Introduction
Christian faith incorporates symbols to bring them together and honor their beliefs in the Christian faith. For instance, symbols used include the lynching tree and the star symbol, like the work of James Cone, a theologian who argued on the emotional connection between the symbols of the lynching tree and the cross to explain the history and experience of black people. My paper intends to explain in detail the symbol of the star in connection to the cross. I also plan to interpret the liberatory theology of the cross and the star in relation to one of the liberation theologies.
Symbolism
The symbol of the star includes a six-pointed star and a five-pointed star. The six-pointed star, or the star of David, is named after King David in the Bible and signified God to be the shield of David. The star of David represents Judaism and denotes the identity of the Israelites. The five-pointed star, or the Bethlehem star, is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ, whereby wise men used it in search of the savior (Montgomery, 2021). The star led them to where Jesus was born, Bethlehem, where they worshipped him.
On the other hand, the cross symbol is the central and most recognized symbol in the Christian faith. The cross takes the shape of the structure in which Jesus Christ was crucified. The most common familiar cross is the Latin cross, made of two pieces of wood and imitates the cross Jesus was crucified. The cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus, death, and finally resurrection. It portrays the precious sacrifice and salvation given to humanity when Jesus gave up his life for them.
When the symbols of the star and cross are combined, they can foster unity among different people of different religions. For instance, the signs can strengthen unity for those who believe in Judaism and Christianity. The squares in the stars can represent the balance of harmony and unity in the opposing sides, which is the same case with a cross. The pointed ends in the stars could represent the nail wounds Jesus suffered on the cross. Additionally, both symbols can be used in connection because they are both used as a representation of the Christian faith. Like the cross signifies the Victory of Christ over death, the stars can symbolize illumination or the shedding of light where there is darkness, meaning that stars also represent the victory of light over darkness (Montgomery, 2021). Like the cross signifies the balance of two opposites, life and death, stars symbolize the balance of the opposites, light, and darkness. In addition, just like the cross serves as a reminder that it took sacrifice to redeem one from one’s sin, so do the stars, which remind us that we are connected to the rhythms of the universe. The cross can also be used as a reminder and guidance to the righteous way of Christ, like the star, which is a symbol of guidance and direction.
Similarly, it is with no doubt that Christians view the cross as signifying a spiritual place where they can run for protection when faced with challenges or evils; the star is believed to be a source of protection against all evil from different directions. Like the cross signifies new beginnings, a way of redemption, and a fulfilling life, so do stars; they also symbolize new beginnings, cycles of death, and rebirth. The star symbol can be linked to the cross because it represents eternity. Stars are also known to signify infinity due to the overlapping loops, which is the same case with a cross; once forgiven, Christians are assured of eternal life.
When used together, the two symbols can also be used to identify the culture of a people; for instance, Judaism and the Jewish people are known to associate themselves with the star of David. These people also associate themselves with the cross to signify their religion. Countries such as Israel have incorporated the symbols of the cross and the star into their flags to indicate the cultures and beliefs of their country.
Liberatory Theology of the Cross and the Star Concerning the Black Liberation Theologies
The symbol of the stars and the cross can be used together in the black liberation theologies. The black theologies were established when slavery of the African-American was introduced in America. The star and the cross symbols have a powerful meaning in black Americans’ history and experiences. Both symbols interpret each other to signify how black societies can achieve liberation.
The cross signifies the oppression and struggles of Jesus Christ when he sacrificed himself for the sake of humans. It also means human salvation revealed through the condemnation and crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Cone, 2022). The cross can be used to remind the black Americans how they have suffered under the oppression of white supremacy, and just like Christ showed resilience and perseverance, they must, however, persist and endure for them to be liberated. Through their persistence, they will be liberated and redeemed from their sufferings. The cross shows hope and confidence that life is beyond oppression.
On the other hand, the star may act as a guidance and direction to black Americans. Like in the Bible, the star guided and directed the wise men to where the Messiah was born, so its purpose in the black American’s lives. It serves as a reminder of hope that even after the suffering and oppression under white supremacy, the blacks will finally be restored. There is a guarantee of a brighter and promising future free from oppression and racial injustice. There is hope that with the guiding light, the oppressors will be brought to light and judged fairly if only the black people do not give up.
Therefore, using stars in connection with the cross is an essential aspect of the liberation of black theology. The two symbols must, however, be in conjunction for the redemption and victory of the black Americans towards achieving social justice. The stars signify hope, the cross signifies the difficult struggles, and the combination of both symbols signifies the liberation from the injustices. The people must remain hopeful and determined when struggling for social justice without giving up, and they will finally be victorious and liberated from the oppressions (Cone, 2022).
Conclusion
Throughout my paper, I have discussed the star symbol and its connection to the cross. Both symbols have been used in the Bible, where the star appeared when it guided and led the wise men when Christ was born. Another star is the Star of David, which represents Judaism. The cross, which is the structure Jesus was crucified in, signifies the suffering and resilience of Christ. The star is connected to the cross based on eternity, guiding and direction, unity, and other factors. The stars in connection to the cross are compelling towards black liberation theologies where the blacks must remain hopeful and persistent as they go through the struggle of social injustice. However, they will be liberated and free from oppression when they resiliently fight for justice without losing hope.
References
Cone, J. (2022). Cone’s Black Liberation Theology – University of Virginia. https://libraetd.lib.virginia.edu/downloads/000000859?filename=1_Dibble_Caroline_2021_MA.pdf
Montgomery, D. (2021, February 14). What is a star cross symbol? Gzipwtf.com. https://gzipwtf.com/what-is-a-star-cross-symbol/
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