You used it as an illustration, so it matters to you. Whether you worry, or not, I’ll grant, is mind-reasing, though, no, I’ve never cited the mods homepage, never contacted amod that I can remember.
If faling to make the Sign of the Cross incurred some penalty or approbation, you might have a point in your apparent revulsion. As such, you don’t, that I can see. Not everything Catholics do, that you choose not to, is wrong.
It was the ritual of feeling compelled to do this that was the primary problem. We have no NT evidence of believers "crossing" themselves as witnessed among RCs.
You used it as an illustration, so it matters to you.
I only cite it as the original article did as a "custom" that was "encouraged".
There is another RC poster who posts a long scorecard against how a Roman Catholic can determine if they're a "good" Roman Catholic. Kinda surprised this wasn't on the list.
I could also address the issue of bowing the head at the name of Mary, or the Angelus prayer, etc.....there's really so much in Roman Catholicism to pick from.
Whether you worry, or not, I’ll grant, is mind-reasing, though, no, I’ve never cited the mods homepage, never contacted amod that I can remember.
Apologies for saying you cited the mods homepage. Confused you with another poster.
What’s the POINT of making the sign of the cross?
Does it show everyone how spiritual you are?
It is actually required for the priest in conducting the Mass, as well it seems for the laity at the beginning and is at least expected at the end when the sign of the Cross is made by the priest. - http://catholic-resources.org/ChurchDocs/Mass.htm/wiki/Sign_of_the_cross#Catholicism
Also, the CCC 2157 states,
The Christian begins his day, his prayers, and his activities with the Sign of the Cross: "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
And it is also stated,
the sign of the cross is used by Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists and Presbyterians, particularly in baptisms. In his small catechism, Martin Luther recommends making the sign of the cross at bedtime and first thing in the morning. - https://www.ewtn.com/library/liturgy/zsigncro.htm
As for penalty, just what are RC penalized for anymore? The lack of which does effectively manifest what Rome really believes and effectually conveys, while as for official requirements, some of the above should suffice, while back in the days traditionalists long for faced severe penalties,
Pope Paul IV, Cum Ex Apostolatus Officio of 1559: We will and decree that the aforementioned sentences, censures and penalties be incurred without exception by all members of the following categories
: (i) Anysoever who, before this date, shall have been detected to have deviated from the Catholic Faith, or fallen into any heresy, or incurred schism, or provoked or committed either or both of these, or who have confessed to have done any of these things, or who have been convicted of having done any of these things... no one shall be forced to respond to them concerning any business;
Not everything Catholics do, that you choose not to, is wrong.
Indeed, Evangelicals have been foremost defenders of the many basic Truths we both affirm, our basis being because they are manifestly Scriptural. The contrary being the reason we oppose Catholic distinctives which they insist are the word of God, and which all must submit to.