Will The Nail Replace The Crucifix?

[Thomas]

Hey everyone,

If you're like me: you're 5 foot 6 inches tall and excited to see 'The Passion of the Christ.'

I think the movie is an excellent thing for Christianity and Catholicism but recently my attention has been drawn to a line of 'The Passion of the Christ' [TPOTC] merchandise.

The most popular TPOTC article is the nail/spike necklace, and it's getting more popular. While I admire the idea and I think it's kind of cool I am weary of supporting it because it almost seems like selling out, or building a franchise out of Christs sacrifice.

What are your thoughts?

-Thomas

Edited February 27, 2004 by Thomas

[Mary's Knight, La]

they will never display only a nail as opposed to a crucifix in a catholic church

plus a nail was only one part of the crucifix so a nail will only replace a crucifix for those who want a "fad" display but i'll bet you $0.02 that hardcore catholics will keep their crucifixes (and maybe get a nail so that people can ask "why do you wear a nail") sorry can't bet more i'm more broke than windows...

[FX2]

the crucifix has been the symbol of our church ever since the beginning. I dont believe that one movie will change that.

[Iacobus]

I agree. I don't like the idea of people making money off TPOTC. It is wrong. I don't mind people wearing the nail, I just don't want it to turn into some commerical Jesus profitiering.

[Kiddkapps]

I have a friend who as a cross made out of nails and they click together to form a cross. The end

[the_rev]

I love the San Damineo (spelling) crucifix!!!!!

[jasJis]

For years, my parish has given nails out during Lent. They're in bowls on the window sills. My wife has one that is 3 years old. Most people still have crucifixes.

We put rocks in the holy water fonts at the doors too. Fr. Jude suggested we take rocks after the Ash Wednesday mass. Thankfully it was the last Mass of the day (7:30 PM).

[Rebirth flame]

I don't believe that nails will ever be more powerful a symbol of Christ's love to us than a Crucifix. The Crucifix is much more symbolic than three nails. I have a Benedictine Crucifix, and a cross made of nails, and i personally prefer the Crucifix over just the nails. While both are powerful symbols, the Crucifix has been around for so much longer that i fell it has become a somewhat "everlasting" way for Christians to express their faith.

[IXpenguin21]

my savior is not an iron spike

it's that simple.

[foundsheep]

my savior is not an iron spike

it's that simple.

Amen penguin!

[crazycatholicgirl]

I think its cool that people are realizing that there is symbolism behing the nail, but it will never replace the crucifix :topsy:

Edited February 27, 2004 by crazycatholicgirl

[cathgirl]

I think its cool that people are realizing that there is symbolism behing the nail, but it will never replace the crucifix

I agree with you!!

[Iacobus]

I don't think I would fell right saying a prayer before a nail. Etc, the Cruafix is here to stay.

[M.SIGGA]

what does the nail-chain thing look like? is this something protestants are doing?

[Ash Wednesday]

I think nails and crowns of thorns might be more popular among non-Catholic Christians that are generally not comfortable with the crucifix, and weren't in the first place. Believe it or not, some Christians are even uncomfortable with the cross -- one Christian friend of mine told me some Christians likened it to someone wearing an electric chair around their neck. Of course I don't agree with that nor do many Christians.

The crucifix itself will never go out of style. Especially in places where the crucifix is an intregal part of the culture. I could never see it disappear in Italy or Mexico!

When I was in Brazil, I was in the congressional building when they were in session. They had a crucifix at the front of the room! Can you imagine if they did that, for example, at the Senate or House here? People would mushy mud pie twinkies.

[God Conquers]

What does a nail say to a non-religious person? Nothing. I seen plenty of wierdos wearing nails for non-religious reasons. It could NEVER replace the crucifix. If you want to make a religious statement with a nail, wear it through your hand.

[FX2]

lol like nails through noses and ears and tounges. Oh yes, i see much of that at my school. Then again, i see alot of people wearin crosses for non religous reasons too....

[Ellenita]

I saw a review of The Passion on TV in the UK last night - the film is not due to open over here until the end of March. They were saying that it's likely to be a 'blockbuster' and as a result the ONLY 'jewellery' to be seen wearing at the Oscars this year would be nails. I couldn't believe it.......I found it really offensive....

[hopeful1]

lol like nails through noses and ears and tounges. Oh yes, i see much of that at my school. Then again, i see alot of people wearin crosses for non religous reasons too....

that's why i prefer a crucifix over the cross, because the cross by itself is too secularized. Just walk into any clares or any of those type stores and its become reduced to a fashion statement than a symbol of faith.

but then again i'm the biggest hypocrite b/c when i was confirmed at 15 my sponser took me shopping to get a crucifix for my necklace but i picked out a cross instead cuz it was prettier. but that was four years ago and i didn;t know any better. I still like my cross tho and i wear it everyday.

[Colleen]

The crucifix image has lasted 2000 years. Why stop now?

and as a random side note, Thomas, when you wrote POTC for Passion of the Christ I at first thought you meant Pirates of the Caribbean. My bad. :rolling: