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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Misunderstood Sign of Inverted Cross and the Number of 666

Inverted cross also known as Cross of St.Peter. It is believed that Peter requested this form of crucifixion as he felt he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner that Christ died (upright). As such, some Catholics use this cross as a symbol of humility and unworthiness in comparison to Christ.
According to Roman Catholicism, the Pope is Peter's successor as Bishop of Rome. Therefore the Papacy is often represented by symbols that are also used to represent Peter — one example being the Keys of Heaven, another the Petrine Cross. During Pope John Paul II's visit to Israel, he sat on a chair with the Cross of Peter cut into the back. However, an inverted crucifix (a Latin cross with an artistic depiction of the crucified body of Christ upon it) is seen as immensely disrespectful, and could be used to represent Satanic forces. The distinction between a Cross of Peter and upturned Crucifix is sometimes obscured, leading to confusion about the acceptability of each symbol.

There is an explanation for the "inverted cross" image on the Pope's chair other than the "Satanic Symbol" portrayed by some anti-Catholic propagandists. Legend or historical fact…it really isn't relevant to my point. What is relevant is that the "inverted cross" symbol as used by Christians refers to the traditional belief as to the manner of St. Peter's martyrdom -- not the Satanic Symbol.

Vicarius Filii Dei ( the number of 666 )
In the 19th century Uriah Smith and some groups of Seventh-day Adventists argued that Vicarius Filii Dei is identified with the "number of the beast" (666), and should be understood as a reference to the papal tiara, thus calling the Pope the Antichrist. The lack of images or any source using Vicarius Filii Dei to refer to the tiara or miter, plus the fact that the term was never used as an official title, the claim has been abandoned by Seventh-day Adventists. This is because :
(The sum works as follows: VICARIVS FILII DEI = 5+1+100+1+5+1+50+1+1+500+1 = 666, where 'U' is taken as 'V').

What is Papal Tiara?
Also known incorrectly as the Triple Tiara, or in Latin as the 'Triregnum', in Italian as the 'Triregno' and as the 'Trirègne' in French, is the three-tiered jewelled papal crown, usually used by the Pope.

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