Returning Catholics: Why a Crucifix?

On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics , a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.

Why do Catholic churches and even some homes display crosses with Christ’s body on them? It’s kind of gross. My Protestant friends’ churches have a simple cross.

The crucifix is an...