02256cam a22003013u 4500 9071 UtSlPG 20260610133228.0 m cr n 260607r2005||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 BV Parsons, John Denham, 1861-1936 The Non-Christian Cross : An Enquiry into the Origin and History of the Symbol Eventually Adopted as That of Our Religion Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2005 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2005-10-01 An Anonymous Volunteer and David Widger "The Non-Christian Cross" by John Denham Parsons is a scholarly inquiry into the history and significance of the cross as a symbol, written during the late 19th century. The work explores the origins and the evolution of the cross, questioning its association with Christianity and its depiction throughout history. Parsons seeks to reveal that the cross held meanings prior to its Christian associations, linking it to various ancient beliefs regarding life and divinity. The opening of the text introduces several intriguing questions that inspired the author’s research, including the representation of John the Baptist with a cross, the connection between baptism and the sign of the cross, and the various forms of crosses accepted by Christians before the traditional depiction of the crucifixion. Parsons emphasizes that historical representations of the cross may not necessarily align with the traditional Christian understanding and suggests that earlier forms of the cross, predating Christianity, may have symbolized life itself. Thus, the book sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the complex legacy of the cross, inviting readers to reconsider its cultural and religious significance beyond a solely Christian interpretation. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Crosses https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/9071 50917 50917