Posted on 01/06/2009 8:47:00 PM PST by Steelfish
Vicar takes down crucifixion sculpture 'because it's a scary depiction of suffering' A vicar has removed a sculpture of the crucifixion from the front of his church because it was a 'horrifying depiction of pain and suffering' that was scaring off worshippers. Rev Ewen Souter said the traditional Christian symbol was frightening children and that it would be replaced with a modern, stainless steel cross. Some of the congregation have reacted angrily to the decision, saying it is another blow to Christian tradition. The sculpture of Jesus Christ being crucified has been removed from the front of St John's Church because it was 'too horrifying' One long-standing member of the church, who asked not to be named, said: 'The crucifix is the oldest and most famous symbol of the Christian church. 'Pulling it down and putting up something that would look more at home on the side of a flashy modern shopping centre is not the way to get more bums on seats. 'Next they'll be ripping out the pews and putting sofas in their place, or throwing out all the Bibles and replacing them with laptops. It's just not right.' Rev Souter said today: 'The crucifix expressed suffering, torment, pain and anguish. It was a scary image, particularly for children. 'Parents didn't want to walk past it with their kids, because they found it so horrifying. 'It wasn't a suitable image for the outside of a church wanting to welcome worshippers. In fact, it was a real put-off.
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This is common place in some modern ‘churches’. No Christian symbols whatsoever. Not even a cross. And it isn’t for reasons of holiness or conviction - but just like in this church, it is a marketing strategy.
Probably catch flak for this, but it is rather unsettling. It’s too “modern” for my tastes. I would take it down, too, but put it somewhere where it would still be appreciated. I still think the message (of course), would need to be conveyed.
Unfortunately, the modern world seeks a Christ without a crucifixion. There is no Easter Sunday without a Good Friday. Protestant churches have been reduced to feel-good Christianity including the ordination of homosexual bishops.
If they had put up a real crucifix, instead of that hideous monstrosity, there would never have been any problem.
If they had put up a real crucifix, instead of that hideous monstrosity, there would never have been any problem.
I have to agree with you there. It reminded me of those burned bodies on that Iraq bridge.
No question, however, that it is powerful and deserves to be seen. Just not in its current venue.
I was raised Baptist and all we ever saw were crosses. Then as a teen I went to a Catholic friend’s home and just about freaked out at all the bloody, gruesome images. Hearts, blood, thorns, suffering... yikes!! I almost ran out of the house. Baptists aren’t used to that. LOL!
Calvary without the body “Ecce Homo” [Behold the Man] is synthetic.
“I was raised Baptist and all we ever saw were crosses. Then as a teen I went to a Catholic friend’s home and just about freaked out at all the bloody, gruesome images. Hearts, blood, thorns, suffering... yikes!! I almost ran out of the house. Baptists aren’t used to that. LOL!”
It was really bloody, really painful and really gruesome. It did happen after all and all the crucifix symbolizes is a historical fact. You can run from it, but it still happened.
Calvary WITH the Man ignores the Resurrection.
If Reverend Souter had penned the Gospels:
Roman Soldier: Well, old boy, we have to put you up on this hill as a demonstration of what happens to those who are viewed as a threat to the Roman State, or to their protectorates"
Jesus: But the entire purpose of my being here is the ultimate sacrifice, that one lay his life down for his brother, and as God incarnate, the ultimate example.
Roman Soldier: Well we really don't want to spend time cleaning up the usual bloody mess, and your pain and suffering would really have the monied averting their eyes and Pilate would be inundated with complaints, so how about having some tea and biscuits with us. We'll put up this empty cross and then we'll all pretend like we crucified you.
Jesus: I don't think that's the way it's supposed to go.....
roman Soldier: We'll have bear claws.
Jesus: Oh, ok. Put up your cross and lets all eat.
Souter is a Christian? the crucifx is the EXACT representation of what the Christ endured for man's salvation.
Calvary without the Man ignores the ultimate sacrifice of God’s love for humanity.
As a child I was very afraid of the stations of the cross in our Catholic Church.
Then, as I attended elementary school, Friday afternoon stations of the cross was school policy. It was very hot in this church in the spring in the days before air conditioning. The heat, Philadelphia humidity, the monotony, and the ever present torture being presented by the priest....was more oppressive that I have words to describe.
Some time ago, a freeper said that the UK NEEDS Islam. They need it to instill some sense of fear or values back into their society. I’m agreeing. Until they face real pain again, a loss of freedom, and the foot of an oppressor on their collective faces, they won’t move or stand up to the Leftist who want to die anyway.
In this Man's name, amen!
http://www.drbo.org/cgi-bin/d?b=drb&bk=53&ch=1&l=23&f=s#x
1 Corinthians 1:23 - “...we preach Christ crucified...”
I was raised in the Universalist Church, and I can't remember a single reference to the crucifixion in all the years I attended there. Evidently it was just too icky to deal with. Easter was all about "springtime" and "renewal". They simply ignored huge swatches of Scripture they didn't like and/or didn't understand. Glad to be a Lutheran now and learning daily about sin and forgiveness and the Theology of the Cross. No Easter without Calvary.
Look like ya beat me to it.
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