The Jimmy Akin Podcast | Episode 099 (August 31, 2026)

What is the true origin of the Sign of the Cross—and why do Christians make it in completely different ways?

In this episode Jimmy Akin traces the ancient gesture all the way back to the apostles, uncovers its surprising biblical roots in Ezekiel and Revelation, reveals why East and West cross themselves differently, and laughs at Hollywood’s hilarious “lightning-bolt” version. He also explains when you can (and should) make it—even if you’re not Catholic or baptized yet—and why the only thing that really matters is the faith in your heart.

Timecodes
00:00 – Coming Up
00:17 – Intro
00:45 – 1 What the Sign of the Cross Is
02:34 – 2 How the Sign Is Made
07:34 – 3 Where the Sign Comes From
11:27 – 4 The Mark of God
14:56 – 5 When the Sign Is Made
18:23 – 6 The Words We Say
24:39 – 7 The Right Way?
25:44 – 8 Conclusion
26:25 – Closing/Outro
27:31 – End