Did you really just argue that "aversion to man-made beliefs and institutions is a man-made tradition?" That doesn't make any sense. I think you're using your apologetics jargon incorrectly.
Here it is, in simple terms:
1) Spirit is defined as an attitude or principle that inspires, animates, or pervades thought, feeling, or action
2) Offense is a "spirit" characterized by annoyance or resentment brought about by a perceived insult to or disregard for oneself or one's standards or principles.
3) The Crucifix is offensive to some
If you intentionally wear something that is meant to manipulate your own thoughts or feelings or the thoughts or feelings of another you are defacto practicing witchcraft/sorcery. It's a very tough pill for many to swallow.
Many Christians don't realize that even giving a person a "dirty look" was considered witchcraft in a court of law in many nations for thousands of years... And it should be, because that's what it is... Now, should people be punished for that? Not my decision.
Simple jewelry, especially a cross, doesn't manipulate thoughts or feelings. That's paranoia. It's a mental illness. I have little patience with ignorant funnymentalist Bible cults who lean towards the false religion of Manicheanism, and are not even aware of it.
If a crucifix is offensive, then perhaps they should see an exorcist.
2 Sam. 6:7 – the Ark is so holy and pure that when Uzzah touched it, the Lord slew him. This shows us that the Ark is undefiled. Would that be idolatry or witchcraft?
2 Sam. 6:16 King David leap for joy before the Ark. To you he is practicing witchcraft or idolatry.
Deut. 5:8 – God’s commandment “thou shall not make a graven image”
is entirely connected to the worship of false gods. God does not prohibit images to be used in worship, but He prohibits the images themselves to be worshiped. This is too deep for paranoid iconoclasts to grasp.
Exodus 25:18-22; 26:1,31 – for example, God commands the making of the image of a golden cherubim. This heavenly image, of course, is not worshiped by the Israelites. Instead, the image disposes their minds to the supernatural and draws them to God.
Did God command the making of idols or could there be something wrong with your interpretation?
Num. 21:8-9 – God also commands the making of the bronze serpent. The image of the bronze serpent is not an idol to be worshiped, but an article that lifts the mind to the supernatural. Such things are forbidden your system. BTW, the bronze serpent foreshadows the crucified Christ. Hyperliteralism resists the concept of foreshadow, or typology.
I Kings 6:23-36; 7:27-39; 8:6-67 – Solomon’s temple contains statues of cherubim and images of cherubim, oxen and lions. God did not condemn these images that were used in worship, but your system despises any physical devotional aid.
1 Chron. 28:18-19 – David gives Solomon the plan for the altar made of refined gold with a golden cherubim images. These images were used in the Jews’ most solemn place of worship. Is that idolatry, or witchcraft? DUH!