Last year while preparing a sermon for Palm Sunday, that is, the Sunday of the Passion, I came across an explanation for why the cross isn’t found as a common symbol in early Christian art. Unfortunately, when I wanted to refer to later, I couldn’t find the reference. I hope my luck is better this year. The online Encyclopedia Britannica states that crucifixion was banned by the Emperor Constantine in the early fourth century in honor of the cross. But realistic portrayals of his crucifixion do not begin until the early fifth century.[1] The explanation that I came across last year stated that crucifixion was such a cruel and horrible punishment that it needed to pass out of living memory before Jesus’ suffering could become part of the devotional life of believers.
Read more