Shameful displays of shallow faith By James Robert Watson, PhD A show of arrogant ignorance Every Christmas season, two skyscrapers in Oklahoma City turn on lights on their facades that form Christian crosses. Unfortunately, they serve as large beacons of ignorance and bigotry in Oklahoma. Not a good message for the movement of Oklahoma City towards becoming a major league city - displays such as these keep Oklahoma in the minor leagues. Major cities do not condone such ignorance. A few concerns: Irreverent: WWJD? Jesus would likely be disgusted by the showy display. He taught his followers to share one's faith, but in a more respectful manner. As is too often the case, Christians don't act very Christ-like. Inappropriate: The cross is a symbol of the crucifixion - a terrible painful instrument of torture and death. Not very appropriate for the season of Santa, toys, carols, and shopping. Ignorant: The cross is more closely associated with the holiday of Easter and Christ's death and resurrection, not Christmas, which is more about birth and joy. Someone simply goofed by using the Easter crucifixion during the birth holiday. Arrogant: There are likely many non-Christians that work in those buildings. There are hundreds of thousands of non-Christians in the metro area that these crosses shine over. Divisive: The USA is in the midst of a religious war - this just heightens the division and animosity. As stated, the crosses are not about Christmas, but a blatant show of Christianity Exclusive: A city should avoid alienating any of its citizens. While these are privately owned buildings, they do serve as symbols of the city and take on a more civic role and responsibility. Offensive: Even intelligent Bible-believing Christians acknowledge that the crosses do not conform to the teachings of Jesus Christ and send an inappropriate message to non-Christians. Other inappropriate displays of ignorance These are two large Interstate Highway Crosses: one in Effingham, Illinois and one in Edmond, Oklahoma. As a devout Christian, I read and studied the Bible many times. I could never find any verses in which Jesus recommended that his followers spend money on large structures of the symbol of crucifixion. If you know of any Bible verse that confirms that Christians should build such ostentatious structures, please email me at the address below. Thanks. Home • Email Jim Watson • Filename to share: http://www.jamesrobertwatson.com/buildingcrosses.html