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 is also featured in the banner of the Bible Students, later known as Jehovah's Witnesses. The cross and crown were surrounded by bay laurel leaves, which first appeared in the January 1881 issue of Zion's Watch Tower [3]. The Watchtower Society later discontinued using the cross and crown after the death of C.T Russell, viewing it as a "pagan symbol". However, to this day, the Bible Students (I.B.S.A) continue to use the cross and crown in their publications.
The symbol is associated with Freemasonry, specifically the Knights Templar branch of Freemasonry. It is a modern Knight Templar group (Which does not claim a heritage from the medieval order) symbol, however, it is thought that it was never a prominent symbol of the 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.
