Confusion between "The Devil's Sign" and the American Sign Language Symbol for "Love"?

Question

I'm a strong Christian who is also passionate about music, especially rock. I am reading the book "Hanging In There" by John Dixon (which is about Christianity). However, I struggled with the chapter about Satan (chapter 12) entitled: "The devil and co." when Dixon says: "Some bloke...would hold up his hand to make the sign of the Devil (fist closed, pointer and pinky outstretched)". http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper420/stills/1ddx2l9k.gif

I was surprised and shocked to read this because I understand this gesture to be a symbol used in rock music by music fans at concerts a lot. I find it difficult to stick to Christian principles and appreciate rock music but I have used the symbol in the past not realising it was the symbol for Satan.

Feeling bothered by it, I researched it on wikipedia and discovered the American sign language symbol for "love" http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper420/stills/1ddx2l9k.gif . When most rock music fans use the "rock hand" sign are they promoting the Devil or promoting love?

As a Christian should I stop using the "rock hand" altogether, instead adopt the sign language gesture for "love" or continue using the "rock hand" regardless (although it will seriously raise doubts in my mind) ?

Cheers for reading this guys. Thanks in advance. XD

Answer 1

That's so interesting. I knew it was the devil's horn signs but didn't know the love symbol was so similar.

This sounds corny, but I think it only matters what's in your heart. A lot of people make this gesture at concerts and I bet 99.9% of them don't worship the devil, so I think the meaning of the the hand gesture has changed in perception (why is there even a connection between rock music and the devil?? very strange, I'll never understand it).

I think you should hold your thumb out from now on (although it's more of a strain on your hand), we should all start the trend. It actually makes more sense to use it. You "love" the music. You don't support the devil.

Good question!

Answer 2

I think you're over thinking this.

Chill out,it's just a sign..and they mean two completely different things.

That's all.  

Answer 3

Symbols mean what you want them to mean in the context in which they are used.

e.g. the two-finger symbol was originally used by English archers to say 'look we are still active'

However, if it upsets you, do not use it.

Paul said, If meat causes my brother offence I will eat no meat.  Same principal.

Answer 4

The "Rock Hand" and the "International Sign for Love" are the same gesture, it goes back to Rock singer Ozzy Osbourne who used to do that on stage to tell his fans he loved him, it caught on and fans started doing it back.  With the thumb on the bent fingers instead of extended to the side it's a sign of support for the University of Texas Longhorns.  Christian's started calling it a "Sign of the Devil" because they didn't know sign language, were too lazy to look it up, and didn't like rock music.  I've often heard that cited as an argument of how ignorant and closed minded Christians are and why they shouldn't be taken seriously, that they would consider it Satanic and evil for one person to say "I Love You" to another.

Answer 5

Here's an interesting one for you - Spot the similarities -

http://v666.wordpress.com/2007/03/13/pic...

http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/...

http://www.antichristconspiracy.com/Qual...

Spot any similarities yet?

Answer 6

Both look the same to me.

Answer 7

I understand your dilemma.  It's amazing how many things are out there that are questionable.  I watched a video of a born-again christian who was a satanist and high priest before he got saved, and he showed many symbols that were used in various occult practices.  Even the most innocent looking symbols are used for evil purposes.  I have great difficulty trying to explain it to anyone unless I can direct them back to the source of my information.

As my Mom says, if the Holy Spirit convicts you of this, don't do it anymore.  And I am pretty sure He trying to tell you this isn't good for you to do.  Others may not understand and do as you do.  But don't let that stop you from making your decisions based on your personal convictions.

Answer 8

The LOVE symbol is when your thumb is NOT tucked in.When the thumb is out it makes an "L".

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rewinddesig...

Answer 9

you know what?  I wouldn't worry yourself over it.  

If you WANT to stop using the 'rock hand' and go for the ASL sign instead then go for it.  If you don't.... don't.

It sounds like you've made your decision really though if continuing to use it will raise serious doubts for you.

Answer 10

I think it is more about what you think it means.  when they do it at a rock concert they do it as a symbol of "rock"  not the devil.  God knows our hearts.  I know people who won't buy Christmas tree's if they are advertised as XMas trees or holiday trees, but when you look at the history of the X in Xmas, the X is the ancient Roman symbol for Christ, not a marking out of his name.  

Answer 11

Avoid it...'a little leaven ferments the whole lump'...

God Bless.

Answer 12

Technically, the "Devil Horns" gesture is index and little finger up, thumb curled into the hand. The "Love" gesture is the same, but with the thumb outstretched.

Answer 13

It is just a hand gesture the bible did not say that was the sign for the devil and people who listen to rock music do not idolize the devil ( I thinks thats gothics lol j/k )  and when you do it it can mean whatever you want it to mean ( its your hand ) So chill out and throw up your rockhands!!!