So, here comes another Easter, a weird commemoration in a major religion of the tortuous execution of its founder, after which a myth was created that he miraculously came back to life.

His followers were inspired by what he presumably said while alive, advocating peace, nonviolence, kindness to those in need, and nonjudgmental acceptance of those who are different, and created a religion about him.

The philosophy he taught was worthwhile, and of course it was worth noting that he was a victim of capital punishment by religious and government officials who were acting quite the opposite to the values of the founding teacher.

The cross symbolized an especially cruel and barbaric infliction of death, used many times before and afterward. Even if Jesus were guilty of far more serious crimes than unapproved preaching, if he burglarized a bakery to feed bread to his followers, for example, crucifixion would have been wrong.

“Death occurred in a matter of days but sometimes would be expedited by striking the victim in the chest with a club, spearing them or breaking their legs, so victims could no longer push themselves up to breathe. Sometimes the cross stood close to the ground, within reach of dogs and other roaming animals”

Even if he had been able to survive the experience, that wouldn’t make it OK. He wouldn’t have thought so either. The question is, why would ANY believer in Christianity approve of capital punishment?

Does it really matter that now the official murder includes only minutes, not hours or days, of physical pain? What about the weeks or months of emotional pain, fear, and dread? It is horrible to torture, but worse to kill.

When individuals murder, they usually try to avoid getting caught doing it. When a state with a democratic government does it, it becomes a performance done openly, and every citizen bears a portion of the collective guilt.

Months or years after a conviction, evidence may be found to show that the accused was innocent. If imprisoned, the person can be freed, perhaps even compensated for the injustice. But what can be done for the executed? Obviously, nothing. It is too late.

Capital punishment does NOT say that homicide is wrong. It is a statement of unequal power. It says “We, the state, can legally kill, but you can’t.”

When you see a cross, think of that.