[Blogger]

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.

[swatbuznik]

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.

[GL of Sector 2814]

To be fair, as crucifixion sculptures go this one is kind of creepy.

[Tench_Coxe]

"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."

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.

[wintertime]

Rev Ewen Souter said the traditional Christian symbol was frightening children
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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.

[Clock King]

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.

[MarineBrat]

In this Man's name, amen!

[Wilhelm Tell]

If the Vicar is so offended by Christ maybe he should find another religion or no religion.

[Sloth]

Respect for the 2nd commandment would be a better reason...

[VeniVidiVici]

Christianity to become more inclusive. The vicar will replace the symbol of the crucifixion with this:

[dayglored]

Maybe I'm missing something, but aren't concepts like:

"...He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, He suffered and was buried, and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven..."

central to the whole point of Christianity???? I mean, that's what I was taught...

Sure crucifixion is horrifying, painful, terrible, disturbing. THAT'S THE POINT. Christ died that we might be saved. Hello???

To remove the crucifixion from a place of Christian worship is to deny one of the central mysteries and premises of Christian belief.

I find that unacceptable.