---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Many people first encounter Jesus during…"
description: "\"Many people first encounter Jesus during childhood when they are suddenly confronted by a horrifying statue of a man nailed to a cross, and this is oft..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/56f/michael-leunig-2274_beginning_many-people-first-encounter-jesus-during_2653531.png"
---

#  Many people first encounter Jesus during childhood when…

![“Many people first encounter Jesus during childhood when they are suddenly confronted by a horrifying statue of a man nailed to a cross, and this is often a most unfortunate and repulsive beginning.” quote by Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/56f/michael-leunig-2274_beginning_many-people-first-encounter-jesus-during_2653531.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/56f/michael-leunig-2274_beginning_many-people-first-encounter-jesus-during_2653531.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/56f/michael-leunig-2274_beginning_many-people-first-encounter-jesus-during_2653531.png)

> “Many people first encounter Jesus during childhood when they are suddenly confronted by a horrifying statue of a man nailed to a cross, and this is often a most unfortunate and repulsive beginning.”

[Michael Leunig](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-leunig/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

He describes early exposure to religious imagery as often shocking and off‑putting, suggesting it can shape perceptions negatively.

**In simple terms:** Seeing a crucifix as a child can be disturbing.

Key Takeaway

Reflect on how early religious symbols affect you.

Themes

religion childhood psychology culture

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

cultural personal

When to use this quote

- church visits
- religious education
- personal belief formation

Key Concepts

symbolic trauma first impressions

Questions to Reflect On

- How did your first encounter with religious symbols feel?
- Can such images be presented more gently?

A Different Perspective

Not all individuals react the same way.

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[Beginning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beginning/) [Childhood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/childhood/) [Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cross/) [Encounter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/encounter/) [Jesus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jesus/) [Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/man/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Statue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/statue/)

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