Why do we Lutherans seldom make the sign of the cross? It warmed my heart to see the rescued Chilean miners crossing themselves as they emerged from the darkness.

Our starting point is to affirm that making the sign of the cross is something neither commanded nor forbidden by God. It is a matter of Christian freedom, and we must decide what to do based on a consideration of what is most fitting, wise, loving, and helpful to those around us in a specific time and place. Let this simple but crucial truth be acknowledged by all among us.

Don't prematurely criticize abstainers

Since crossing oneself has so many potential benefits, we might easily find fault with those who choose not to do it. It can be a fine personal reminder of our baptism and redemption by Christ the crucified. It can tell others we profess the Christian faith. With these and other blessings in mind, Luther's original Small Catechism encourages people to begin each day by making the sign of the cross.

Looking purely from this perspective, we might criticize those among us who choose not to adopt this custom. But be cautious. Historical developments have shaped our culture, and we shouldn't recklessly ignore them. Over the centuries making the sign of the cross fell into disuse among the majority of Lutherans in western Europe and North America, while among Roman Catholics it thrived. We cannot list all factors, but we can acknowledge the reality. Furthermore, crossing oneself is more than simply a pervasive custom for Catholics. It is a sacramental that earns indulgences. Extra indulgences are earned if holy water is used. The simple gesture is linked to horrible doctrines like the treasury of the merits and Mariolatry.

While the abuse of a neutral custom never abolishes a wholesome use of it, it leads some to be tentative. They consider it possible that their behavior might be understood as approving or participating in corrupted religious practices.

Don't prematurely criticize practitioners

Crossing oneself brings with it potential problems too. It may promote superstition or become a thoughtless gesture. When religious habits become mechanical or subconscious, blessings evaporate.

Viewing the practice from this perspective we might criticize those who adopt the custom. Again, be cautious. The practice of crossing oneself originally developed and continues to flourish aside from Catholic apostasy, so Christians today may adopt the practice from wholesome hearts and with good intentions. They may restrict their practice to minimize wrong impressions and false conclusions. To find fault with their use of Christian liberty is inappropriate.

Be loving