The Cross: The Making of Christianity’s Most Enduring Symbol
A historical examination of how the cross emerged, spread, and became the most recognizable symbol in the history of Christianity.
The cross is the most widely recognized symbol associated with Christianity, yet its origins lie far outside any religious context. Categorized as a symbol, it became notable in Christian history not immediately, but gradually, as early Christians transformed an object of Roman execution into a lasting marker of identity, memory, and communal belonging. Understanding the cross historically requires tracing how it moved from a tool of punishment in the Roman world to a central emblem of Christianity across cultures and centuries.