Is it weird to wear a cross necklace if you're not a Christian or even religious?

[CaptainOliviaBenson]

I saw this gorgeous black cross necklace in River Island a few months back, (which they don't seem to have anymore 🙄). I'd really love one for my birthday but I'm wondering if it'd be weird to wear one when I'm an atheist? 🤔

It was a bit like this one.

Mainly because I like it, but also because I'm a massive Buffy fan and I've been doing a rewatch and find myself coveting all of her necklaces.

I actually think its quite disrespectful and I'm a humanist
also, its horrible IMO

I’m older than you, my goths were about 1984. Their commitment to their hair was impressive, and their drapey wardrobe choices consistently black. They hated the New Romantics fir wearing similar clothes but in more colours.

Siouxie Sioux aspirants, the lot of them. I rather miss them. The high street is so dull now in comparison.

As a Muslim I found your post offensive. A burka isn't a symbol of Islam.

Why didn't you say a necklace of a crescent moon?

Indeed. So much creativity stifled! My friend used to draw black tears on her face every morning and I admired her commitment.

I’m a Christian and I don’t find anything wrong with it. It’s a fashion accessory, doesn’t mean anything.

I was brought up in a strongly Christian household and no offence would have been taken. If anything, they would have hoped the wearer perhaps thought about the symbolism at some point down the line.

Religion doesn't have to be judgey and joyless.

I'm not an expert on other religions and their symbols. What exactly is offensive about it?

I don't see it that way. Christianity has had a stranglehold over our history and culture for centuries, it's part of our shared vernacular whether we like it or not. Our ancestors were fined and imprisoned for failing to attend church or voicing alternative ideas, painters were confined to religious-approved subjects, musicians and poets and thinkers trammelled by religious authorities, education shaped and limited by Christian dogma. It's our history too. We still pay taxes towards faith schools who are allowed to exclude or indoctrinate our children under the guise of state education. I think we can wear a cross if we want to, tbh. Not that I would be seen dead in one, but each to her own.

You think if Jesus ever does come back, he really wants to see everyone wearing crosses? - Bill Hicks

I'm an atheist and my dd is somewhat alternative and I stopped her wearing a cross as a fashion accessory. I just think it's unnecessary. There's a whole world of things to wear to express yourself. There is no need to pick something that is so important to some people.

I'm atheist and would wear it
It is a fashion cross not a religious one

And to pp who asked about a hijab then I would happily wear a headscarf or bandana.

Oooh what market stall? Always after some cheap goth jewellery
Don't like wearing my more expensive stuff to gigs incase I lose it in the pit.

I'm a stylish atheist and think it's fugly, soz

I'm a Christian and wear my cross daily. The cross in the photo doesn't offend me, nor does an atheist wearing a cross. It means nothing to me, my eyes aren't on you, they're on Jesus.

I had this beautiful cross necklace with a gemstone in it which I loved. I stopped wearing it because people would think I’m Christian so I felt awkward. would you mind people thinking that? I don’t think it’s offensive.

I am Christian and wouldn't be offended.

I don't wear a cross myself though.

As a Christian, I'd assume you're trying to send an anti-Christian/ satanist message with this specific cross so I'd probably steer clear of someone wearing this necklace!

But it's of course entirely up to you. I wouldn't judge you as a person, just assume that you've chosen it for a reason.

At the end of the day, a cross is a brutal method of execution. I personally cannot see why non-Christians go for them, but each to their own!

Sorry but it is ugly, which might be its point I guess.

But isn't wearing a mini model of an instrument of torture a bit weird anyway?

Bill Hicks was a comedy genius

That cross would look fantastic with some of the highlights in bright silver but then I do like snake jewellery.

It's a fashion piece.

It's no more offensive than delicate diamond crosses that undermine Jesus's humility imo.

The snake makes it look gothy rather than Christian, so I think it'd be fine. Something like a small, plain gold cross would be a bit more incongruous for an atheist to wear.

Why are Christians getting offended? It's just a cross, not a Crucifix.

Surely you know what happened to Eve? Imagine how we would all be living now if it wasn’t for the snake. The necklace definitely has strong satanic vibes.

I'm a former Christian. By your logic am I still allowed to wear my jewellery with crosses or should I get rid of them? If I was your daughter!