From Associated NewsLondon, Jan 7 : The cross depicts the Christian faith all over the world, but a church in Britain has decided to remove it as it is too scary for kids and also puts people off.
Reverend Ewen Souter, of Horsham, West Sussex, decided to remove the crucifix in his church after he found it to be "a horrifying depiction of pain and suffering".
The 10ft sculpture was removed from St John's, and to the anger and bewilderment of some in his congregation, an ultra-modern stainless steel cross was placed.
"The crucifix is the oldest and most famous symbol of Christianity," the Mirror quoted one long-standing member of the church as saying."Pulling it down and putting up something that would look more at home on the side of a shopping centre is not the way to get more bums on seats. Next they'll be ripping out the pews and putting sofas in, or throwing out all the Bibles and replacing them with laptops. It's just not right," the member added.
But Rev Souter, who has been vicar at St John's since 2001, believes the modern new cross, which was designed by artist Angela Godfrey, will present "a positive message of hope".
"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," he said.
"It wasn't a suitable image for the outside of a church wanting to welcome worshippers. In fact, it was a real put-off.
"We're all about hope, encouragement and the joy of the Christian faith. We want to communicate good news, not bad news, so we need a more uplifting and inspiring symbol than execution on a cross," he added.
Update: a TV interview from the BBC -
1 comment:
Weird,
but...
It is not true that "The crucifix is the oldest and most famous symbol of Christianity,"
The two oldest are a shepherd with a lamb on his back, and (I think) a ship sailing on rough seas.
There is also the fish.
It wasn't till 100 years after anybody had ever seen a crucifixion that the cross became a symbol of Christianity.
Nobody knows for sure how it started, but clearly folks who had ever seen one never brought such a symbol into church.
Maybe because if you really get it, it >>is<< too scary.
Incidentally, do you know what symbol is behind the altar of St Peter's Cathedral in Rome?
Post a Comment