Stories Of ArtSample

For a large group of people it is inconceivable to believe in God or even a god. It seems unreal and just makes no sense to them and they are not alone because not believing in a god is no new phenomenon nor a progressive change of humanity. Even in the early beginnings of Christianity Christians were mocked and bullied for their conception of the world, were persecuted and executed because what they believed in didn't fit with Roman people. In the Roman Empire the thought of a god sacrificing himself was laughable, their gods were strong and undefeated. From their point of view a god had to mess up pretty bad to be crucified by man. There were sayings like: "A God like this has to be donkey." This thought is captured in Alexamenos graffito. You can see a crucified man with a donkey's head, which shows the shame of the crucifixion. Next to it you can see a man raising his hand in worship. Underneath is written: "Alexamenos sebete theon", which is: "Alexamenos worships his God". This is a proof for the mockery of Christianity and their followers in this time.

Today it's more an issue of how a loving God could let His son die. The idea of a cruel God, who is only satisfied by sacrifices is unfavorable to a lot of people. 

Even Paul wrote that the faith in Jesus and His resurrection is foolishness to outstanders. (1 Corinthians 1:18).

If you have no idea of Christian belief and you see a church which is centered around someone who is crucified you may ask yourself who or what is worshiped. A cross is an instrument of torture and appears deterring to outstanders. It's like you would wear an electric chair on a necklace.  So it is understandable for outstanders to question so many things.

But here it's God's wisdom and effective power which we are allowed to receive. We can draw from that and be a testimony to our environment.