Was it a cross?

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by mee

The Encyclopaedia of Religion and Ethics says: "With the 4th cent[ury] magical belief began to take a firmer hold within the Church." As with a magic charm, simply making the sign of the cross was thought to be "the surest defence against demons, and the remedy for all diseases." Superstitious use of the cross continues to this day.

Your encyclopedia is incorrect. The sign of the cross is a form of recognition, and was used as such during perilous times for Christians. Though some may use it to ward of evil spirits, that is not its intent. In fact today, those that use the sign of the cross in self affirmation do so in different ways. For example the Roman Catholics sign one way while Orthodox Christians sign a slightly different way.

Furthermore, I think you are beginning to encroach upon other's beliefs in Christianity. That is not good.

We (most Christians) are quite aware that the sign of the cross wards off no evil any better than a pendant around the neck bearing the symbol of the cross...

v/r

Q