Two thousand years ago, the Roman hand-crafted them out of real wood—rugged, solid, durable—stained with natural colors. Awe and respect were felt for the manufacturers of these creations.

For a more contemporary look, there are polished aluminum, Plexiglass, and fiberglass designs in decorator colors. Who can forget the plastic glow-in-the-dark crosses awarded for Sunday school promotions?

Even mail-order jewelry catalogs features "dignified yet richly designed in 24k gold-filled or sterling silver, with matching venetian box link chains. Perfect for baptisms, communion, or wedding gift." One offers "the tranquility of this beautiful platinum-plated cross." Another promises "a gold electro-plated cross with a micro-dot of the entire Bible in the center so you can have the peace of God's Word near you throughout the day."

They just don't make crosses like they used to.

When Christ told his disciples to take up their crosses and follow him, he wasn't talking about 24-karat jewelry. He had in mind a rough beam, splintered and stained with sweat, blood, and drugged wine. No wonder the idea caused Peter to "rebuke" the Lord for such a statement. That's why Paul called the cross a "stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" (1 Corinthians 1:23).

And so the organized church began to sand off the rough, irritating edges. The old stains were stripped away. The cross needed "improved marketing" and better "packaging." Two thousand years later, the cross has been so well "repositioned" that it's now available in the most elegant jewelry stores and worn by the most respectable and fashionable of socialites.

But in doing so, has the cross of Christ been emptied of its power? Has this instrument of death been re-fashioned into a beautiful wall hanging or piece of costume jewelry? And have it followers also become only thin veneer? Have souls become lacquered with coats of high gloss varnish so the blood, living water, and new wine rarely penetrate the exterior?

They just don't make crosses like they used to.

Christ is not asking us to take up a glow-in-the-dark sense of peace and security. He is not asking us to deny ourselves fifty dollars to purchase "the tranquility of this beautiful platinum-plated cross."

Christ's cross is heavy, rough, with the smell of blood and death. But with its weight, burdens are lifted. With its bloody stains, souls are purified. With its splinters, consciences are pricked so we might to smoothed and shaped into his likeness. This deadly device brings new life!

They do make crosses like they used in Spearfish, South Dakota.

A visitor to the famous passion play there asked to see the cross after a performance. He was shocked at the weight. "I thought it would be hollow."

The actor portraying the Lord replied, "I must feel the weight of the cross to act like Christ."

Maybe they do make crosses like they used to.

Copyright © 1988 James N. Watkins

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In your article, "24k Crosses: They Don't Make Crosses Like They Used To," you made some excellent points about how crosses have become more of a fashion statement than a genuine symbol of faith. However, as a Catholic, I was a little perplexed by this paragraph:

And so the organized church began to sand off the rough, irritating edges. The old stains were stripped away. The cross needed "improved marketing" and better "packaging." Two thousand years later, the cross has been so well "repositioned" that it's now available in the most elegant jewelry stores and worn by the most respectable and fashionable of socialites.

I know that every Catholic parish I've been to (and who can deny the Catholic Church is the most organized of churches?) has, not a mere cross, but a crucifix - Christ on the Cross. I know it is something that we have kept throughout these 2000 years as a reminder that a cross without Christ is just two pieces of wood; nails without Christ's hands and feet are mere building implements; and thorns without Christ's sacred head are mere annoyances.

I just wanted to let you know that there are still churches around that believe as you do - we do still make cross "the way they used to". Your brother in Christ, Jamie Beu (April 2004)

Point well taken. The article has appeared in several Protestant periodicals, but you're absolutely right that Catholic crosses are much closer to the original. Thanks!