It's bizarre how some of my nondenominational Christian friends love to talk about how everything comes down to "what Jesus did on the Cross for us" -- but they feel an aversion to seeing a crucifix (a visual representation of Jesus' body on the Cross), because Jesus is no longer dead and hanging from a cross, because is risen! And so they prefer an empty cross in their Christian symbolism.

Also, they're fine with displaying a crèche scene at Christmastime, portraying Jesus as a baby in a manger. But one could say, "Jesus is not a helpless baby in a manger -- he is in heaven, seated at the right hand of God in power and glory!"

Then, if they see a statue of the glorified risen Jesus, some will claim the statue is an idol!

There are sound explanations to offer these people in response to their sincere, good-intentioned objections, but there does come a point when one is tempted to say:

"Come on, dude. Get real. Sober up. Don't be a hard-headed, obstinate goofball."

And then I remember: I was that obstinate person before -- oftentimes worse -- and I was shown patience and mercy.