LA CROCE

 
La Croce è la dimensione umana.

The Cross is the human dimension.

People are shocked when they see crucifixes in Catholic churches, probably because it is so graphically violent. I think when looking at it, it's important to identify with Jesus and think why he was put there. This means essentially thinking about what he said in his teachings and his attitude towards his persecutors immediately prior to his execution. A few years ago there was an article at the BBC web site about the presence of the crucifix in classrooms in Italian state schools. I believe they have been taken down in most schools. I don't believe they should have taken it down. Anti-religious sentiment is high in society and yet lay society will not find a substitute for religious thought. In this age of relativism, the idea that one's mental development must be based traditional faith, that is on the focal point of a cultural or a religious truth, has gone out the window. I once posted this online comment at the BBC site which invited readers to comment:

The cross simply says, "Truth will set you free." It is thus the perfect symbol for what we call an education. It shows us the cosmic relationship between truth and sacrifice. But it is more that just a symbol. It is a guide that helps us find meaning in notions like equality, democracy, love and it beckons us to love our neighbours as one. It is a guide to peace. Who would dare take it down?

 
Bevagna, 7 4 2008