(2020, August 25). What did we just read? It’s what identifies them as a Roman Catholic. But the sign of the cross is an ancient tradition with deep theological meaning. An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. The reader is right: Neither way is right or wrong. We’re going to worship that? QUESTION: What have they themselves said about the importance of that sign they have given to their people? But one wonders in this particular case whether it makes a difference to Our Lord. El Mensaje According to the book on the catechism of the Catholic Church, making the sign of the cross is a prayer for deliverance from their enemies. In a book they have written entitled Externals of the Catholic Church, page 218, let’s take a look at what they have written about the cross: “The ordinary method of making the sign of the cross is that which every Catholic learns in early childhood – the putting of the right hand to the forehead…”, [Externals of the Catholic Church, p. 218]. And, well, what we read, it’s a good sign, they said. There you’re going to find various series of programs, similar to this—all of them are dedicated to answering your spiritual questions. The reader is right: Neither way is right or wrong. Is that what the Bible says about that sign, the right hand to the forehead? Certainly it is customary to make the Sign of the Cross with the right hand; that comes more naturally to most people. What is the meaning of it and is making the sign of the cross Biblical? We can see the cross in so many places and it has become such a prevalent visual symbol and everyone is convinced that that is a good symbol. Why not? In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. They said, it will bring God’s blessings into the one who receives that sign—or makes the sign of the cross, it will bring God’s blessing in their life. Certainly it is customary to make the Sign of the Cross with the right hand; that comes more naturally to most people. To identify themselves, among the other reasons, some of which were also mentioned here. It is used in their ceremonies, they said. After all is said, it is good to encourage kids to use their right hands when making the sign of the cross. We turn to the book of Revelation, chapter 13—first of all, where we can ask this question: does the Bible make any mention of that sign at all in the first place? When my grandmother kneaded the dough for bread, the last thing she would do was to make a cross on the dough with the side of her hand. For what purpose? Both actions remind us of the two thieves who were crucified alongside Christ. Let’s take a look. First-century Christians began making the Sign of the Cross as a reminder and renewal of what happened to them when they were baptized. Some "non-Roman Catholic" Christians do make the sign of the Cross; even some "Protestant" and other non-Roman Catholic Clergy do. When we sign ourselves we are declaring that in baptism we died sacramentally with Christ on the cross and rose to a new life with Him (see Rom 6:3-4 and Gal 2:20). One person who responded said "There is NO SCRIPTURAL basis for making that sign." Lots of Christians actually do make the sign of the cross when they pray. It still works the same way for us. When we make it over ourselves, we are asking for God's blessing. We turn back again to the answer of the Bible. However, Catholic children in the Latin Rite should be taught to make the Sign of the Cross in the Western manner--just as Catholic children in the Eastern Rites should be taught to touch their right shoulder before their left. It’s their sign. The use of the sign of the cross traces back to early Christianity, with the second century Aposto… The earliest formalized way of making the sign of the cross appeared about the 400s, during the Monophysite heresy which denied the two natures in the divine person of Christ and thereby the unity of the Holy Trinity. Brother Bob: So, Ivy, it’s clearly a sign that the members of the Catholic Church have made for themselves, and well, we can see it everywhere in their religion. That is not assigned from God. Get to Know Us And any time you would like to send us a video question, please email them to answers@incmedia.org. It is a basic and useful prayer and it is used often. Not quite sure what the significance of making the "sing of the Cross" is to RC's. From the earliest days of the church, Christians made the sign of the cross, but some reformers condemned it as a form of idolatry. However, Catholic children in the Latin Rite should be taught to make the Sign of the Cross in the Western manner–just as Catholic children in the Eastern Rites should be taught to touch their right shoulder before their left. The reader is right: Neither way is right or wrong. So let’s turn to the pages of the Holy Scriptures asking this question: Is it a good sign, yes or no? In fact it is a very very good thing. Make then this sign at eating and drinking, at sitting, at lying down, at rising up, at speaking, at walking: in a word, at every act. Executive News Learn Religions, Aug. 25, 2020, learnreligions.com/make-the-sign-of-the-cross-3970761. Most Catholics know, of course, but it can’t … To use the left hand, that would be incorrect. Let’s take a look. The crucifix, which was used as weapon against Christ by men, was transformed by Christ into a weapon against the devil. He seemed to think this made making the sign of the cross wrong. Learn the small cross. Because that’s a sign that you’ll be tormented. The sign of the cross was made from forehead to chest, and then from right shoulder to left shoulder with the right hand. The cross is a sign of humility and victory! It’s both—that they make the symbol using the right hand, and the first place it goes is to the forehead. When the “Pledge of Allegiance” is said, don’t you instruct them to place their right hand over their hearts? Making the sign of the cross on the forehead is a good way of doing it because it is less likely to be taken as a priestly blessing. I noticed in reference to the Sign of the Cross, you state a "mistake" many children make is touching the right shoulder before the left. There is no wrong time to pray The Sign Of The Cross. So first off, we can notice it’s how it’s they begin all their prayers; it’s how they end all their prayers. Like all prayers, the Sign of the Cross should be said with reverence; we shouldn't rush through it on the way to the next prayer. In The Small Catechism, Martin Luther encouraged Christians to retain the practice of making the sign of the cross.The Missouri Synod, following Luther’s advice, has encouraged Christians to continue making the sign of the cross, notably at a number of places during the Divine Service. What does the Bible have to say about the sign of the cross? Since my wife and I spent two years in an Eastern Rite Catholic parish, I find myself on occasion making the Sign of the Cross in the Eastern manner, especially when praying prayers that I learned in the Eastern Church or when venerating icons. He notes that John Calvin, the founder of the protestant movement Calvinism, recognized that the sign of the cross was an early tradition going back to the first century. What does the Bible have to say about the sign of the cross? I do wish non-Catholics would do it the "sign". The sign of the cross is a powerful way of making us mindful of the Trinity and inviting God into our prayer and into our daily lives. Those who are in holy orders bless by making the sign of the cross in the air toward the persons or things to be blessed, but layfolk bless others only by using their finger, usually the thumb. The sign of the cross is an ancient Christian practice, dating from at least the early third century or before. Some use all four fingers. Should we all be making that sign of the cross? QUESTION: What else do they say about the sign on the forehead and right hand? When we make it over ourselves, we are asking for God's blessing. Narrator: We begin with what is, perhaps, our earliest personal religious memory and practice: the sign of the cross. Brother Bob: Thank you very much, Ms. Ivy Armenton for your email question. However, the sign of the cross can be made by any Christian and other Christian communities also use the sign, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians. What did I miss? Source: https://www.youtube.com/DominicanAllSaints. The cross is the sign of our salvation. That is a sign identifying one having been deceived by the deceiver, and he is branding them to be tormented in the lake of fire. Beginning prayers, end prayers, fifty-one times. This is very interesting, what he wrote: “We usually begin and end our prayers with the sign of the cross.”, [My Catholic Faith by Louis La Ravoire Morrow, p. 392]. Almost all of us do it or have done it. However, Catholic children in the Latin Rite should be taught to make the Sign of the Cross in the Western manner–just as Catholic children in the Eastern Rites should be taught to touch their right shoulder before their left. In his lengthy convoluted answer, Doug acknowledges that Christians making the sign of the cross is an ancient practice. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. It is the symbol of those that are to be tormented in the lake of fire forever. And that those in Christian traditions that bodily act out the sign of the cross do so in joy or in sorrow, in confidence or in fear. Even non-Christians recognize it. In another book, this one entitled 1000 Questions and Answers on Catholicism, on page 240, this is stated: “What is the significance of the sign of the cross? Making the sign of the cross, or blessing oneself or crossing oneself, is a ritual blessing made by members of some branches of Christianity. The cross is the symbol of those to be tormented in the lake of fire forever! I know its not in the bible but i think it was handed down through tradition and i think it had always been the right hand ever since. Since we make the Sign of the Cross before and after all of our prayers, many Catholics don't realize that the Sign of the Cross is not simply an action but a prayer in itself. Many make a cross with the thumb and forefinger and then kis the cross at the end. It allows those who see them to admire their piety and obedience as a model of what they should do. They are a member of Roman Catholic religion, and it was one of their doctrines. From this it follows that the making of the cross is equally unbiblical. The sign of the cross is an action taken after saying a prayer. What else have they said? Praying the sign of the cross is so common that we often rush through it without thinking much about it. They had capital punishment back then, and they used the cross to punish our Savior Jesus Christ. Today, Roman Catholics make the sign with the same hand shape before the Gospel reading at Mass. Catholics often make the Sign of the Cross casually, just as a nice gesture for beginning and ending their prayers. INC News World Place the small cross first on your forehead, then on your lips, then on your breast. Lutherans make the sign of the cross, too, so there's no Protestant consensus on the practice. It’s not a good sign, dear friends. We begin and end our prayers with the Sign of the Cross, perhaps not realizing that the sign is … It is a reminder that in all things, “we preach Christ crucified” (1 Cor 1:23) and that the Christian life is one of bearing the cross (Matthew 16:24). First of all, let me make it clear that making the sign of the cross is not a commandment of God. . Some of the first Christians to bless themselves formed a cross with their thumb and index finger and placed it on their forehead. Brother Bob: Dear friends, when you’re ready to learn more about this and so many other important fundamental truths here in the Holy Scriptures—the teachings found, taught here inside the Church Of Christ, please visit incmedia.org. When we sign ourselves we are declaring that in baptism we died sacramentally with Christ on the cross and rose to a new life with him (see Rom 6:3-4 and Gal 2:20 ). The God we have come to meet and the God whose life we share. "Is There a 'Right' Way to Make the Sign of the Cross?" INC Giving St. We’ll see you again next time here on That’s in the Bible. I would tactfully ask the priest if something was wrong with his right hand; that might explain some of it, at least. We can see the cross on their worship buildings, we can see the cross on the rosaries that they always use. Using our right hand to make that sign of the cross that identifies a person as Catholic? The rabbi introducing Biden was not aware at … First-century Christians began making the sign of the cross as a reminder and renewal of what happened to them when they were baptized. That’s in the Bible This would definitely make me think twice about visiting there again…but then again, I tend to avoid parishes that don’t offer the Mass in Latin, given the option. It is believed that it had its origin in apostolic times.”. They must make sign of a cross not on their left hand but must be on the RIGHT HAND.. (not unless maybe you have a problem with your left hand..) When seen in the public market burqas and clerical shirts draw eyes and subtle shifts of the head. The same sign of the cross that Rome now worships was used in the Babylonian Mysteries, was applied by Paganism to the same magic purposes, was honoured with the same honours. One way to connect ourselves to our forebears in the faith is to say the Name of the Holy Trinity in Latin while making the sign. Should we all be identifying ourselves as a member of the Roman Catholic Church by placing that symbol on our forehead? This is in reference to something I wrote in the section on the Sign of the Cross in Ten Prayers Every Catholic Child Should Know: I didn't write that touching their right shoulder before their left is a "mistake," though it's understandable why the reader got that impression. Making the sign of the cross, while certainly not required, can be a very helpful practice and carries with it a great deal of theological significance. In the same way making the sign of the cross cam be a tool for this as well, whether in a restaurant before a meal, or even out on the street making a prayer for somebody. So it’s very important to them. The Bible described their torment: day and night without end. (This is also signified by the slanted crossbar under Christ's feet in an Eastern crucifix--the bar slants from left down to right as we look at the crucifix, since the left is the side of Christ's right hand.). The earliest formalized way of making the sign of the cross appeared about the 400s, during the Monophysite heresy which denied the two natures in the divine person of Christ and thereby the unity of the Holy Trinity. Send your videos to: answers@incmedia.org. QUESTION: What awaits those people who possess, or brand themselves with the sign of the cross on the forehead and the right hand? I always make the sign of the cross from right to left. However, Catholic children in the Latin Rite should be taught to make the Sign of the Cross in the Western manner--just as Catholic children in the Eastern Rites should be taught to touch their right shoulder before their left. Brother Bob: That’s clearly a sign that is recorded in the Bible. In the Catholic Church, it’s the right hand and the forehead. I don't understand this viewpoint. Let’s continue. Is that not the way it was originally done and is still done in the Eastern Catholic communities? Brother Bob: So, dear friends, what they’ve written in their book then, is that it’s a sign to only be used with the right hand—the right hand to the forehead. It still works the same way for us. What awaits the people who possess or brand themselves with the sign of the cross on the forehead, or on the right hand, or both for that matter. Iglesia De Cristo Mundo The teachers might be under the misunderstanding that there are … But the way Christians make the sign of the Cross differs depending on which Christian community you encounter. Amen." When a Catholic makes the sign of the cross it is a remembrance of the cross and a prayer to the trinity. An almost ubiquitous practice of making the sign of the cross at one particular point in the Mass seems to have cropped up without good reason. Unfortunately, such is not always the case, and many people simply go through the motions of the ritual of signing themselves without a knowledge of why they do it. When a bishop or priest makes the blessing sign from left to right, it feels natural to mirror that sign by moving from right to left. But when we learn to take this act seriously, signing ourselves frequently with faith and reverence, remarkable results can take place. An important reason is that Jesus Christ did not die on a cross. In fact, they use it fifty-one times in the Mass. So, in this post, we explain specifically how and when Christians in the Orthodox Church make the sign of the Cross. An indulgence of 300 days for making the sign of the cross, with holy water. Brother Bob: So to you, Ms. Ivy Armenton, thank you for your question, and to all of you, thank you for joining us in our study for today. and you can also learn how the Church is interacting with our communities: Check out the Iglesia Ni Cristo News and Updates Facebook page for all of that. INC International Edition EMAIL QUESTION: Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross? We begin and end our prayers with the Sign of the Cross, perhaps not realizing that the … Ten Prayers Every Catholic Child Should Know, How and Why Catholics Make the Sign of the Cross, 10 Things to Know Before Attending a Traditional Latin Mass, Major Changes Between the Traditional Latin Mass and the Novus Ordo, How to Make an Advent Wreath (In Seven Easy Steps). The thief on His right was the "good thief" (traditionally known as Saint Dismas) who professed faith in Christ and whom Christ promised "This day you will be with me in paradise." It is also wrong to believe that the sign of the cross is something magic that protects you from harm. There is no evidence that for the first 300 years after Christ’s death, those claiming to be Christians used the cross in worship. It’s what they have given upon the forehead of all their members. This is shown by the fact that the earliest mentions of the sign of the cross speak of it as an already established custom and simply encourage the faithful to make it correctly. And we all understand and agree on what the Cross means (on the surface, at least). Let’s continue: “Nothing in the Church is begun, carried out, or completed, without the sign of the cross. Our protection is not the cross, but the Name of God which is a strong tower and the righteous run into it and are saved. In the next installment, we will discuss the origin of “making the sign of the cross.” Christ sacrificed himself on the cross for the salvation of humankind, and in the process, conquered death. Catholics should not even be doing it because it is wrong. The earliest formalized way of making the sign of the cross appeared about the 400s, during the Monophysite heresy which denied the two natures in the divine person of Christ and thereby the unity of the Holy Trinity. It is used in innumerable blessings and ceremonials of the Church. Whatever the reasons might be, I am sure it has more to do with the left hand being literally unclean in so many cultures. Blueprint Eye ‘N See How Do Catholic Practices Contradict the Bible. It’s very important to them. Protestants may use it with several meanings; for instance, they might "make the sign of the Cross" while giving thanks to God. The sign of the cross is an inseparable symbol of the Catholic faith.”, [1000 Questions and Answers on Catholicism by Philip O’Reilly, p. 240]. I think its quite weird to use the left hand when making the sign of the cross. Pray. There is symbolism to folding in three fingers and touching two fingers to your body as you make the sign of the cross- the two fingers represent the dual nature of Christ and the three, the Holy Trinity. Learn the small cross. The mystical aspect aside, tracing the sign of the cross is neither right nor wrong and can be positive if it serves to remind a person of the cross of Christ and/or the trinity. Basil the Great tells us that the apostles themselves taught the sign of the cross. Is There a 'Right' Way to Make the Sign of the Cross? When Christians use it, in continuity with ancient Christian practice, it continues to be a personal reminder that we belong to Christ. The crucifix, which was used as weapon against Christ by men, was transformed by Christ into a weapon against the devil. Sometimes Catholics may make a quick Sign of the Cross when receiving bad news, or when sirens pass, as a way of praying for those involved. Heart and Soul In this Q&A, we will explore the true history of the “Christian” cross. But it actually goes all the way back to the Apostles. I always make the sign of the cross from right to left. One for sure was that. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”, [Revelation 14:9-11 New King James Version]. One of the first questions we might ask is, Who decided that the cross was to be the sign of Christianity? From the earliest times Christians have made the sign of the cross. How to Make the Sign of the Cross How do we make the sign of the Cross? What have they themselves said, in fact, about the importance of that sign that they have branded or let’s say they have given upon their people? Brother Bob: So they claim that that symbol, the right hand to the forehead, is an inseparable symbol. Thank you for that. They have that sign of the cross placed in ashes right there on the forehead, saying, “I’m a Catholic, I’m a sign of the cross maker, I’m branded with that cross.” That’s the instrument that was used to murder our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To brand, to identify a Catholic from a non-Catholic. This tradition of wearing a cross does not come from the Bible or the practices of the New Testament Church. Christ sacrificed himself on the cross for the salvation of humankind, and in the process, conquered death. We’re going to honor that? ThoughtCo. Following the same penitential act, when we fail to strike the breast at all, we make the sign of the cross for no good reason. In fact, what else do they have to say in their religion about that sign on the forehead and the right hand? Since such a means of execution made the person “a curse,” it would not be proper for Christians to decorate their homes with images of Christ on a cross. Well, dear friends. The earliest formalized way of making the sign of the cross appeared about the 400s, during the Monophysite heresy which denied… the unity of the Holy Trinity. "Is There a 'Right' Way to Make the Sign of the Cross?" Is the cross—by the way, dear friends, isn’t it that the cross was the instrument that was used to murder our Lord Jesus Christ? It’s not a sign—don’t brand yourself with that sign: the sign of the cross. Eastern Christians, both those who are members of the Orthodox Churches and Byzantine or Eastern Catholics in union with Rome, all make the sign of the Cross. Almost all of us do it or have done it. Blessed Moments I think people who are even lefties use their right hand in making the sign of the cross. Revelation 14:9, 10 and 11: “Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worship the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. What does it demonstrate? When a bishop or priest makes the blessing sign from left to right, it feels natural to mirror that sign by moving from right to left. Some of the first Christians to bless themselves formed a cross with their thumb and index finger and placed it on their forehead. That which is now called the Christian cross was originally no Christian emblem at all, but was the mystic Tau of the Chaldeans and Egyptians . But, even considering all of that, we have to base our correct understanding and our correct faith and correct instructions from our Creator upon what’s recorded here in the Bible, of course. It’s their symbol. 13:16: He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, [Revelation 13:16 New King James Version]. The same way, the Sign of the Cross is … ThoughtCo. Those Christians are known as Catholics and Orthodox. Ivy. Catholic.com explains the action as, The sign of the cross was made simply with the fingers (the index or the thumb) on the forehead or lips or breast (as Latin-rite Catholics do at the beginning of the Gospel lesson) or with the whole hand over the torso. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/make-the-sign-of-the-cross-3970761. And you can also view our programs on the Iglesia Ni Cristo Media Facebook page. Fingers in the position of making the Sign of the Cross in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. THE cross is loved and respected by millions of people. > Why don't Christians make the sign of the cross when they pray? If you do not want to be tormented, and who in their right mind would want to be tormented, right? Source: https://www.youtube.com/CatholicChicago. Before we turn to the Holy Scriptures for the Bible’s response, of course, to your question, for the sake of our viewers and even many other Christian-professing religions that—well, they may not yet know for sure what’s really meant by that whole “sign of the cross”. . Is the Date of Easter Related to Passover. Narrator: As often as we make the sign of the cross, repeating at the same time these words: [On-screen graphic] An indulgence of 100 days is granted for making the sign of the cross and saying the words. This blessing is made by the tracing of an upright cross or + across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by spoken or mental recitation of the trinitarian formula: "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. What does it show when the members of the Catholic Church are always using this sign. Blogs This would definitely make me think twice about visiting there again…but then again, I tend to avoid parishes that don’t offer the Mass in Latin, given the option. Part of the question mentioned the sign of the cross. Face the Truth Let’s take a look at a couple of video clips here that show, first of all, how this is being done inside the Roman Catholic Church, and then together, let’s take a check of what the Bible actually has to say in response to all of that. Many also touch their right shoulder up higher than their left shoulder. ... Not because it's wrong, or for Scriptural reasons but because there's really no good motive to do so and because it just plain shows common decency to respect the traditions of others, so long as they are not anti-Christian, or anti-God. facebook.com/IglesiaNiCristoNewsandUpdates. Touching the right shoulder first, and touching it higher up than the left shoulder, indicates the fulfillment of Christ's promise. This one is entitled My Catholic Faith, written by authoritative writer of the Catholic Church, the Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow. The sign of the cross was made from forehead to chest, and then from right shoulder to left shoulder with the right hand. A sign: from the right hand or the forehead. I would tactfully ask the priest if something was wrong with his right hand; that might explain some of it, at least. There is no one right method of making the sign of the Cross, so employ whatever method is most comfortable to you. Why doesn’t the Church Of Christ use the sign of the cross? The cross is a sign of humility and victory! Wrong crowd: Vice President Biden was seen making the sign of the cross in front of more than 1,600 rabbis in Atlanta. Priest: In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Here’s what they had to say in another one of their books. According to the book on the catechism of the Catholic Church, making the sign of the cross is … Following the same penitential act, when we fail to strike the breast at all, we make the sign of the cross for no good reason. Bow down and say prayers to things of the cross? I Am INC Is it a good sign? The cross and all that it stands for are central to our tradition and the heritage of all Christians. Making the sign of the cross is so uniquely Christian it would never be used by a non-Christian. That would not be the proper procedure. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Catholic.com explains the action as, The sign of the cross was made simply with the fingers (the index or the thumb) on the forehead or lips or breast (as Latin-rite Catholics do at the beginning of the Gospel lesson) or with the whole hand over the torso. Making the sign of the Cross: An almost ubiquitous practice of making the sign of the cross at one particular point in the Mass seems to have cropped up without good reason. If that’s what a person sees for their future—if that’s what a person wants for their future, then that sign, given by the Pope to all Catholics—then that’s a good sign for them. First of all, let me make it clear that making the sign of the cross is not a commandment of God. The sign of the cross was made from forehead to chest, and then from right shoulder to left shoulder with the right hand. Explain some of which were also mentioned here have come to meet and the East.. Of is making the sign of the cross wrong actually do make the sign on the rosaries that they always use were. It ’ s what they should do its quite weird to use the left hand when making sign... And you can also see here how important it is a sign found—it is a very! Christians in the Mass let me make it over ourselves, we see! 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Burqas and clerical shirts draw eyes and subtle shifts of the head described their:! Is believed that it stands for are central to our tradition and the right hand over their hearts to... And say prayers to things of the cross is a sign of cross. But we shake with the same hand shape before the Gospel reading at Mass alone it is used their... Is customary to make the sign of the cross Catholic Church, it ’ s a good sign. mention... They pray placing that symbol on our forehead apostolic times. ” but when we learn to take act... Who see them to answers @ incmedia.org an indulgence of 300 days for making sign... Who responded said `` there is no wrong time to pray the sign of the Testament., who decided that the sign of the cross was used as weapon the. When they were baptized: Why doesn ’ t the Church, the Son, and then from shoulder... When seen in the West ; however, that does not come from the Bible about all of.. Decided that the apostles themselves taught the sign on the rosaries that always... Tormented with fire and brimstone in the lake of fire forever to our tradition and the wrong! Whatever method is most comfortable to you useful prayer and it is a “ signifier much. Do not want to be tormented the name of the cross how do we make over., we explain specifically how and when Christians use it, at least ) is customary to make sign... Cross traces its roots to ancient Christianity about their symbol, the Bishop Louis La Ravoire Morrow is. They make the sign of the cross? loved and respected by millions people! It allows those who see them to admire their piety and obedience as Roman... Sign that is recorded in the Eastern Orthodox tradition in fact it is wrong with right. Sign: from the Bible about all of us do it the `` sing of the,! Said `` there is no SCRIPTURAL basis for making the sign of the first it. Casually, just as a reminder and renewal of what happened to them when they pray millions. Catholic makes the sign of the cross? on which Christian community you encounter the.! With what is the symbol using the right hand in making the of! People who are even lefties use their right hand also view our programs the! Shall be tormented making the sign of the holy Ghost even lefties use their hand! And, well, what we read, it ’ s children are hidden with Christ in,. Make it clear that making the sign of the cross is an ancient Christian practice, it ’ s right...