The upside-down cross has been a staple in horror movies and tv shows, representing evil
and the anti-Christ.
It s seen as a symbol of the devil, not something you d expect to find in a church.
But what if we told you that the upside-down cross started out as a symbol of Christian
martyrdom, and even today is associated with one of the most important saints of the Catholic
church?
Yes, that's right this variant of the cross is both a Christian and an anti-Christian
symbol at the same time.
.. The upside-down cross is known by many names:
* INVERTED CROSS * CROSS OF ST.
PETER * PETRINE CROSS
This cross is associated with St. Peter.
The apostle Peter died in Rome by crucifixion during the time of Nero, around A.D. 64.
He had one request regarding his crucifixion that he be crucified upside-down, as he did
not feel worthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus that is, on a regular
upright cross.
Because Peter was the rock upon which the church of Jesus Christ was built, the symbol
of the upside-down cross became highly significant in Christian iconography.
It represented the papacy because the Pope is considered to be Peter s successor.
It was also used in churches and in Christian artwork to symbolize humility and unworthiness
when compared to Jesus.
There were no negative connotations associated with the original meaning of the Petrine cross.
It was just another variant of the Latin cross associated with martyrdom, humility, and faithfulness
to Christ.
. We should point out that in Catholicism, the
inverted cross is accepted and valued, but an inverted crucifix is not.
To clarify, a crucifix features an image of Jesus on the cross.
If a crucifix is inverted, it appears disrespectful and irreverent.
. Symbols are dynamic and their meanings change
or acquire new associations over time.
This is especially the case for ancient symbols think the Swastika (a symbol of well-being
today a symbol of racism and hatred) or the Ichthys (a symbol of fertility today a symbol
of Christianity).
In the same way, over time, the Petrine cross became associated with anti-Christian perceptions
and the satanic church.
This is simply because visually, it s the opposite of the Latin cross and so can be
viewed as standing against all the things that Christianity stands for.
As the cross is the most recognized symbol of Christianity, an upside-down cross could
represent anti-Christian sentiments.
. This negative view of the Upside down Cross
has been greatly promoted by popular culture and media.
Here are just some instances where the Petrine cross has been used in negative ways:
In many horror movies, especially those with demonic themes, an upside-down cross is portrayed
as the harbinger of evil.
This includes The Amityville Horror, Paranormal Activity, and The Conjuring.
Glen Benton, an American death metal musician, branded the Petrine cross on his forehead
as a symbol of his anti-Christian views.
Inverted crosses are used as a symbol in certain ceremonies of the Satanic Church.
Lady Gaga used an inverted cross in her music video, Alejandro, seemingly to symbolize a
penis.
While the upside-down cross is controversial, in Christian circles it tends to be viewed
as positive and wholesome.
It s best to view this symbol in its context when making out what the image is being used
for.
While you might want to wear a Petrine Cross as an expression of your religious beliefs,
you may find that you have to explain the actual meaning of this cross, as most people
immediately assume that an inverted cross is something negative.
Do you see the Petrine cross as negative or positive?
Let us know in the comments below!
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