ABSTRACT
The cross is a sign that represents the Christian faith, as opposed to other religious faiths. Its historical origin is grim. It was the instrument utilized to torture and kills a particular human being who has since come to be seen as the founder of Christianity. Over the course of the roughly two millennia since the “scandal” of the crucifixion occurred, other issues and events within Christianity have tended to eclipse it. The cross is central to Christianity. The cross has also played a role in belief systems having little or nothing to do with Christianity. There are also personal or situational variations in making the sign of the cross. Upon walking into a Catholic church and dipping the hand into a font of holy water at the entrance, one is likely to perform the ritual with broad, sweeping motions.
