Only in Britain: Christ's Cross Too Scary for Church Kids

From Associated News

London, 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 -

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/sussex/7816941.stm

21st century Christ

A 21st century church stained glass window...




I think it speaks for itself...

Religious News: The Gospel according to Islam

'Islamic Jesus' hits Iranian theaters

An Iranian director produced the first film giving an Islamic view of Jesus. Nader Talebzadeh sees his movie, "Jesus, the Spirit of God," as an Islamic answer to Western films like Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ," which he called well-crafted but "wrong."

Talebzadeh said he aims to bridge differences between Christianity and Islam, despite the doctrinal differences. "It is fascinating for Christians to know that Islam gives such devotion to and has so much knowledge about Jesus. By making this film I wanted to make a bridge between Christianity and Islam, to open the door for dialogue since there is much common ground between Islam and Christianity," he told AFP Sunday.

Islam sees Jesus as a prophet, not the son of God, and believes he was not crucified. The film, which won an award at the 2007 Religion Today Film Festival in Italy, closely follows the story of Jesus as recounted in the New Testament, but in the end God saves Jesus from crucifixion and takes him straight to Heaven.

The state-funded film played in Iran to moderate audiences in five Tehran cinemas during the holy month of Ramadan in October and is about to be recycled in a 20 episode series on state-run national television this year.

As reported by http://www.religionandspirituality.com/

Something Right

God's plan of Salvation - the sacrifice of Christ, His Holy Son.




A Good Friday poster

Hostages

Audio Version here

Psalm 143:9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. (NIV)

There are early reports coming in this morning that fifteen British sailors have been captured by the Iranian Navy in Iraqi waters. Perhaps by the end of the day, these sailors will be released. I hope so, for the event has the potential to escalate the war in the Gulf. I pray that the sailors will be treated well and quickly returned, otherwise the British Navy may retaliate.

It reminds me of the Iranian hostage crisis which took place during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. He lost the Whitehouse to Ronald Reagan because of it. Britain goes to the polls in about eight weeks time to elect a new Prime Minister. Perhaps I’m being cynical in my old age, but I wonder if the Iranian President has initiated this incident to influence British voters? Ahmadinejad was one of the revolutionary ring-leaders of the hostage situation in the American Embassy in Tehran. It could be that he’s trying to unnerve the Western alliance in the present Iraqi war. Personally, I wouldn’t put it past him.

However, as Christians, we need to keep praying for peace in the region and for the dogs of war to be silenced. No matter how justified each side feels about what is going on, this fact remains: innocent men, women, and children are dying in the streets of Baghdad and across the region. We have to find a lasting solution. We need to honestly look at ourselves and find the ways, words, and works that lead to peace. Otherwise, our children won’t just be facing global warming; they’ll be continually dealing with global warring.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace whereas we are the weavers of war. Help us to end the hostilities between different nations, races, and religions throughout the world. If we are truly Christian, then crucify our self-righteous sins and grandiose schemes of sovereignty. Teach us not to throw away our freedom by surrendering our security. Help us not to lose our faith by empowering our religion. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Crucified Clown

Abstract of Christ being nailed to Cross.

Proof

Matthew 3:17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

There’s a report this morning that the director of the movie Titanic will announce the making of a new documentary about what happened to Jesus’ body after the Crucifixion. He claims to have found a group of tombs in Jerusalem, of the family of Mary and Joseph, and that Christ’s remains is in the midst of them. There are also claims that Mary Magdalene is buried there, along with a son.

Some people will be alarmed at all of this because if the true bones of Jesus are found, it will make a mockery of what Christians believe. We believe that Christ rose physically from the tomb, showed his wounds to His disciples, and that He physically ascended into heaven. It’s all a crucial part of having faith in Jesus. What will be interesting to see is whether or not the alleged bones of Christ have horrific wounds and dislocations all over them. Crucifixion was not only about bleeding to death – shoulders, knees, collar bones and knees would all dislocate in the grueling process.

I guess this is just another showbiz attempt to try to unsettle the faithful and raise a new generation of cynics amongst us. Having faith, especially Christian faith, is not easy to carry these days. To some people, we are superstitious nutters, who have no place in the post-modern world. To others, we are constantly the burrs beneath their saddles of complacency, affluence and decadence. Our existence as a community of faith constantly challenges the ways of the world because we believe in a Risen Lord, who is King of all creation and the Savior of our souls.

So, whatever is announced tomorrow, let’s be aware that it’s just another publicity stunt by a film maker who’s running out of good ideas. Let’s also pray for his soul so that in the midst of his quest, rather than finding ancient skeletons, he may come across the One, True & Living Lord – Jesus the Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your life, death, and resurrection are mysteries that we desperately want to solve. Many want to believe You are who You say You are, but they want physical and tangible proof. Remind us that faith does not seek proof, but it is revealed inwardly to us, bringing us hope for the forgiveness of our sins, restoration to God’s favor, and an eternal life beyond the dust and shores of earth. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen