My church, Menlo Park Presbyterian (MPPC), is exhibiting artwork of crosses. Various artists in the community have made these beautiful and moving crosses. All are unique interpretations, mostly paintings and photos, one made from metal, one a mosaic and at least one collage. They're wonderful reminders of the deeper meaning of the Easter season
A girl scout came to MPPC this week for her club meeting and asked, "What do these crosses mean? What does this have to do with Easter?"
Her question amazed me and impressed on me that we live in a post-Christian culture. This girl and many others don't know the basic story of why Christians celebrate Easter.
Kids and adults know the bunny and egg and candy traditions. They bring a brief and sweet taste to our mouths, but can't remedy hollowness, loneliness, guilt and meaninglessness reigning inside.
Keeping in mind what people don't know is vital. Especially for those from cultures where the an opposing world view or religion can lead to misunderstandings of Christian symbols and words.
A few years ago a Japanese friend, whom I'll call Isoe-san attended a Presbyterian Church in springtime. In the sanctuary she viewed three men hanging on crosses. She asked me later, "Who are those other two figures? Are they gods like Jesus?"
Her question is logical for a Japanese. In that land the message of Jesus hasn't penetrated far. Both Buddhism and Shintoism are the most commonly held religious views, although actually materialism rules.
Shinto means "the way of the gods, or kami." In this belief system, gods are found in nature. Thus, people acknowledge a god of the cherry blossom or Mt. Fuji or gods of a numerous other remarkable works of nature.
So to Isoe-san looking at three crosses all with men on them, she saw no difference between them. Symbols or art are good, but not enough. Words are needed.
Isoe-san needed to know that the Romans used crosses frequently to execute criminals, or those considered wrong-doers in the eyes of that state. The two men raised up on crosses beside Jesus had been convicted of genuine crimes. One was a robber. They were just "garden variety" (plain) humans.
Jesus had done no wrong. The religious and political leaders of the Jews feared Jesus. They also envied the esteem the population held for him. Some feared that Jesus would instigate a rebellion and bring down the violent, crushing power of the Romans who ruled them at the time. So for various reasons the Jewish leaders framed Jesus and the Romans went along.
But Jesus was not just someone unjustly accused and sentenced, a helpless, tragic figure. He says he voluntarily gave his life. He claimed that he could have called thousands of angels to rescue him if needed, but he didn't because he came with the purpose of dying.
Why would that be? What relevance does Jesus' death have for any modern person today? I'll tackle that next time, in the context of another cultural difference--the reaction of Japanese and Americans to 'secrets' or shame. And I also promise a photo or two of some of these cross art-works.
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