Why do Jehovah Witnesses not like crosses?

The cross. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus did not die on a cross but on single stake. Modern Witnesses regard the Cross as a pagan symbol and do not use it, although it was accepted by the movement until 1931.

Is a cross considered a graven image?

Yes, they are considered “Graven (carved, crafted) Images.” They are indeed objects of both reverence and worship that goes against the first commandment along with false statues of “Jesus”, “Mary”, and any other “saint”.

Is praying to the cross idolatry?

The short answer: No. It is not idolatry for a Christian or any person to wear a cross, as long as they are not using it as an object of worship.

Why don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses use the Cross in their worship?

Although Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians, we do not use the cross in our worship. Why not? One reason is that the Bible indicates that Jesus did not die on a cross but rather on a simple stake.

Was Jesus nailed on a cross or a stake?

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Greek word translated as “cross” in the New Testament, stauros, actually means “upright stake” or, in their words, “torture stake.” They claim that Jesus was nailed through both wrists on a large vertical stake without a crossbeam (pictured right).

Is the cross a universal symbol of Christianity?

Many people view the cross as the universal symbol of Christianity. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses are Christians, we do not use the cross in our worship.

What does the Bible say about using the Cross in worship?

Moreover, the Bible strongly warns Christians to “flee from idolatry,” which would mean not using the cross in worship.​— 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 John 5:​21. Significantly, Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”