The Sign of Cross: Gesture, Mystery, History

Tertullian, who died in 220, wrote of the "already ancient" practice of using the sign of the cross as follows: "At every forward step and movement, at every going in and out, when we put on our clothes and shoes, when we bathe, when we sit at the table, when we light the lamps, on the couch, on the seat, in all ordinary activities of life, we trace upon the forehead the sign." Andreopoulus does an excellent job showing how the sign of the life giving Cross of Christ developed as a devotional practice that incarnates our prayers. Although Romaphobia has scared many Protestants away from sharing in the rich devotional heritage of the ancient Faith, the author shows how the use of the sign of the Cross is an excellent and fully biblical practice. I remember as a Lutheran being awkward even doing it in private, seeing my pastor do it only once per service. Even that was considered "too Catholic" for some parishioners. As I was exposed to the worship of the Orthodox Church I not only got over my apprehensions, but I learned that it should become one of the most natural of movements. Now I cannot imagine praying without it. God is glorified on His Cross.

Paraclete Press sent me a complimentary copy of this book written by Andreas Andreopoulos and it's truly wonderful. I had written a review of a book on the same subject by Bert Ghezzi. Ghezzi is Roman Catholic and Andreopoulos is Eastern Orthodox. Ghezzi's book is written in a popular style that would be easy for any layman to pick up and read. Andreopoulos writes with great clarity but seems to be writing for the pastor, scholar, or educated layperson. Andreopoulos gives a very objective and thorough telling of the story of the history of the sign of the cross with lots of footnotes. It could be used for a college class or for a research paper. There is much less overlap between the books than I expected and I would recommend that both be purchased. Chapter three, which deals with the meaning of signs and symbols is fascinating. I had never even thought of about 80% of what is dealt with in this chapter. I did have some disagreements with the author on some of the issues dealt with in the book. The author holds to a synergistic view of salvation in which God and man co-operate. This is not much of a surprise--the author is Eastern Orthodox. Even though I disagree with him, I appreciate the way in which he presents these teachings. Andreopoulos makes it clear at the beginning of the book that he wants to write a book that is accessible to those outside of his own communion and he definitely does that. I've read books by Orthodox authors for an Orthodox audience that would be very difficult for a non-Orthodox reader to understand because of the theological jargon. Recently I've heard radio programs and read books written by Orthodox speakers or authors for what seems to be an evangelical audience. Sometimes these books and programs present Orthodox spirituality in a way in which no Orthodox Christian who has grown up in the faith would ever recognize it. Sometimes it even seems like they are being deliberately deceptive to try to lure evangelicals in. But Andreopoulos doesn't engage in any of this nonsense. He knows what he believes. He knows what his church teaches. He uses the vocabulary of his church but explains it so that it is understandable to the outsider. This is the only way that ecumenical dialog should ever take place. People should know the teachings of their church and not hide them or try to smooth over differences. They should also be able to explain these teachings in a way that is understandable to outsiders. Has the subject of the sign of the cross been exhausted by the publishing of these two books? I don't think so. I look forward to a book written by a Lutheran or Anglican author on the same subject. But this is a great book.

After completing this book, I have decided that it is not well written, even though it covers a very important topic. The style is very awkward and difficult to comprehend. There are some spelling and diction mistakes, perhaps because the author is a native Greek speaker, but his publisher Paraclete Press should have picked it up and corrected it. This paragraph from the last pages of the book I found the most useful. It summarizes the essential points. If you read it, you do not need to waste your time and/or money on the whole book: "The sign of the cross is a reflection of this medicine given to us by Christ. It is a sign of contemplation on our sin, and as such it combines humility and the wish to triumph over sin and temptation. At the same time, it recognizes our own limitations and requests the assistance of God in our spiritual ascent and maturation. The sign of the cross reflects our personal committment to healing the disease of sin and the consequences of the Fall. It is one of the the first steps in our return towards God. Since we recognize our position and we place ourselves in his mercy and guidance, we, like the Israelites in the desert, may be healed of spiritual death." (pp. 136-137)

Wonderful as either an introduction to, or deeper exploration of, a fundamental Christian practice. I highlight only the best thoughts in a book, but ended with highlights on almost every page. (Only one point seemed to me as just a little "off the mark".) I feel that the author expresses the essence of a personal relationship with the divine (aka religion) in the context of a personal/public practice proven to promote such a relationship. Regardless of how frequently one may make this sign (if ever), this discussion of it should motivate increased trial and practice with it. How better to realize the presence, service, and protection of the King?

The gestures, the mystery, the history of the sign of the cross with emphasis from life among Orthodoxy. Wonderful. Light reading with pointers for more information. Glad I bought it. A useful, short exploration of bringing our physical bodies in line with worshipful practices. I recommended it friedns and loand it to friends. It was very well received.