The sign of the cross is a pagan symbol used by the ancient Chaldeans to honor Tammuz - the sun god. Even if Jesus were crucified on a cross, it would be just as absurd to venerate this instrument of execution as it would be to hang little electric chairs, shotguns, or nooses from a necklace had they been used instead. Not until the sixth century did the Catholic Church officially venerate the crucifix, syncretizing pagan and "Christian" traditions. Cross veneration is a flagrant violation of the second commandment, and God hates idolatry.