Is it wrong to wear a cross necklace if you're not a Christian?

Question

To explain, it's a claddagh cross and also has a Celtic knot on it.  For those that don't know, the claddagh represents friendship, loyalty, and love.  The Celtic knot represents the interconnectivity of life, nature, and the universe.

As for me, I don't believe Jesus is God.  (I don't believe in the trinity or any Christian concept of God.  I don't believe the bible is the word of God.  However, I do believe in a higher power/energy, just not in human/tangible form).  That being said, I do think Jesus set a good example for how people should live their lives.  I respect and admire him as a person and role model, just not as a God.

To me, the necklace is just a reminder of my heritage (I come from a long line of Irish Celts who were Christian) and good values (love, friendship, loyalty, sacrifice for others, etc.)

Do you think it would be wrong to wear this necklace given my beliefs?  Is that too misleading?  I don't want to offend a bunch of people.

pugjw9896 · Answer

Why promote an idea that is not true?

Jesus was executed on a  STAUROS...Greek for upright pole...it does not infer any sort of crossbar.
So the cross we see now being promoted by many churches is an import into early Christianity from pagan tribes in northern Europe.
It was imported to make the early church more acceptable to pagans...
A true depiction should show Jesus with his arms together upright.
Query? The Roman army, the police force of Jesus' day, executed many criminals and even others. Would they have gone to the extra trouble and expense of fitting crossbars...?
NO...they would have used the nearest convenient tree, even...or pole of any sort...

? · Answer

at one point about 3-4 years ago, it was a fashion statement.

My thoughts on it is that why would you wear something you don't believe in that is sacred to others?  I mean, I would not wear a Catholic neckpiece/Rosary, because I am not catholic and I may insult and offend them.  There is a fine line that comes into play for respect.

I think you have to make a decision on your own given your details, Jesus is not a God.  Jesus is the Son of God, God is the Father, and the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God.  is something misleading because of the nature and universe aspect of the knot does that mean you believe in wicca, white witchcraft or just what the knot represents itself?

You have to decide dearheart, people can say anything,but it is up to you.  If this is about your heritage, then proudly wear it, never ever be ashamed of who you are and where you came from.  Our ancestors paved the way for generations to come and you are right to have great pride in that.  I think you are very thoughtful of others, but on this think of yourself.  you have a strong sense of family and ancestry, wear your things proudly.

If anyone gets offended, dearheart, that is their problem not yours.

EDIT FOR ASKER:  SEE MY RESPONSE TO YOUR COMMENT UNDER MY ANSWER.

Anonymous · Answer

People that may be offended by a claddagh cross or Celtic knot are ignorant.  You are entitled to wear whatever jewelry makes you happy.

harpertara · Answer

No it isn't wrong.  You are wearing it to honor your ancestors, that is a good reason.  Most people won't know you Aren't Christian and no one will ask you. Those who do know also know your heritage, so should not be offended.

? · Answer

The wearing of the cross used to signify someone who believed in a loving god and acting like it sadly it now appears to symbolize someone who practices intolerance and persecution towards others!

Anonymous · Answer

Well considering that cross actually hold no real connection to Christ other than what Christians believe its originally the Ankh of Life (Egyptian), it was also adopted by pagans later on.

Anonymous · Answer

I think it's fine if you believe in the values that it upholds.

Anonymous · Answer

Would you really care if people got offended at you for expressing your heritage?

Is it wrong to wear a cross necklace if you're not a Christian?

8 Answers