Thank you. I have been interested in this topic for years. Early Christians viewed the cross with horror and did not represent it in their art. When reference was made to the cross the emphasis was on the triumph of Christ. After 1070 a d, Christ was commonly depicted on the cross and the church began to emphasize the suffering of Christ. Like Christ, we must suffer and die before glory and resurrection. I was fascinated to learn of two very early representations of Christ on the cross: The magical gem intaglio, about 180 a d probably found in Syria. It is likely that this amulet was made by people who were not Christians, who hoped to capture some of Christ's power and manipulate it through magic formulas. The second is the Palatine graffito, graffiti of Christ on a cross, naked, with the head of an ass. A slave was saluting him or praying to him. Next to the image are the words: Alex Amenos worships his god. This was probably one slave making fun of a Christian slave in the social media of the day.
'it's a great idea to worship athena' at the end.. that threw me. "These idols have no power" sure :) It's no biggie. I've heard "It's what's in your heart.. God sees your heart" The heart is deceitful above all things.. who may know it? I wanna get rid of my computer and phone and everything! Idols. but idk. I may be wrong
