me of who I am, who I belong to and what I profess.

One possible, unintended, side effect of your idea of wearing the exposed rosary would be that you may be approached by a street evangelizer. Great if you are ready to debate and counter-evangelize, not so great if you aren’t ready.

Peace
James

 

[sawman]

Dear Scapularkid8,
I think the idea is that “they shall know us by our love”.
I don’t mean to be a smarty-pants but I really think we are supposed to be readilly identifiable by our actions and behaviour, however else we dress. Just two cents worth.

 

[scapularkid8]

Dear Scapularkid8,
I think the idea is that “they shall know us by our love”.
I don’t mean to be a smarty-pants but I really think we are supposed to be readilly identifiable by our actions and behaviour, however else we dress. Just two cents worth.

I actually agree with you. But I can’t remember to be known by my love unless there’s something else there reminding me that I need to do it…it’s weird, I know, but even when I wear medals or my Scapular I forget I have it on and it just becomes part of the wardrobe if nobody can see it. Does this all depend on the person I guess?

 

[water]

I think that one of the very important outward signs of our faith is to show our love through actions.

 

[sawman]

I actually agree with you. But I can’t remember to be known by my love unless there’s something else there reminding me that I need to do it…it’s weird, I know, but even when I wear medals or my Scapular I forget I have it on and it just becomes part of the wardrobe if nobody can see it. Does this all depend on the person I guess?

Dear Scapularkid8,
It just so happens that I have been thinking a lot lately about why were the apostles so changed? They were radically different people after pentecost than before. They were incredibly different. Thinking about how walking and talking with the God-Man for several years was brought to fruition by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. These people were definatly different. I think this partialy explains the conversion rates as well as the maryterdoms per capita of the early Christians.
What do you think ? They didn’t have scapulars and medals and things like that then did they?

 

[JRKH]

Dear Scapularkid8,
It just so happens that I have been thinking a lot lately about why were the apostles so changed? They were radically different people after pentecost than before. They were incredibly different. Thinking about how walking and talking with the God-Man for several years was brought to fruition by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. These people were definatly different. I think this partialy explains the conversion rates as well as the maryterdoms per capita of the early Christians.
What do you think ? They didn’t have scapulars and medals and things like that then did they?

In one sense they did and another they did not.
Certainly they had to be careful lest they find themselves thrown in prison and turned into collosium kitty food so I’m sure they didn’t wear Christian much jewelry.
However there were a number of “secret” symbols used over the centuries to identify themselves to others. The fish, and the Pax (P over X) symbols come to mind.

Peace
James

 

[Della]

Dear Scapularkid8,
It just so happens that I have been thinking a lot lately about why were the apostles so changed? They were radically different people after pentecost than before. They were incredibly different. Thinking about how walking and talking with the God-Man for several years was brought to fruition by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. These people were definatly different. I think this partialy explains the conversion rates as well as the maryterdoms per capita of the early Christians.
What do you think ? They didn’t have scapulars and medals and things like that then did they?

They didn’t have them because 1) wearing an outward sign of faith meant being thrown to the lions, and 2) medals came out of spiritualities and various orders of the Church that developed later.

The appeal to the ancient Church only goes so far. The Church isn’t stuck in the 1st century. It spans 2000+ years of devotion and spirituality. Wearing some of the symbols that represent them shows how ancient the Church truly is, and that we aren’t just people of a particular time and place, but the people who are to bring the Gospel to our time and our cultures.

 

[sawman]

Perhaps I can clarify myself, I mean what I’m trying to say.
There have been saints down through the centuries who, because of God’s presnce in their lives were outstanding amongst their contemporaries. These people were not standouts because of what they wore, but because of what they were. They brought God with them to every circumstance and situation. They had, possesed God’s immediate and visceral presence,in all that they did and whever they went.

Is this not what should be the mark of the Christian, as opposed to whether an article of clothing or crucifix is worn?

Tht’s all.

 

[Della]

Perhaps I can clarify myself, I mean what I’m trying to say.
There have been saints down through the centuries who, because of God’s presnce in their lives were outstanding amongst their contemporaries. These people were not standouts because of what they wore, but because of what they were. They brought God with them to every circumstance and situation. They had, possesed God’s immediate and visceral presence,in all that they did and whever they went.

Is this not what should be the mark of the Christian, as opposed to whether an article of clothing or crucifix is worn?

Tht’s all.

I think you are setting up a either/or situation where none needs to exist. These same people who loved God that you revere very often were religious who wore habits–definitely an outward sign of their faith. The various scapulars were either modified habits of orders or given to us via visions/apparitions approved by the Church.

No one has to wear an outward sign of the faith in order to be a good Catholic or even a saint, but they do show others at a glance who we are and what we believe, as well as serving as helps to faith for those who wear them, which is why the Church approves of them.

 

[scapularkid8]

Perhaps I can clarify myself, I mean what I’m trying to say.
There have been saints down through the centuries who, because of God’s presnce in their lives were outstanding amongst their contemporaries. These people were not standouts because of what they wore, but because of what they were. They brought God with them to every circumstance and situation. They had, possesed God’s immediate and visceral presence,in all that they did and whever they went.

Is this not what should be the mark of the Christian, as opposed to whether an article of clothing or crucifix is worn?

Tht’s all.

I can see what you mean, but I’m no saint and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wearing these things as long as we personally understand why and when it’s appropriate and what implications it has on our daily actions.

It’s really comforting seeing a a crucifix or miraculous medal every once and a while on other Catholics because you know they’re striving for the same goals and following the Truth in a sea of doubts and confusion and you’re not alone.

 

[sawman]

Dear Della,
You are most correct.
I won’t belabor a point that I can’t even express properly.
Sorry to have bothered you.

 

[sawman]

Dear Scapularkid8,
You go!
I were a St. Michael’s scapular and a Miraculous Medal.
This a new practice for me.
I in no way wish to discourage you. at all.
I simply am unable to make the my point clearly.

God Bless You.

 

[Della]

Dear Della,
You are most correct.
I won’t belabor a point that I can’t even express properly.
Sorry to have bothered you.

No, it’s fine. It’s just that the Church has been battling various forms of gnosticism for nearly all its existence. And the idea that outward signs are unnecessary (although you never said that nor did I read it into your comments) seems ever in the wings ready to raise its ugly head.

Also, some of our Protestant brethren seem to have the odd notion that showing devotion or wearing signs of them is some sort of idolatry. So, I was just trying to nip that idea in the bud.

Sorry for the long explanation. I wish I could be briefer.

 

[jujubee]

I find it very comforting and uplifting when I wear my medal. I agree with those who say it is an important reminder of how we should behave. It just keeps things in the forefront of my mind.

I also relate to the poster who said that it can be very encouraging to see other Catholics with their crucifixes or medals. Even if I don’t have a clue about who the person is or what his/her life is like, I identify with that person.

Sometimes, as a woman, I need to wear a certain type of necklace for a certain outfit, and my religious jewelry just doesn’t work. This is especially true if my husband has given me some jewelry and I want to wear it for him. I was just looking online for a pretty rosary bracelet that I could wear in those times so that I could still have something tangible to remind me of my faith. I found one that was silver and the rosary beads were in the shape of the Sacred Heart. It has a small crucifix and Miraculous Medal near the closure.

 

[scapularkid8]

I’m looking for a Star of David with a crucifix on it to wear on a chain outside my shirt actually since I have Jewish heritage and a special love for the Jewish people, but I can only find a Magden David with a cross. If anyone can find one with a crucifix please post!

I think sometimes, while not ignoring our own tradtitions (Miraculous Medal, ect.) we could incorporate some more Jewish-Christian connection themed jewelry into the Catholic “selection” of items (even though it’s already infinite )

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Be careful about using outward signs, especially where you’re not holy enough to present the faith in a holy manor.

I remember when I first came back into the faith, I wore a Charismatic Cross around my neck. The first time I lost my temper and used foul language, I realized, I was not ready to display my faith in this way. I realized that I in fact did more harm to the image of Christ, than I promoted Him. I dragged His name through the mud with me.

Also, I remember being told by a co-worker, that he saw a car with all sorts of Christian bumper stickers one if which said, “Honk if You Love Jesus,.” He honked and the driver threw him the finger. My co-worker was really impressed with Christianity after seeing that.

When I look back at the people I came to knew as being holy, and who drew me to faith, their holiness showed in their humility and as I reflect I can’t remember whether they wore symbols or not. If they did, apparently it was their holiness that impressed me and not the symbols.

Jim

 

[Eileen_T]

Be careful about using outward signs, especially where you’re not holy enough to present the faith in a holy manor.

I remember when I first came back into the faith, I wore a Charismatic Cross around my neck. The first time I lost my temper and used foul language, I realized, I was not ready to display my faith in this way. I realized that I in fact did more harm to the image of Christ, than I promoted Him. I dragged His name through the mud with me.

Also, I remember being told by a co-worker, that he saw a car with all sorts of Christian bumper stickers one if which said, “Honk if You Love Jesus,.” He honked and the driver threw him the finger. My co-worker was really impressed with Christianity after seeing that.

When I look back at the people I came to knew as being holy, and who drew me to faith, their holiness showed in their humility and as I reflect I can’t remember whether they wore symbols or not. If they did, apparently it was their holiness that impressed me and not the symbols.

Jim

After I put a rosary on the rear-view mirror of my car, I actually became a more courteous driver simply because I realised my behaviour would be seen as representative of Catholics.

I can see what you mean, but I’m no saint and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wearing these things as long as we personally understand why and when it’s appropriate and what implications it has on our daily actions.

It’s really comforting seeing a a crucifix or miraculous medal every once and a while on other Catholics because you know they’re striving for the same goals and following the Truth in a sea of doubts and confusion and you’re not alone.

I agree. Like seeing a priest with a roman collar or a religious in a habit.

I wear a scapular. Others can’t see it, mostly, because it reminds me to be modest in what I wear.

I used to wear a crucifix and miraculous medal but the chain irritates my skin. I am planning on making a rosary with a necklace catch to wear, hopefully the beads will not affect me. I do sometimes wear a rosary bracelet I made, but it gets in the way with the keyboard.

On my keyring I have OL of Guadalupe.