The Theology of the Sign of the Cross

How you do it matters...

In Western Christianity, most catholic Christians are accustomed to performing the sign of the cross by taking their right hand and touching their forehead, mid-chest, left shoulder, and then right shoulder. This is usually done with an open hand. In this post, I want to focus specifically on the open-hand aspect of this liturgical custom and why I believe that it is problematic. 

As I have studied the sign of the cross, I have become more and more uncomfortable with the open-hand variation of the sign. Now, I obviously won’t say that it is wrong to perform the sign in this way—especially in an objective sense—but I will argue that it is theologically deficient compared to its more traditional expression. 

As far as I can tell, the most historic way in which the sign of the cross was performed included explicit symbols that affirm Nicene Christian Orthodoxy. The hand performing the sign would begin by bringing the thumb, pointer, and middle finger together. This symbolized the Trinity. The remaining two fingers were then tucked down against the hand to symbolize the incarnation and the two natures of Christ—both human and divine. The current Western expression, with the open hand, ends up missing an opportunity to display this incredible orthodox affirmation, not only as a personal reminder of what you believe but also as a testimony to the outside world. It is, in reality, a visible symbol of the Creed.

Now, to be fair to the open-hand variation, it possesses Christian symbolism as well. I will argue, however, that this symbolism lacks the power and explicit orthodoxy of the more traditional version. 

It has been argued that the sign, performed with an open hand, symbolizes the five wounds of Christ: the two nails in his hands, the two nails in his feet, and the spear to his side. This symbolism is obviously beautiful and I have absolutely no objection to the symbolism itself. My concern lies in the fact that the open-hand version—including its symbolism—can be (hypothetically) performed by cults like the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other groups that claim to be Christians. Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses can both affirm the five wounds of Christ, including his death and resurrection. What they cannot affirm, however, is the orthodox Christian theology that goes along with those confessions, namely the Triune nature of the Godhead and the fact that Christ, being consubstantial with the Father and born of the Virgin, was truly God and truly man. Thus, to cross oneself with an open hand misses an opportunity to proclaim orthodox Christianity in its fullness. 

In conclusion to the brief post: to perform the sign of the cross with three fingers symbolizing the Trinity and the other two symbolizing the two natures of Christ is to proclaim the faith of the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church—the faith of the Creeds and Councils. It is a profound testimony to the outside world regarding the exclusivity of orthodoxy—visibly signing and sealing it. It is, therefore, in my opinion, the preferred way for Christians to visibly demonstrate their faith and fidelity to the Catholic Church.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.