The crucifix is a visual reminder of Christ the Man who suffered and died. It was not a book that felt pain, thirsted, and gave up the last breath. It educates your mind by directing you to an image of a perfect man, so that you be a better man yourself. I offer the crucifix as a tool of spiritual exercise toward this goal. If was refused with vehemence.
Certainly you know that Protestants and other Non-Catholics have a different regard for graven images than do Catholics.
The scriptures tell the story of Jesus' life, ministry, suffering, and death as well, or better ... than any image could.
The passage in 1 John says that the Sacrament of Holy Orders is sufficient to guide against seduction of heresies, but in order to not merely resist the heresy in our heart but also defeat it and teach others, study of Tradition and Scripture becomes necessary, as the letters to Timothy make clear.
Indeed the scripture tells is the story of the Cross, but unlike the scripture, the crucifix is visibly present at all times and operates on a different level than a written word. The Devil can quote the Bible too, but he cannot look at the Cross.
The "different view" on the Christian imagery has been debunked eleven centuries ago. See #360 for a basic outline, and a link to do more study. But the point is not that a Protestant might be reluctant to hang a Catholic object in his home, but that the very idea of looking at an image of Christ is repugnant to someone who imagines himself Christian.