Call for declaration of crucifix as Heritage of Humanity
The movement for the international defence of the crucifix was launched in Malta today after having been launched in other European countries, including Italy where it was founded.
The movement, founded in Rome last year by Roberto Mezzaroma, a former member of the European Parliament and well established architect and entrepreneur, aims to lobby for support for the crucifix to be given the recognition it deserved.
The Movimento Etico Internazionale per la Difesa del Crocifisso (Medic) has petitioned Unesco to declare the crucifix as the ‘Heritage of Humanity’.
The vision of Medic, according to Mr Mezzaroma, who addressed today’s conference, is to present the suffering Christ on the cross as a symbol of contradiction, of love and reconciliation.
Medic wants to encourage people to look up to the crucifix as an image of God made man, who accepted the suffering and the humiliation of the sacrifice of the cross, Mr Mezzaroma said.
He called on the Maltese government to support the initiative along with other countries which have already expressed their support such as Armenia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Russia, Greece, Lithuania, Monaco, Romania and San Marino – the countries which supported Italy in its appeal against the original crucifix judgement handed down by the European Court of Human Rights.
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Joe Xuereb
Apr 4th 2011, 23:30
@Joe Falzon, I appreciate your response. Each to his own, as they say.
I admire believers, never taking responsibility for their thoughts. For instance, they don't so much want eternal life, they're quick to claim it's offered them. This because they're aware that wanting to live forever is all about arrogance and nothing to do with humility. But hey! eternity has been foisted upon them from above. They didn't ask for it. Ungrateful wretches that they are, they're happy to come for the ride. Suffering in the here and now is a small price to pay, it seems. Now Joe Falzon, you mention life's trials and tribulations and the eventual reward. I wonder if you could expand a little on what you mean by tris.&tribs.? Who knows, we might share some of these, you and I, but no brownie points for this joey; no 'reward'. Thank god!
Louis Cassar
Apr 4th 2011, 15:31
The Symbol of Cross is the Universal Sign for Christians, no matter of their domination. At the moment Christian faith is under attack due to our own tolerance, and specially those who do not have any faith at all. Counties like Malta, Italy, Greece, Cyprus there are amongst the first ones to accept Christianity. For 2000 years that was our religion and faith and through this faith we managed to survive through hardships. We managed to survive the Ottoman occupation for more than 400 years(Cyprus, Greece)and Malta the Arab occupation and the Great Siege. So since those Nations are build upon the Christian foundation and beliefs, no one has the right to order us to remove our symbols. So what is the next thing EU will ask us now to remove? The Cross from our flag?
joe falzon
Apr 4th 2011, 11:21
@Joe Xuereb
1. This is the reason why I have commented that everyone has the right and duty to defend himself but in a civil way without resorting to verbal or physical violence. Forgiveness does not mean not to adequately defend yourself but to do it in a civil way that does not violate the human dignity of others.
2. Everyone is a sinner. I understood your point very clearly.
That is the reason why , as Catholics, our faith is to be built on Christ and his teaching because Christ and his teaching remain relevant at all times irrespective of who is conveying his message.
Joe xuereb
Apr 4th 2011, 10:55
@ Joe Falzon, if you want to know my understanding of forgiveness and its implications, refer to:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110403/local/gilletti-reads-letter-from-malta
Wrongdoing, and forgiveness, have a psychological dimension. The problem is the Church does not look too kindly on the psychological aspect of thins - too empowering of the weak, too threatening of its power-wielding position (a glaring example is the Church's reluctance to admit to child-abuse and only now is it making tentative steps to acknowledge its failings. Forgiving the Church and pretend nothing ever happened so as not to rock the boat is the last thing we should do. I think you'll understand (but I'm not holding my breath).
joe falzon
Apr 3rd 2011, 21:38
Part 3
Il-Kurcifiss jghallimna wkoll il-manswetudni jigifieri l-mahfra. Sfortunatement, id-dinja (il-bnedmin) jghidulna biex inpattu jew naghmlu l-hsara lil min ikun ghamlilna d-deni. Xi whud jghidu wkoll: Nahfer izda ma ninsiex. Dawn m'humiex it-tip ta' mahfra li ghallimna Gesu.
Gesu' fuq is-salib mhux talli hafer izda talli skuza lil dawk lil sallbuh. 'Missier ahfrilhom ghax ma jafux x'inhuma jaghmlu' Ma jfissirx li l-bniedem m'ghandux dritt li jiddefendi ruhu b'mod civili ghad-deni li jkun sarlu anzi jien nghid li ghandna dmir li naghmluh dan. Izda l-imhabba nkondizzjonata (responsabbli) trid tkun dik li tiggwidana fid-decizjonijiet kollha li niehdu fil-hajja.
ien nibqa' nirrispettak anke meta int tghajjarni; anke meta tipprova twaqqaghni ghac-cajt; anke meta tikkalunjani u taqla' l-gideb fuqi. Ma jfissirx li ma niddefendiex ruhi b'mod tajjeb izda jfiser li ma npattihilekx il-hsara li tkun ghamiltli bi hsara ohra anzi nibqa' nirrispettak. Gesu qalilna " X'jiswa li thobbu lil min ihobbkhom? Il-midinbin u l-publikani ukoll jaghmluh dan. Imma jien nghidilkhom: Hobbu lill-ghedewwa taghkom. Aghmlu l-gid lil min jippersegwitakhomw.' Dawn huwa kliem radikali fil-hajja tal-bniedem izda huwa dan l-attegjament li jaghni lill-hajja tal-umanita'. F'dan kollu, ghandu jfakkarna il-Kurcifiss. Altru li huwa ktieb ta' taghlim kbir li jaghmel il-hajja tal-bniedem hafna aktar sabiha.
joe falzon
Apr 3rd 2011, 21:18
Part 2
Izda x'tifsira ghandu s-salib fil-hajja taghna?
Dun Gorg kien ihobb isejjahlu il-Ktieb il-Kbir ghaliex il-kurcifiss jurina ukoll dak li Alla ried jghallimna permezz ta' Gesu.
Gesu' jghallimna l-bzonn li kull bniedem jerfa' s-salib tieghu ta' kuljum. Li terfa' s-salib tieghek ma jfissirx li ma taghmilx hiltek biex ittejjeb il-hajja tieghek u tal-ohrajn izda jfisser li t-tbatija hija parti ntima mir-rejalta tal-hajja u li wiehed irid jitghallem li jqieghed ir-rieda t'Alla qabel ir-rieda tieghu nnifsu. Irridu naghmlu r-rieda t'Alla mhux meta jaqblilna jew ghax hekk hi l-moda jew biex inkunu l-istess bhal bqija izda ghax verament nemmnu li Alla jaf iktar minna x'inhu ta' gid ghalina.
Hadd ma jiehu gost ibati u kulhadd jghid 'ajma' meta fil-hajja jiltaqa' mat-tbatija. Anke Gesu' beza' mill-mewt u lill-Missier qallu: 'Jekk jista' jkun bieghed minni dan il-Kalci izda mhux kif irrid jien izda kif trid Int ikun maghmul.' Mela l-Kurcifiss jghallimna li hafna drabi sabiex inkunu xhieda tar-rieda t'Alla f'hajjitna, ikollna inbatu. Min jaf kemm il-darba in-nies jidhqu bina u jghajruna ghaliex nimxu fuq dak li qalilna Gesu'.. Gesu' stess qalilna: 'Kif ghamlu lili, jaghmlu lilkhom.
L-importanti fil-hajja mhux x'jahseb jew x'jghid haddiehor fuqna izda X'JGHID ALLA FUQNA.
joe falzon
Apr 3rd 2011, 21:01
Part 1
Ghal xi whud, is-salib jista’ jidher biss bhala semplicement ghuda harxa li fuqha kienet issir l-ezukuzzjoni (il-qtil) ta’ kull min kien kriminal. Izda ghan-nisrani li verament jemmen, permezz ta' Gesu' is-salib ha tifsira gdida li tnissel tama u kuragg fil-hajja tal-bniedem.
Gesu’ l-Iben t’Alla l-Haj, kien ikkundannat innocentament b’din it-tip ta’ mewt - is-salib u ghaldaqstant dik l-ghuda tant harxa u li kulhadd kien jistmerrha, hadet tifsira differenti permezz ta’ Gesu’. Il-salib ma baqghax jidher bhala ghodda ta’ ezekuzzjoni u tbatija izda juri kif il-weghdiet t’Alla li jibghat Messija biex isalva lill-bnedmin kollha, saru REJALTA’ u din ir-rejalta fissret li Gesu' habb lil bniedem sal-mewt anzi sal-mewt tas-salib.
Ghaldaqstant il-Kurcifiss sar is-sinjal tas-salvazzjoni – is-sejha li jaghmel Alla lill-bnedmin kollha rrispettivament minn religjon, twemmin, razza jew eta’. Ghaliex l-hajja ta’ Gesu’ ma tieqafx fil-krucifissjoni izda ssib il-qofol taghha fil-qawmien Tieghu mill-mewt. Mela altru li s-salib m’huwiex biss sinjal ta’ tbatija! Huwa sinjal ta’ tama li wara t-tbatija ta’ din il-hajja, hemm il-qawmien gdid ghall-hajja ohra.
Din hija l-ahbar it-tajba li minkejja li ahna tbeghidna minn Alla, Alla baqa’ jhobb lill-bniedem u baghat ‘l Ibnu l-wahdieni biex kull min jemmen fih isalva.
Joe Xuereb
Apr 3rd 2011, 20:51
2) As I said, there were crosses (and effigies) on the wall and on the desk and it wouldn't have surprised me to see one in the loo too. I hadn't meant to be sarcastic (me, sarcastic?!) but I guess I came across as that. Do you want me to photo-copy it for you too? he said, begrudgingly whereupon he left the room leaving me alone, feeling all self-satisfied. He came back and disdainfully, handed me a copy of my very own Act concerning the position of sexual perverts in Malta. If I remember rightly, the language of the Act iwas the usually stilted flowery stuff and homosexuality discussed as one of a sub-social-group of sundry undesirables. Like common street prostitutes. Charming!! I guess this is why Malta comes up against the usual stumbling blocks. When even people in positions of power discuss the 'resurrection'. I was going to say something but better not. It would never get past the Times' censor. And rightly so. Malta must not relinquish its title of 'Beacon of....rectitude....to..the..world.'
I've noticed here in UK many non-Christians wearing crosses - a common standard decorative design. Does this irk believers, I wonder? ANY religious symbolism: why bother!
Joseph Galea
Apr 3rd 2011, 20:42
It is written that jesus was crucified as according to the Roman law. What if .... instead of jesus dying on the cross he died by the Jewish law ,hence by hanging or beheading? Does that mean that we will have to endure to see carved images of a man hanged on a wall ,or a statue of a man without a head doing the rounds during a procession and worshiped by the faith believers?
My opinion is that all these carved images and statues of a man crucified with blood oozing out from all over his body and nearly naked should be censored from under age kids.It looks so gory.
Joe Xuereb
Apr 3rd 2011, 20:34
1) Some while ago I was in Malta at Easter time. I wanted to gain access to Malta's position on homosexuality, legally speaking, just in case I was caught with my pants down. I did the rounds being quite up-front about what I was after and one Government Official took this as carte blanche for him to put his hand on my thigh. Having done the rounds (in UK for copies of any Act, I just go to HM Stationery Office, pick whatever off the shelves and pay for it - not unlike buying a tin of tuna).
Anyhow, I ended up (by appointment) in the office of the Crown Lawyer, crucifixes all over the place. I was not even offered a seat and I was looked down upon; understandable seeing I'm obviously working-class and broaching homosexuality to boot. I told him, Mr. Untouchable-god-on-earth that I had found it difficult to get this far and that people seemed reluctant to discuss my requirements (understandably, as Malta is the world-capital of euphemisms to the point of banality). He looked at me as if I were crap and said, in Malta we discuss L-Irxoxt (the Resurrection).
continued
A. Vassallo
Apr 3rd 2011, 18:10
@ Sabrina Borda
You too are mixing things up.
The Ascension of Christ into heaven as a sign of hope and glory - of course it is. The CRUCIFIX is our redemption and THE RISEN CHRIST "L-IRXOXT" as St. Paul said, our faith would have meant nothing if Christ did not raise from the dead.
Wayne Hewitt
Apr 3rd 2011, 16:16
Swastikas, Hammer and Sickle, Crosses, Crescents... all have one common denominator.... genocide and mass murder. Nice heritage of humanity... go figure!
Cecil Herbert Jones
Apr 3rd 2011, 15:17
The crucifix as a heritage of humanity? So in 2000 years time someone will call for the Electric Chair or the Lethal Injection as a heritage of humanity as well? Wasn't the cross Created by Man to Punish Man? And didn't Jesus defy the Cross by allowing himself to be put on it and then to be brought down and walk away three days later? He showed humanity not to be afraid of the cross....that we can beat it too!!!!
Joe Xuereb
Apr 3rd 2011, 14:50
2) .....Of course German art is bimful with the most moving representations of the dead Christ but that was of a time and a place.
http://www.globalgallery.com/enlarge/77821/ (search for Grunewald)
18698547@N00/35044846/" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/photos/18698547@N00/35044846/ (seachr for Cranach)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardfaenza/3431751749/ (see comment below)
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20060401/local/intruder-smashes-antique-crucifix-at-ta-giezu-church (this has to be the 'work' of a madman)
http://www.redbubble.com/people/edcat/art/6684042-2-st-mary-of-jesus-ta-giezu-franciscan-church-in-valletta (Christian heritage must be protected against those who would destroy it)
http://www.malta-canada.com/churches-chapels/Valletta.htm
Isn't the Internet wonderful?! Just Google 'Ta' Giezu Crucifix' for a wealth of information.
Both reflective of the Schisms and Reformation of the time, when Catholicism was fighting the encroachment of Protestantism. Interesting stuff. And very moving when seen in its historical context. Of course there are thousands of other examples in France, Italy, Spain and Malta, naturahlly. If I'm not mistaken there is a terrifying crucifix in Ta' Giezu church in Valletta. Legend has it that the scuptor (a priest I believe) could not get the head right. He woke up one morning and found the head on the shoulder, at a perfect angle, created by a divine hand. Stuff of legends. See, even atheists know their Christian history.
Alex Ciantar
Apr 3rd 2011, 14:41
I say do away with all religious symbols and put a big yellow smiley in their place.......... then everyone is happy :-)
Joe Xuereb
Apr 3rd 2011, 14:29
1) @ E.Farrugia(14hours ago). By 'northern countries' I was referring to societies that don't do public displays 'like Mediterranean countries'. Not a question of geographical latitude, certainly not.
Now, I imagine that Toronto is home to quite a number of religious Maltese and fervent Italians originally from the South of that country. Are you telling me, E., that in Toronto they go for the full-on procession with six(?)seven(?) statues representing the stages of the passion of the Christ? With the devout faithful following the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, on their knees and shoeless? And these would be Canadian Catholics not immigrants from the Mediterranean Basin? I'll believe it if I see it.
In UK I've noticed that if a Crucifix is present at all, it is limited to the wooden cross, with no effigy of a dead men. The English styple is elegant and understated (see architecture) and not overly fond of 'baroque', especially the heavy type a` la Siciljan and la Maltija.
Of course German art is replete with the most moving representations of the dead Christ but that was of a time and a place.
continued
Mark-Anthony Fenech
Apr 3rd 2011, 13:52
Can I declare the Pentagram as Heritage of Humanity?
Gerry Cowie
Apr 3rd 2011, 16:43
Try dropping the sarcasm and be constructive!
Dawn Cummings
Apr 3rd 2011, 12:36
Luke 14:26 (New King James Version)
26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple
1 John 3:15 (New King James Version)
15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Ergo: Who follows Jesus as his disciple ends up in hell??
Robert Callus
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:46
A Christianity based on symbols, as one can see in the way we talk about refugees:
http://robertcallus.wordpress.com/2010/07/24/flaunting-christianity/
Edward camilleri
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:13
If the "call for declaration of crucifix as heritage of humanity" was changed to "decleration of crucifix as heritage to christians", then this would have been more acceptable.
But the crucifix is not a heritage to all humanity! Why enforce something that represents death and severe pain on others? For these reasons I do not want to see it anywhere I am. There are more things pleasant in life that are more treasureable.
edward bartolo
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:11
Christians, Muslims and Jews have the same God because Christianity and Islam stem from Judaism, therefore, they must have the same God. The differences are only in various attributes these religions see in their gods.
Those who are arguing that religion X, by its very nature, must deny all other religions, are in error, because, as many said in their arguments, religions, have much in common. Besides that, religions evolve. This is clearly seen in the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament: the Old Testament describes a God that walks in pace with the maturation process of a "primitive" nation, initially made of tribes, while the New Testament, is the exposure of what God wanted from the very beginning.
It's useless to misinterpret the Holy Scriptures, God knows what humans beings are, and God wanted to follow their social and individual maturation process.
V Cassar
Apr 3rd 2011, 12:00
You should note there are those who do not believe in any God, and those who do not care..
edward bartolo
Apr 3rd 2011, 12:31
Quote: "You should note there are those who do not believe in any God, and those who do not care.."
-------------------------
And who told you that I don't know that there are those who choose not to care to believe in any god?!
Andy Towler
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:56
Please, please tell me that this is an April fool, just a day late...
victor pulis
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:52
Let me make it clear from the outset. I am an atheist but I agree that Jesus, not just in the form of the crucifix should be recognised as a world heritage figure as should all those personages who tried to change history for the better.
v mercieca(44 minutes ago)
we do not adore carved images.
we adore what they represent like when you carry a photo of your loved ones in your wallet and you kiss it when you see it. You are not kissing a piece of paper but the loved one that picture represents to you.
Mr. Mercieca I don't agree with you that people adore or worship what the statues represent. Let me mantion an example. The statue of Christ the redeemer in Senglea draws large crowds every time it's paraded through the streets. Would the people accept it if the archpriest told them that instead of the famous statue he was going to parade the redeemer of say, St. Philip's church situated a few meters away from the parish church? One final thing.
On the holy picture of the said statue printed with the nihil obstat it is claimed that the STATUE is miraculous.
Gerry Cowie
Apr 3rd 2011, 09:53
What a sad outpouring of hatred, ignorance and misunderstanding may be found in some of the comments below. The reason this call has come to defend the crucifix is indeed because of the hatred, ignorance and misunderstanding which has gone before!
Whatever happens, God will not be removed from our lives and only those who fear the crucifix will campaign against it. And their negativity shall not prevail.
S. Calleja
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:15
Of course, based only on the assumption that the god you believe in is the true god and the others are just fantasies. Mmmm. Doesn't sound too objective does it?
Gerry Cowie
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:21
@S Calleja - Grow up! How can you claim to read my mind? Sarcasm will get you nowhere! Try something more constructive!
S. Calleja
Apr 3rd 2011, 12:21
I think you're the one who needs to grow up Mr Cowie.
David Caruana
Apr 3rd 2011, 09:44
Great idea!
I hope that UNESCO can also accept my petition to declare Frodo Baggins of the Shire as ‘Heritage of Humanity’ too
v mercieca
Apr 3rd 2011, 09:54
poor taste my friend
I Grech
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:22
Great taste actually. I would also propose the image of the Flying Spaghetti Monster too.
David Caruana
Apr 3rd 2011, 12:07
I Grech,
Mine went to Mount Doom and back! What did yours do? :-p
John A Cassar
Apr 3rd 2011, 09:31
The Crucifix is a sign of love, hope and salvation. "When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you". Blessed Theresa of Calcutta
R. Ellul
Apr 3rd 2011, 08:46
Commandment # TWO
You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.' Exodus 20:4
"Do not make idols or set up carved images, or sacred pillars, or sculptured stones in your land so you may worship them. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 26:1
Wake up and do not be decieved Jesus Yeshua Has risen He is not hanging on a cross, God does not want His People to make images to bow down to, One is not worshipping Him, One is disobeying Him as that break's the second Commandment.
John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth..
Yeshua Jesus wants to be in ones Heart and Mind and He does this by the power of His Holy Spirit . Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 Read His Word and ask HIM to show you
v mercieca
Apr 3rd 2011, 09:57
we do not adore carved images.
we adore what they represent like when you carry a photo of your loved ones in your wallet and you kiss it when you see it. You are not kissing a piece of paper but the loved one that picture represents to you.
D Vella
Apr 3rd 2011, 08:45
Back to the crusades and Christian fundementalism,yet we speak with disgust of other religious fanatics.
Religion a private matter and should remain that way.
l.theuma
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:37
Religion is also a public matter. God, who is adored by the private individual should be adored also by the public at large. Should we abolish our public festas, our liturgy and close down our churches? A fanatic idea!
victor rodenas
Apr 3rd 2011, 07:23
I do not think that I saw wrongly,but there are some Churches in Malta that instead of the cruxifix hanging above the altar there is a statue of the risen Christ,could it be that I have dreamt?
R.Vella
Apr 3rd 2011, 07:20
God works in ways that some people who don't believe just can't understand. I don't blame you and I don't judge you. I just feel sorry for you (for those whom don't believe). Call me a religious fanatic or whatever you want. But when believers sees the crucifix, especially sick children, something helps them. I'm going to keep praying and having faith in God. You wanna know why? Because He takes care of those kids with diseases like that. He helps them through it or takes them home.
victor pulis
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:58
R.Vella(3 hours, 21 minutes ago)
God works in ways that some people who don't believe just can't understand. I don't blame you and I don't judge you. I just feel sorry for you (for those whom don't believe).
When you pity someone that means you are judging him.
I take it that since you believe, you understand God.
You mentioned sick kids. Since you understand God can you please explain why sometimes he cures and sometimes he kills...sorry, takes home as you so subtly put it.
Please tell me why he causes a tsunami which sweeps away thousands of innocent lives while sparing thousands others including corrupt, evil doers.
C.N.AQUILINA
Apr 3rd 2011, 06:45
IVA IL-KURĊIFIS GĦANDU JKUN IS IL-WIRT SIMBOLIKU TA’ L-UMANITA KOLLHA!
DAK HUWA L-IBEN TA’ ALLA ĠESU KRISTU LI ĠIE FID-DINJA BIEX IBGĦATI L-GĦAR FORMA TA’ TBATIJA FIŻIKA U JĠARRAB I L-MEWT IMSALLAB U IMSAMMAR FUQ IS-SALIB!
KEMM HU SABIEĦ LI META KULL FILGĦODU TERĠA TIFTAĦ GĦAJNEJK TROD IS-SALIB U TGĦIDLU GRAZZI MULEJ!
KEMM HU TA’ KURAĠ META MIXĦUT WIĊĊEK IL-FUQ FUQ SODDA FL-ISPTAR, U QUDDIEMEK IMDENDEL MAL-ĦAJT HEMM KURĊIFIES IL-ĦIN KOLLU JĦARES LEJK, X’KONSOLAZZJONI, U X’KURAĠĠ GĦALL MIN JEMMEN FIK IMQADDES KURĊIFIS!
HUWA VERU BNIEDEM IFFURTUNAT DAK LI XI DARBA KELLU X-XORTI LI JILTAQA MAL-KURĊIFIS U BAQA JŻOMMU MERFUGĦ B’GĦOŻŻA FIL-FOND TA’ QALBU U F’MOĦĦU!
DAN IL-KURĊIFIES HUWA L-AKBAR TEŻOR LI JISTA JKOLLOK F’QALBEK U F’MEWTEK LILL DAN TFITTEX U LILL DAN BISS TISTA’ TIEĦU MIEGĦEK!
MELA ĦUTI MALTIN U GĦAWDXIN EJJEW ILKOLL FLIMKIEN NISSAPPORTAW DIN L-INIZJATTIVA QADDIESA BIEX DAN L-IMQADDES KURĊIFIS IKUN VERAMENT IL-WIRT SIMBOLIKU TA’ L-UMANITA KOLLHA!
S. Calleja
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:12
Not to burst your bubble, Mr Aquilina, but that's very similar to what Muslims think about their god, what Hinduists think about Vishnu and what Buddhists about the Universe and Nirvana. Though you cannot really compare one religion with another, the general idea is still the same, and assuming that your god is the "correct" one and the rest are not is just one step close to assuming none actually are. You should get out of Malta a bit more often and mingle a bit with people of other beliefs. Not to generalise, but you'd be surprised to find out that some people of other religions follow more the word of Christ than some who proclaim to be Catholics.
Roger Pelizzari
Apr 3rd 2011, 05:54
The Sanskrit word yoga is also the root for the English word yoke.
"Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke (yoga) is easy and my burden is light."
Suffering Is Not the Way To God
The world has long been full of false attributions for Buddha, Jesus, Shankara, etc. When the technique of transcendence was lost and people began to suffer and accept suffering. When the oral tradition is lost to the masses, then the texts are changed to reflect that.
NONE of the great teachers ever said that suffering was a necessary or a desirable part of life. They said that suffering was experienced because people had forgotten their divine
nature which at any time could easily be regained.
JESUS never suffered himself and never preached suffering. Modern medicine now knows that endorphins (pain killing hormones) are naturally released when people transcend in meditation. Christ's state of awareness allowed him to feel no pain. Maharishi told us once that Christ could not suffer. Those around him saw suffering because they were not enlightened and so you have 2000 years of priests preaching suffering as a way to God.
James Abela
Apr 3rd 2011, 03:03
As symbols go, more people were killed in the name of the Cross than because of the Swastika. "Humanity" indeed.
S. Vella
Apr 3rd 2011, 02:51
More murders have been committed in the name of the crucifix than all the other symbols put together. The inquisition alone are thought to be responsible for at least a million executions - most of them innocent women (witches). Still that number pales into insignificance to the lives lost in countless wars/crusades waged in the name of christ and the cross.
A heritage to be proud of - not!
S. Calleja
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:25
Trouble is, when you've been told something's true over and over again since your most tender and receptive years, it's very hard to let go. For instance, the hard-headed reasoning by Catholics that the Christian god is the right one is not the least different than the Muslim reasoning that their god is the right one. Of course, if you're a devout Catholic, you might take offence and find this claim ridiculous. Unfortunately, from an objective point of view, it is exactly the same line of reasoning. Muslims take offence too when you claim their god to be false. Are all Muslims mad? No. Just like Christians they've been brainwashed that their god is THE god and the rest are fantasies.
Alex Ellul
Apr 3rd 2011, 01:54
Remove from europe, US, South America, Eastern europe, and other countries all that was built and done by and due to Christainity and see what remains.. practically nothing. No agriculture, no medicine, no seats of learning, no art, no civilisation at all....................
Jonathan Cordina
Apr 3rd 2011, 01:33
I believe that the universe is a huge turtle supported on four enormous elephants. Can I also get that approved as a Heritage of Humanity symbol?
S. Calleja
Apr 3rd 2011, 01:17
Declaring the crucifix as Heritage of Humanity is just as bad as a Muslim stating that all the world must be under Islam and accusing non-Muslims as infidels. One must keep in mind that world is a big place. Over 6 billion people, only of which around 2.1 billion are Christians and out of which around 1 billion are Catholic. 1.5 billion are muslim and 1.1 billion are non-religious. 900 million are Hinduist, while 376 million are Buddhist. The absolute majority of the people of the world would not really like having a symbol of another religion declared as their heritage when it is clearly not.
James De Giorgio
Apr 3rd 2011, 00:01
@Maria Busuttil, allow me to tell you, as a practicing and a convinced Catholic, that what you're saying is crap. Christ himself said only the father (not even the son!) knows when the time will come.
Please everyone, Maria's comments are not sanctioned Christian views, ok?
Mike F Abbot
Apr 3rd 2011, 16:53
sanctioned Christian views.
They were, at some point in time, until enough people questioned them or they were changed for one reason or another - usually because they were not conducive to the cultivation of mass following. Now they seem ridiculous. And the current 'sanctioned views'? They will go the same way over time.
Raymond Sammut
Apr 2nd 2011, 22:47
On 18 March 2011, Malta, Armenia, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Russia, Greece, Lithuania, Monaco, Romania and San Marino supported Italy (represented by Franco Frattini) in its appeal against the crucifix judgment.
This judgment had been unanimously handed down by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on 4 November 2009. Among other things, the ECHR (in Nov09) had taken the view that the religious connotation of the crucifix exercises a dominant impact on young children who have a basic right to education free from any dominant influence.
It is immensely disconcerting that these ten countries, along with Franco Frattini, managed to influence the ECHR to the extent that the ECHR reneged on its unanimous decision, while countries such as Portugal, Spain, Britain and France remained silent on this issue.
In my view, it would be tragic if countries like Portugal, Spain, Britain and France (and, of course, other countries such as Scandinavia, the US, Australasia, China, Syria, Morocco, Japan, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and so on) were now to remain silent and allow UNESCO to be the next victim.
Maria Busuttil
Apr 2nd 2011, 22:28
Just how dare anyone of you say a single word against Christ or the crucifix that represents Him? Are you not afraid of Him? We are living in the END TIMES which began in 2005, now His coming is very near - the Day when He will come to annihalate all those living who would not accept Him! Our Lady in Her apparitions in the mid-nineteenth century declared at La Salette France, that the year 2000 would be the end of the world, or a little later if there were enough prayers. By this measure, we are already eleven years later! Let us all repent and wait for Him.
Jeff Scicluna
Apr 3rd 2011, 00:06
nispera li qed ticcajta...ax filkas ma nistax nemmen li ghadhom jezistu nies bhalek. jekk alla tieghek huwa daqsekk kbir u jhalli l kulhadd liberu ghalfejn ha jeqred lil dawk kollha li ma jemmnux?? dan kollu brain washing jahasra. ir religjon hija liktar forma ta politika effettiva bix jikkontrollaw in nies. religion is the opium of the masses
S. Vella
Apr 3rd 2011, 01:08
@Maria Busuttil
This may surprise you, no I am not afraid of Jesus Christ the man - after all he is just a man and I am not afraid of Jesus Christ the God - never met him face to face.
Food for thought - only a vindicative god requires fear of his subjects. I would advise you to stop believing in fairy tales.
J Galea
Apr 3rd 2011, 01:44
`Our Lady in Her apparitions in the mid-nineteenth century declared at La Salette France, that the year 2000 would be the end of the world, or a little later if there were enough prayers.`
Borg in Nadur, La Salette, Crete, what else?
You are telling us that, wether one prays or not, the end is close, anyway?
So Mary, spare the effort, (the year 2000 would be the end of the world, or a little later) you would be better off doing good, helping others. So give your time, energy and material wealth away.
Live and enjoy each and every minute of the day Mary.
C Agius
Apr 3rd 2011, 02:06
Another crappy tribulation theory
Jason Fenech
Apr 3rd 2011, 08:19
Last week I had a vision. The flying spaghetti monster appeared in my dreams and showed me what’s in store if people do not learn how to cook pasta al dente as described in the Book of Carbogenesis, chapter 2, verses 5-32.
A shower of giant meat balls will destroy every living thing and dwelling, followed by a tsunami of Bolognese sauce that will cover the surface of the earth for eons to come. The earth will tremble as ginormous goat cheese filled tortellini come tumbling down hills and mountains flattening in their path anything that survived the initial onslaught.
Souls shall be damned to eat penne alla arabiata with copious amounts of tezpur chilli (855,000 scoville units according to the Letters of St. Calorimeter) for all of eternity.
The end is near. Repent and bow down to the flying spaghetti monster.
Serdolect, available at your nearest pharmacy today. (Warning: Doctor's prescription advised)
K J Vella
Apr 3rd 2011, 08:19
Do you really believe what you are saying? Do you really believe in a vindictive Christ? A Christ who dined and fraternized with prostitutes and thieves because of his firm belief in brotherhood, peace and love? Do you believe in an annihalting Christ who instills fear in all rather than joy, acceptance, fraternity and empathy? If yours is what the crucifix represents then I would back any motion for the continued baring of a crucifix of war, hatred and power! It is people who hold your fundamentalist believes that are the problem and it is people with fundamentalist beliefs from whom these forces are trying to protect our children. Fear leads to rejection and not to acceptance. The crucifix is also a symbol of bloodbath crusades, of pedophilia, anti-popes, 'pornocratic' governance of persecution against Christian sects, the Jews and others who did not accept the Roman Church. Read your history before blindly believing out of fear. Something like religion and the existence of God is a man made concept, true only if you believe it - you have done nothing to aid your position. You simply live in fear rather than in love like Christ
Wenzu Vella
Apr 3rd 2011, 09:18
Dear Maria I do not remember any crucifixes in the classrooms when I went to school in Malta, of-course that was a very long time ago especially during the war in Bormla, am I against it being in schools now NO. I see all religions as a business, why? Look at their wealth, Christ never even owned a donkey. I am sorry but people like you believe in a lot of fairy tales.
victor pulis
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:10
Maria, I am willing to bet my last euro that we will get another reprieve next year and in 2013, 2014 and so on. People like yo have been yelling "THE END IS NIGH" for thousands of years and we're still here. Recently i have received an email with the secret of Fatima(!) it mentions mainly an earthquake lasting eight (8) hours! three days of darkness during which blessed candles will only light in 'good' homes. Only wicked and bad people(presumably non christians or better still non catholics) will die during these cathaclisms. Holy water sprinkled on doors and windows will protect those houses from danger! Can you blame those who are overcome by fits of laughter when reading this drivel?
Maria Busuttil
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:26
MAY I REFER YOU ALL TO THE BOOK OF REVELATION IN THE HOLY BIBLE. Read it and understand it well because it is not easy. These are no fairytales and if you think they are, I am proud to believe in them! Another point is that if you are not happy with the Lord Jesus, do not hide behind your venom against His church. Yes the Lord God warns and punishes humanity when it is going the wrong way. Sin has become too abundant!
victor pulis
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:57
If you understand the book of revelations then you are truly gifted! This is the most difficult book in the whole bible and even the greatest ' biblical experts' find it hard to understand. it is full of symbolism which can be interpretted in a thousand ways. Just like Nostradamus' so called prophesies. In the meantime you did not answer my comment.
Joe Xuereb
Apr 2nd 2011, 22:11
Humanity = the human race.As in, all of it. I checked my dictionary to make doubly sure. So, the crucifix as the symbol of Humanity - most definitely not. I think this is a paranoid knee-jerk reaction to the perception that some other religion is wanting to 'blanket' the planet with its belief-system.
There is nothing wrong with religious symbols as long as the religion itself is practised privately. That said, and seen in the cold light of day, I do not see the effigy of a brutalised man on a wooden cross as being particularly inspiring. The high drama (that's what it is, especially Holy Week pageantry just round the corner where very young children are exposed to the full horror of something they are too young to understand, hence, their terror) goes down well in melodramatic Mediterranean cultures but the imagery does not travel very well the further up north one goes. I couldn't imagine a Holy Week procession on the street of Berlin, and certainly not Helsinki (I imagine Christians abound in both cities. But then again, maybe it's just a Catholic thing).
E.Farrugia
Apr 3rd 2011, 00:05
We have a procession right here in Toronto,Canada,one of the most
Northern countries on Earth.
S. Calleja
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:21
@ E. Farrugia. Not to burst your bubble, but though much colder, Toronto is approximately on the same latitude as Florence. Please check your geography. The reason why Europe is warmer than North America is due to the North Atlantic current (as a result of the Gulf stream). I've seen this mistake being made by many, thinking that because Canada is cold then it must be north. In fact, most major Canadian are very close to the border with the USA which is just about the latitude of northern Italy.
A. Vassallo
Apr 2nd 2011, 22:10
@ victor rodenas
This is not a question of what you prefer or not. You are mixing it all. Jesus Christ died on the CROSS to save us all from doom, hence the CRICIFIX and the RISEN CHRIST is the victory on DEATH.
Sabrina Borda
Apr 3rd 2011, 06:22
The victory over death should therefor be the Ascension of Christ into heaven as a sign of hope and glory, it should be something positive, not of the doom and bleak misery the cross brings. The symbol of religion should be a happy one.
joseph camilleri
Apr 2nd 2011, 22:08
In hoc signo vinces. The cross is the truth of life. Can be denied, but It is through pain, suffering, and sacrifices one can achieve something. Nothing is given for free. And it is the same for the eternal life. The cross is our winning.
victor pulis
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:25
Funny you should quote the sign said to have been seen in the sky by Constantine. He was one of the cruelest emperors of Rome. Ironically, he conquered his enemy Maxentius under the banner of the prince of peace and love! entering Rome with Maxentius' head stuck on a lance. Not very Christian of him! He murdered his wife by boiling her alive, killed his brother in law and young nephew. Constantine was only baptised on his death bed. He coerced the early church fathers into accepting Jesus as God, a pagan notion if ever there was one. Jesus and his contemporaries never ever imagined that he was God. That idea was completely alien to Judaism. The messiah was to be an ordinary man who came to save the Jewsfrom opression. It was only when the teachings of jesus shifted to the West that the idea of a man God became integrated with his teachings and this to make it more attractive to non Jews. Most of Christian culture today stems more from paganism than from Jesus' teachings.
A. Vassallo
Apr 2nd 2011, 22:03
@ JOSEPH ZAMMIT
And for the record, the CROSS existed as a symbol long before Christianity. That is true. But the CRUCIFIX is anotherthing, it is the CROSS with JESUS CHRIST nailed to it, the symbol of our freedom from sin. You are the blind one and pretend to lead us where?
Alex Ciantar
Apr 2nd 2011, 21:10
Personally I have nothing for the cross being put up on any wall but by all right then every other religious symbol should be up there next to the cross.
At then end of the day each and every religion claims it is the true religion of the world ........... Christianity is no exception!!
Lawrence Zammit
Apr 2nd 2011, 23:44
@ Alex...with the photo of your mother do you put porn photos...for sure no...so let them do whatever they want...its there right...my support to Christianity and the Crucifix...I wish that I have there same hope...at least they live a life with sense and dignity...I have a problem with my faith but I believe that I have to become one of them. My the cross enlighten me
Paul Busuttil
Apr 2nd 2011, 21:10
Why now? Why this fuss about the Crucifix. It is part of Maltese heritage....leave it alone.
There are more pertinent issues to address!!!
S. Calleja
Apr 3rd 2011, 10:28
Correct. But it is not part of humanity's history. Have you ever been to Asia? A good chunk of the world's population is Asian, mostly Hindu, Bhuddist, or Chinese (mixture of non-Christian religions). Have you been to Africa? A good chunk of the world's population is African, mostly Muslim. Thankfully, Islam doesn't hold a monopoly on world religion. By exactly the same reasoning, thankfully, Christianity doesn't hold a monopoly on world religion.
Peter Green
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:53
How could we adore a symbol of torture and a man dying in the most horrible way?
Something is horribly wrong with our society!
Joe Grima Brussels
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:59
Because THAT 'tortured and dying man' suffered and died for you, even if you don,t appreciate it.
Maria Busuttil
Apr 2nd 2011, 22:45
I think you read the Holy Bible, where Moses takes the Israelites out of Egypt into the desert, to cross to the promised land. While in the desert many of them used to be bitten by the poisonous snakes. God ordered Moses to put up a cross with a serpent upon it, it was the symbol of death and suffering, but God promised Moses that - whoever was bitten by the serpent and looked up at the cross, would be instantly saved! So it is for all humanity - Christ dead on the cross, is the symbol of death and suffering, but we have His promise that whoever adores Jesus on the cross will be saved.
ictor pulis
Apr 3rd 2011, 13:52
The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.
No mention of a cross Maria.
Tessie Borg
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:43
I prefer the Fertility Goddess symbol of Sunsuna.
Johnny Borg
Apr 3rd 2011, 02:02
And how many children have you raised in Her praise, Madam? I would assume that you are therefore against all forms of Birth Control?
Tessie Borg
Apr 3rd 2011, 20:05
I have seven wonderful children Johnny and would have had more if only social services paid out more money so they can be fed and clothed.
Life is good.
Pavlaki Panoaroditis
Apr 5th 2011, 18:28
Well done, dear Tessie Borg. The mass-breeding poor will always be with us.
S Porter
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:37
"Jews demand miraculous signs, and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. "(1 Cor. 1:22-25)
victor rodenas
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:34
I prefare a risen Christ than a dead Christ.Thousands died on the cross but only one rose from the dead.Maybe in the future the risen Christ will take priority over the crucifed Christ.For now let it be a dead Christ.
Andy Farrugia
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:58
Seems to me as if you are somehow annoyed by the Crucifix!
Mario Ellul
Apr 2nd 2011, 21:01
I prefer the living Christ in the NT of the AV King James Holy Bible.
Dylan Olliver
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:31
@ Christopher Xuereb. Christopher means Carrier of Christ !! If that is a fairytale, then please change your name !!!
Diane Montebello
Apr 2nd 2011, 21:06
Hey, what's wrong with fairytale or mythological names?
My two cent worth to this blog: live and let live. I might believe and you might not (or vice-versa) but that doesn't mean that we must take every opportunity to step on each others' toes. Discussion, debate and opinion sharing are all welcome and the more diverse the parties are, the more interesting our lives get to be. However never ever impose, ridicule or discriminate just because of a different belief, or for any other reason for that matter.
Anthony Roberts
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:06
Perfect.
patrick zammit
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:56
Christians consider Christ being sent by God two thousand years ago "to show us the way" and "to save us from our sins" as the most important aspect of Christianity.
But man has been in existence for two or three hundred thousand years and not just these last two thousand years.
Stories abound of tribes or villages being discovered in remote areas of the world. That is, despite Christ being sent by God to “save us” there are possibly people who have even up to this day, never heard of Christ.
If God sending his son is as important to humanity as Christians would like us to believe, why did God decide to send Christ two or three hundred thousand years following the creation of man?
These gross inconsistencies seem to point out that Christianity is based on very flimsy ground.
Anthony Grech
Apr 2nd 2011, 20:53
Min int, int, jew min jien jien biex nghidu l-Alla l-imbierek x'ghandu jaghmel?
James De Giorgio
Apr 3rd 2011, 00:04
lol patrick, PATHETIC attempt at debasing christianity...
patrick zammit
Apr 3rd 2011, 09:30
AG
Irrespective of who I am and who you are, the fact remains that Christians build their faith on something pivotal that happened just 2000 years ago and disregard the fact that man's existence spans some 200,000 or 300,000 years. If one believes that Christ's coming is so crucial for man's guidance and salvation, why did God discriminate against those who, for one reason or another, never had the chance to know Christ?
patrick zammit
Apr 3rd 2011, 09:58
JDG
Counter arguments pls.
victor pulis
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:39
Patrick Thank God or whoever that these tribes remained hidden in and were not discovered by the likes of the conquistadores! They would have heard of Jesus as their hands, feet and heads were cut off because they would not denounce their gods!
How many millions of people are suffering today more than Jesus ever did? Not out of their own choice as we were taught at museum lessons. We are told that God could have forgiven our sins just by a single word but he CHOSE to send his son to suffer and then rise from the dead. If only we had that choice.This teaching sweeps away all the merit of the real Jesus,A man who stepped on the toes of the establishment and who was murdered for political rather than religious reasons hence Pilate's decision. Anyone doing the same will face the same fate. Example martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi.
Dawn Cummings
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:55
Heritage of Christianity not Humanity!
All Christians are human, not all humans are Christians.
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:35
I ask Roberto Mezzaroma and others who concur with his idea, wouldn't it be more noble if every Christian nation puts the cross on its flag? Why not, should I ask? Because there are no Christian countries/nations, there are only Christian people/individuals.
Religion and its symbol is not a national issue but an individual private matter. Of course, we do have national flags-- which belong to theocratic countries-- bearing verses from their scriptures, but they are theocratic.
D.Galea
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:32
Declaring an instrument of execution and torture as heritage of humanity, Yes yes! Very appropriate indeed!
Mary Attard
Apr 3rd 2011, 05:30
Actually, it is a symbol of sacrifice and redemption, a symbol of love beyond measure and life, not death. Do you not understand it?
Jeremy J Camilleri
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:08
Medic wants to encourage people to look up to the crucifix as an image of God made man, who accepted the suffering and the humiliation of the sacrifice of the cross, Mr Mezzaroma said.....All people or just Christians?
Maria Busuttil
Apr 3rd 2011, 00:04
Whatever he said - if it's all Christians or all people - the truth is that all humanity should look up at Jesus Christ as it's Saviour. All humanity should make His Acquaintance, let Him into our hearts and trust Him - in return He will make us experience His great Eternal love, and we will no longer be egoistic, revengeful, sad or lonely. Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and Our Lady with the Holy Rosary , are the two pillars of our salvation during these End Times.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Apr 3rd 2011, 12:30
Maria Busuttill..You ll be driving a chariot of fire next...
Mike F Abbot
Apr 3rd 2011, 16:40
Maria Busuttil
"the truth is that all humanity should look up at Jesus Christ as it's Saviour."
but only 33% of the world are Christian.... 66% believe otherwise.
JOSEPH ZAMMIT
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:03
What does it mean "crucifix as Heritage of Humanity"? What about other beliefs--Buddhists; Hindus; Jews: Muslims; Agnostics; Atheists? Is this not arrogance?
And for the record, the crucifix existed as a symbol long before Christianity. Refer to The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors---http://www.infidels.org/library/historical/kersey_graves/16/
And the blind continue to lead the blind...
Wilfred Camilleri
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:19
Yes, the blind atheists continue to lead other blind atheists!
James De Giorgio
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:31
Well if there are buddhists, hindus, muslims who want to lobby their symbols nobody's impeding them. Bdw, I think you need to look up the meaning of 'arrogance'... your comment shows a complete lack of understanding of the issue.
I support Medic's initiatiative but I have my doubts too.
Christopher Xuereb
Apr 2nd 2011, 18:20
"The vision of Medic, according to Mr Mezzaroma, who addressed today’s conference, is to present the suffering Christ on the cross as a symbol of contradiction, of love and reconciliation."
The fairytale continues....
Wilfred Camilleri
Apr 2nd 2011, 18:47
If you don't believe in "fairytales" perhaps you should change your given name!
Mario Cucciardi
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:00
Dear Christopher... what a coincidence ... your name bears the name of Him who died on the cross.
Yes it's worth considering the cross as a Heritage of Humanity....
george lewis
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:17
if you do not believe in Christ and His cross why don't you drop the first five letters of your name?
Mike F Abbot
Apr 3rd 2011, 16:31
Wilfred Camilleri, Mario Cucciardi, george lewis....
in case it has escaped you, Christopher did not name himself. Do make an effort to think for yourselves.
Clinton Caruana
Apr 2nd 2011, 18:09
Good initiative. How can the general public support it? What can I do?
B. Mallia
Apr 3rd 2011, 05:35
You can start by getting a life.
L Agius
Apr 2nd 2011, 18:00
What about other religious relics? Aren't they a heritage of Humanity as well? Or is it just because Roberto Mezzaroma is catholic?
J. J. Borg
Apr 2nd 2011, 18:40
I think this is a joke. If not, it should be treated as one.
Wilfred Camilleri
Apr 2nd 2011, 18:46
What a nonsensical question? What other religious relics does Malta have exactly? Or would you prefer to have a symbol of the Hindu Elephant god perhaps?
Jeremy J Camilleri
Apr 2nd 2011, 19:07
That God is called Ganeesha, and yes, Maltese who believe that Ganeesha is a God do exist.
For people like me, an Elephant headed God is just as ridiculous as a God who sends plagues and floodsm and tortures a man by killing his sons and sending him plagues, just to prove his faith.
victor pulis
Apr 3rd 2011, 11:43
Talking of ganeesha. Some years ago it was widely reported that statues of this god were drinking milk placed before them...How ridiculous! How can statues drink milk...The can only weep tears of blood and ooze out kitchen oil and salt!