.

[onishadowolf]

Yes, because the cross is a symbol used in different things. And is also one of the oldest symbols, predates Christianity.  The cross is used in other religious faiths and philosophies.

Subjective to the person. If he doesn't mind I don't see why not. Faith notwithstanding.

[chaoticpsyche]

It really depends on the person and their religious beliefs.

Take for example the swastika, it was a symbol of fear in Germany for the Jewish, however if you look at the Buddhist religion they have the exact same symbol. It all depends on how one translates that symbol. I personally don't mind having a cross on my grave, however, I am not catholic, so I feel it would be sacrilegious to do so, for those who are true catholics.


http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/symbols/swastika.htm

[Ryobi]

Well I'd call the red cross, or for that matter nearly any medical care that chooses to use the symbol, secular. Agreeing with chaoticpsyche here that yes, it really does depend on the context.

[Ryobi]

I guess some people could see the symbol as attractive or fitting for some other reason (cross for a medical officer, crescent moon for someone in the black ops who knows?) and not care less. Then someone else will come along and be offended/angry for some personal reason.

The pentacle is an interesting one because I could see myself attracted to the idea of using it and I'm no wiccan. I just like the belief that it will protect you from evil, that's something I'd like to have marking my entrance into the afterlife (if there is one). How would they class that reason? Am I still promoting the religion or just what the symbol represents?

There are just so many possible opinions.

[onishadowolf]

I really don't see a problem with it, those symbols aren't particully secular. The pentacle represents the elements and their interconnection and the pentagram was also used by Christians to represent the five wounds of Christ once, the cross is old and it's original meaning is vague or lost to time, the star of David was used by both Christians and Muslims at one point and represents the absolute rule of God, north, south, etc. Or represents the dual nature of good and evil, the star is more associated with King Solomon then King David.  The crescent moon and star is originally a pagan symbol that represent the Carthaginian goddess Tanit or the Greek goddess Diana. Islam is best known for not having a symbol. In light of all this, I don't think it really matters so long as the intent is to respect the dead.

I'm not talking about INDIVIDUALS. I'm talking about memorials - in this case primarily War Memorials consisting of/in the shape of the Christian Cross.

@ Oni: Yes - the cross is used in other faiths, besides Christianity.... not in ALL other faiths though.
@ Raz: It's not about individuals.
@ CP: The question is about the Cross used by Christians.
@ Ry: It's primarily about War (and other) Memorials, not about medical care.

The question here is if a Christian Cross is a suitable symbol to use when commemorating - in this case - soldiers of multiple faiths killed in war?
And.... to take it one step further.... do you also feel that the Crescent Moon, the Star of David, the Pentacle, etc. can be used in the same way? Are they just as 'secular' as the Cross?

OF COURSE ITS ABOUT INDIVIDUALS!

Or are you saying that personal preferences don't matter?


Its the military, People conform in life and in death.
Each one a proud soldier. To lie next to your brothers-in-arms is the one of the final honors of being one.


If they wanted a friggin mausoleum they'd get one and be friggin fancy about it too!
(I mean that they desire to be buried in a grave marked by their own symbol, they'd do it in a public cemetery)

[Countess]

The Cross used in medicine is not the same cross used by Christians. I am a firm believer in the seperation between church & state so to me it would be totally inappropriate to use it in such a manner. I don't consider the cross a secular symbol in the least. If the memorial were for members of the red cross or  military medical personnel then the medical cross would be appropriate since it is a symbol of those fields. Just my opinion.

Did you READ the link, Raz?

The discussion about the 'secular cross' is about the authorities raising 'general' memorials in public places. It's not about symbols on graves and such.

No. No I did not.