Christian pathos

This church sign near Dequeen, Arkansas is really funny.  That was my first intent in posting it.  However, it is really sad.  The people in this little country church are suffering and use of this image in front of their church illustrates this poignantly.  There is so much anguish in the world and faith is designed to help alleviate this anguish.  But for those stuck in a morass of self-loathing and self-hatred it is easy to succumb to the gory details of the crucifixion.  It makes me think of that horrible Mel Gibson film, “The Passion of Christ” from a few years back.

(The caption at the bottom of the pix is hard to read.  It reads, “This bloods for you.”  Also not clear in the pix is the streams of blood on Jesus’ face.)

 

2 thoughts on “Christian pathos

  1. kw's avatarkw

    Good post Mr. Lew.
    Would be interesting to read your expanded thoughts on why so many Christians are fascinated, drawn to, and transfixed by the aura of bloody gore surrounding Christ.
    Having been raised in that area of Arkansas as a Southern Baptist, I’m familiar with the phenomenon of self-loathing, and have long been curious as to its origin.
    Faith, in self and God, seems so obviously preferable.

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    1. literarylew's avatarliterary lew Post author

      Don’t know that I have the answer. I agree with your implication—“Faith, in self and God” is the antithesis of that orgy of blood and guts. Those people are in such a world of pain.

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