Cross and Crown
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Cross and Crown is a traditional Christian symbol (a cross passing through a crown), appearing in many churches (especially Roman Catholic), that has also been used in heraldry [1] [2]. It is often interpreted as symbolizing the reward in heaven (the crown) coming after the trials in this life (the cross). (James 1:12)
The symbol appears in the seal of the Church of Christ, Scientist, where it is surrounded by the words "Heal the Sick, Cleanse the Lepers, Raise the Dead, Cast Out Demons", from the Gospel of Matthew, 10:8.
It also features in the banner of the Bible Students, surrounded by bay laurel leaves, which first appeared in a 1895 issue of The Watch Tower [3].
The symbol is sometimes associated with freemasonry, and allegedly comes from the Knights Templar. While it may be used as a symbol of modern Knight Templar groups (Who do not claim a heritage from the medieval order), it was never a particularly prominent part of the imagery of historical military order (see Knights Templar Seal). Many military orders during the Crusades adopted Coats of arms prominently featuring a cross (often a Maltese cross) in various contexts.
The Cross and Crown symbol also appears on the cover of The Power of the Cross, by Tim Lahaye.
[edit] External links
- A note on Tim LaHaye's "The Power of the Cross"'s use of the symbol.
- An explanation of the use of the symbol in Christian Science
- A discussion on the trademark status of the seal, and its importance to Christian Science
- A discussion of the use of the symbol by early Bible Students on an ex-jehovah's witnesses bulletin board, including a scan of the "Watch Tower" cover.
- The cross and crown symbol in cemeteries.
