"Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world, has a wondrous attraction for me."

Hymn: “The Old Rugged Cross” – Words & Music by George Bennard (1873-1960)
Tune: OLD RUGGED CROSS

This is a favorite of many evangelical Christians, especially folks who have their roots in the southern gospel-song tradition. In my formative years, I suppose we sang this one about as often as we sang anything at First Baptist Church in Pigeon Forge… and not only during the Lenten season which I had never heard of at the time, of course! It was a “go-to” from the faded green BROADMAN HYMNAL in the pew racks.

Why does the cross of Christ have such an attraction to believers worldwide? It is the universal symbol of the Christian church… all denominations and para-church groups. While it IS “the emblem of suffering and shame,” most of us rejoice at the sight of those intersecting lines whether made of old, rugged wood or finest gold. We are acutely offended when this sacred symbol is desecrated or ridiculed (think Madonna!)… perhaps even more so than hearing the name of God used ‘in vain.’

This magnetism is inexplicable. As hard as we believers may try, we can’t verbalize WHY the cross is so dear to us. From the mouth of Jesus: “When I am lifted up, all people will be drawn to me.” (John 12:32) In the context of this discourse (and based on John’s editorializing in the following verse), Christ is prophesying this very “wondrous attraction.”

This hymn composed by a Salvation Army preacher is filled with one-liners which resonate with those who love that old cross… and who love this old hymn:
- where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain.
- the dear Lamb of God left his glory above to bear it to dark Calvary.
- cross, stained with blood so divine.
- Jesus suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me.
- its shame and reproach (I’ll) gladly bear.   
- I’ll cherish the old rugged cross till my trophies at last I lay down.

I suppose this has long been a “go-to” hymn choice for congregational singing because it is such a great place to go to!

Anne Murray

From the Gaither “Tent Revival” – Doesn’t include this stanza!
(Editorial: “It don’t get much better than this!”)