Please cite the scripture saying that we are to have ash markings on our forheads, in the shape of a cross. Thanks. By the way, it seems that it may be more of a 'tradition of men', than a request of YHWH. ;)
1 Kings 18:21 (JPS)
21 And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said: 'How long halt ye between two opinions? if YHWH be God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.' And the people answered him not a word.
Now a rephrase...
1 Kings 18:21
21 And Elijah came near unto all the people, and said: 'How long halt ye between two opinions? if YHWH be God, follow Him; but if Jesus, follow him.' And the people answered him not a word.
At some point you will have to make a choice
**Ashes are a sign of repentance, that is turning away from sin and evil-anything that goes against God's love. In the early days of the church, persons who had committed serious sins wore ashes and spent time away from the community as a way to think about and heal the wound of their sin. In the Middle Ages, the tradition changed to include the whole community. This change recognized that all of us can forget God's love and friendship and make choices that turn us in a different direction, away from God. The whole community wears ashes as a reminder of God's call and our choice to follow God's way of love.**
So, I don't think you are saying that you are sinless, I just think that you are saying you don't agree with this Tradition.
Can we agree to disagree here?