WE REMOVED BOTH OF THEM

  

Recently, when we moved into our own condominium, we removed two religious symbols. They were left in the condo by the previous owner. Both symbols are of biblical origins and carry great weight. However, we removed both of them.

Affixed to the front doorpost was the Jewish mezuzah. This is a piece of parchment inscribed with specific Hebrew verses from the Old Testament. These verses are the biblical passages in which the use of a mezuzah is commanded – “… write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:9).

The mezuzah that was on my door frame referred both to the parchment on which the verses of Deuteronomy 6:4-9 were inscribed, as well as to the container in which the parchment was enclosed. Jews contend that the mezuzah serves two functions – as a reminder of one’s covenant with God and as a symbol that the dwelling is constituted as “a Jewish household, operating by special set of rules, rituals and beliefs”.

Jews do not believe that the mezuzah is an amulet or a magical charm. Furthermore, they do not believe that non-Jews should use the mezuzah symbol. The symbol is a reminder of a Jewish Covenant and a commitment to create a Jewish household. For both reasons, my family would not qualify as eligible to display the mezuzah.

We also found a crucifix when we moved into our South Florida home. The crucifix is a cross with an engraved image of Jesus. Traditionally, Roman Catholics see the crucifix as a powerful symbol that represents the focal point of their beliefs – “that Jesus died on the cross to redeem humanity”. Catholics include the image of Christ’s body on the cross to represent His sacrifice.

Catholic writer Patrick Madrid explains that Catholics use the crucifix instead of the bare cross like other Christian denominations because Christ's death is of chief importance. He asserts that "the cross only has meaning because Christ died on it for our salvation."

Agreed, images of the cross of Christ remind us of the price that was paid for our salvation. However, to make a distinction between the cross without the symbol of Christ’s body and the bare cross is to attach greater meaning to the symbol with the body of Christ. It is because of this apparent greater meaning, many use the crucifix as an amulet – an object that is inherent with special power or ability.

Historically, Protestant Christians have embraced the cross, but avoided crucifixes. Whereas the bare cross is a reminder, the crucifix attaches devotional significance or veneration to an object. Regardless of who the object represents, protestants resent the veneration of any object. Based on our understanding of the second commandment (“… you shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything...”), protestants avoid crucifixes.

So, because I do not subscribe to Catholic theology, or because I am a Gentile or non-Jewish believer, I should not display symbols that do not reflect my religious convictions. For me, the absence of such religious objects remove ideas of superstition, including ideas of protection from amulets. For the same reason I would not sleep with a Bible under my pillow.

By removing religious symbols from my home, I do not believe that I have exposed my family to any danger. For me, my quest for protection is not dependent on superstitious amulets. I concur with the Psalmist when he said, “Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (Psalm 127:1). My trust is exclusively in the Lord alone, not in representations of Him.

The words of Jeremiah the prophet might be most appropriate to end this blog – "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit" (Jeremiah 17:7-8).