Symbols Matter

I read an article from N.S Lyons today titled, “A New Counterculture? If the Right captures some of the Left’s youthful energy and rebellious cachet, it would represent a tectonic cultural and political shift.“

The piece discusses two main issues. The first is that the Left sees a threat in the reality that “somehow, traditionalist right-wing conservatism had perhaps become cool.” The second is how the New Right can use counter culture to change the system. It’s a good read.

The thing that jumped out at me is a quote from a story in Vanity Fair, “Pogue had even more striking news: these dissidents, he wrote, had established ‘a position that has become quietly edgy and cool in new tech outposts like Miami and Austin, and in downtown Manhattan, where New Right–ish politics are in, and signifiers like a demure cross necklace have become markers of a transgressive chic.'”

Coincidentally, a couple days ago, I ordered a Cross lapel pin to wear at work and when I’m out and about. Why? Because, it’s way past time for Christians bring our faith back to the public square. One way to do that is to wear Christian symbols in public.

On the one hand, maybe some of the youth are wearing Crosses to be cool. On the other, maybe some older Christians have to decided it’s time to get more public about our faith.

I’m sure some readers will think, “That’s silly. Wearing a Cross won’t matter. It won’t change anything.”

Maybe it won’t, or… maybe it will. Symbols are powerful. Symbols matter. Why did the GloboHomoCorproCommies of the past work so hard to take crosses out of public buildings? Why did they take prayer out of public school? Why do they hate the Ten Commandments? Symbols have power.

Maybe a friend or coworker will see your Cross and realize that you are a Christian. Maybe they’ll decide to wear a Cross to work. Maybe they’ll ask you where you worship. Maybe you’ll make a new friend, or a brother in Christ Jesus. Maybe God will open up a door for you to lead someone to Jesus Christ.

Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Jesus Christ, Matthew 18

This week, I’m going to make a custom wooden Cross for my desk at work. I think I’ll make a few to give to friends and family, too. It’s a small thing, a mustard seed is also very small.