Yet He, answering, said to them, "A generation, wicked and adulteress, for a sign is seeking, and a sign will not be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.
Matthews Account 11: 39, Concordant New Testament
I watched a video recently in which the actor Mel Gibson spoke of the importance of the shroud of Turin, which many have proclaimed contains the image of the crucified Christ. Now, I can recall being interested in this myself back when I was searching for proof in what I claimed to believe. That physical proof that God does exist. Proof that Jesus was who He claimed to be. Never mind that we have the writings of the prophets and the disciples of Jesus which proclaim His life and ministry. It seems that there continues to be many believers who seek that proof of God and Christ Jesus. We see this with each and every artifact we find that we can trace back to the times of Jesus. The remnants of the ark of Noah also come to mind. Resting on top of a mountain in Turkey, the wreck of the ark has supposedly been inspected by many a biblical scholar who have proclaimed its originality. So, what is it about these symbols of our faith that we hold so dear to our hearts? Why is it that we continue to waste our time and energy in the search for proof that God exists? It's not just artifacts either, for many in the Catholic faith revere the image and life of Mary the mother of Jesus. They continue to place such importance on Mary, that one might think that she is on the same level as God. Of course, this has always been one of the major conflicts that I have had with the catholic faith. For we're told that God alone is the sole self in the universe, there is none but Him {Issaiah 45:5}. But the love affair which the Catholics have with the virgin Mary is but one of a multitude of symbols which believers cling to in Christianity. All too often, we base our faith upon these symbols. We glorify the artifacts which we discover from the land where Jesus walked. Many Christians continue to walk the path of Via Dolorosa "The Sorrowful way," which is the path which Jesus supposedly walked to His crucifixion. Trips to the holy land are celebrated by many believers who desire to "Walk where Jesus walked." In the end, I believe that this is a false connection to Jesus.
For His invisible attributes are descried from the creation of the world, being apprehended by His achievements, besides His imperceptible power and divinity, for them to be defenseless.
Paul to the Romans 1: 20, Concordant New Testament
After moving to Portland in 1994 I began to search for a "Suitable" church to attend. I recall driving up and down the freeway and seeing that cross on the hill beside the road. I instinctively knew that this symbol of the cross of Jesus represented a place of worship. Again, the symbolism and optics of Christianity in full effect. In fact, I cannot recall a church I have been in where the cross was not on full display in the forefront of the church. Some are a simple wooden model while others have nails and/or linen draped over them for added effect. Believe me, this is done for a purpose. That is, to remind those who look upon that cross of the crucifixion of Jesus. While I agree that this is indeed important, I also believe that the cross of Christ should not be our main focus. I do not see the cross as the end of the road for Jesus, but the beginning. For it is through His death on that cross that Jesus defeated sin once and for all {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}. As He died upon that cross, His last words rang true for all mankind, "It is finished!" {Johns Account 19:30}. From that point on, God's relationship with His creation, which was lost in the garden, was once again restored. Through Jesus, we now enjoy our union life with He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}. Through Jesus, the old has been cast away {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:17}. Our focus should not be on those symbols which the elements and man can destroy, but on Christ who is forever.
~Scott~
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