Art Quote by Philip Yancey
“It took time for the church to come to terms with the ignominy of the cross. Church fathers forbade its depiction in art until the reign of the Roman emperor Constantine… Now, though, the symbol is everywhere: artists beat gold into the shape of the Roman execution device, baseball players cross themselves before batting, and cancy confectioners even make chocolate crosses for the faithful to eat during Holy Week. Strange as it may seem, Christianity has become a religion of the cross--the gallows, the electric chair, the gas chamber, in modern terms.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Cross of Christ, 2015
The cross, once a symbol of shame, has been transformed into a ubiquitous emblem of faith, yet its origins remain tied to execution.
In simple terms: The cross shifted from shame to sacred symbol.
Key Takeaway
Understand the evolving meaning of symbols.
Themes
faith
symbolism
history
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
religious
cultural
When to use this quote
- Religious rituals
- artistic expression
- public displays
Key Concepts
Redemption
cultural appropriation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the modern use of the cross affect your perception of faith?
- Can symbols retain meaning across cultures?
A Different Perspective
The cross’s commercial use can dilute its spiritual depth.
