Shepherds, Crosses, and Crucifixes, Oh My!

Christians use a cross as a religious symbol, but as far as I know, only Catholics use a crucifix. Why don’t other religions use a crucifix versus just a cross?

Funny enough, the answer to this is personal choice, with only speculation and stereotypes to defend either's choice.

In the very early church, no cross or crucifix was used, as it still symbolized the punishment of crucifixion, more than Christ's specific act. During that time (before Rome made crucifying people illegal) images of Jesus as Shepherd was the most widely spread symbol of Christianity. After Rome banned crucifixion as a form of punishment, the negative connotations associated with the cross faded and it became a symbol for Christianity, specifically a symbol of Resurrection instead of death.

Many argue (though no official document supports) that the mainline use of the cross is to show the hope we gain only because Christ resurrected, while the crucifix with Christ still on us points to Christ's sacrifice more than His resurrection.

These arguments often lead to differences in opinion on the importance of His sacrifice vs. His power. Should we be more focused on His action of Resurrection or our action of sin which put Him on the cross.

My guess, and it is completely a guess, is that around the reformation (again, I'm guessing here) a choice of cross over crucifix was made popular while many things were being argued against the catholic church.

Most research points to the two stereotypical differences, but there is little backing to an argument for reason, or proof of a specific theological difference which spawned these changes.

I personally get asked often in why I have a crucifix hanging from the rear view mirror of my car instead of an empty cross. The conversation is enjoyable as both sides represent things in meaningful and valid ways.

Maybe the Christ as shepherd image does better in including both images (His sacrifice and His power) but carries neither of them as significantly as the cross (power) or crucifix (sacrifice) does.