Pagans also used crosses

THE EDITOR: The term “Trinity Cross” arose not too long ago, and seemingly inflicted upon the population of Trinidad and Tobago, an extremely meaningless, measureless, mesmerising, very disquieting debate which sought to decide the “to be or not to be,” as Shakespeare would have said, of the name “cross” in that which is the highest national award in the country. Some non-Christians proclaim that the word smacks of religious bias, and describe it as a Christian emblem. However, historical facts disprove this allegation. The cross was used in BC, long before the commencement of the AD era, by pagan nations, including the mighty Roman Empire, for the public execution of insurrectionists and incorrigible criminals.

Christ spoke of His Kingdom. His enemies used His remark to denounce Him as a rebel, who was against the jurisdiction of the Roman Emperor, over the territory, and demanded His crucifixion according to pagan law. Thus Christ was made to suffer this extreme penal punishment, and was forced to carry His cross on the way to Calvary, where He was crucified between two criminals, also on “crosses.” Christ bore his cross, made for Him by pagan workmen. He carried it with exceptional, exemplary humility. This quality of forbearance is what people worldwide revere, and their admiration is quite definitely not for the constructed cross, but very much so, for the clearly visible virtue of unsurpassable humility that He portrayed in bearing that cross for the redemption of all mankind, regardless of race, colour or creed. The cross, therefore, became a completely inseparable, inescapable, integral element in the human scenario, depicting humility and charity in momentous motion.

Any cross without the acceptable figure of Christ on it, is an incomplete replica of the cross of His crucifixion. It is plainly just a cross. To have real religious significance, it must be adorned with the authentic figure of Christ on it. We must remember that pagans also used crosses. Therefore, the simple cross on the award must be seen as representing just the humility and the charity with which the recipient carried out certain commendable activities, for the social enhancement of the citizens, and the country. The word “cross” is a very versatile word. When anyone says in dismay: “Look at my cross!” the individual does not think of the cross-piece contrivance, but rather on the serious problem. Columbus had his “cross” on his third voyage, just before his discovery of this island, when he was faced with threatened mutiny by his sailors, who were experiencing their own “cross” of the almost unbearable heat of the approaching equatorial region, diminishing food supplies, and drinking water.

Columbus resorted to prayer for the Almighty’s help. This was divinely given, and the pending mutiny was averted. In gratitude to the Almighty, the navigator made a vow to Him that the first land sighted would be named Trinidad (Trinity). Soon after, they came to this island, and without any hesitation Columbus named it Trinidad: — The Trinity of the Eternal Godhead. This name was certainly inspired by the Divine linkage between man and God (Allah, by some). Looked at from any standpoint, the term “Trinity Cross” is not merely an appropriate national name, but it is also benevolently bestowed, as stated above, with a very special divine connection to the Almighty Creator. Therefore, all citizens regardless of creed, must accept graciously the above substantiated facts. To do otherwise, is to rescind reliable reality and favour flippant fantasy. To crown it all, I am constrained to list a few very important cosmopolitan multi-religious nations that give awards using the term “cross,” with no religious implications, whatsoever. In fact, some of them like the USA and France, have recently shown that they do not want any religious influences in state matters, even in schools.

(1) The United States:-
(a) US Air Force Cross
(b) Distinguished Service Cross
(c) The Navy Cross
(d) Distinguished Flying Cross

(2) Great Britain:- The Victoria Cross

(3) Germany:- The Iron Cross

(4) France:- Croix De Guerre

(5) The tiny twinkling twin, (TT):- The triumphant “Trinity Cross.”

There are many more in the “cross” bag! I was lately informed of a local group concocting an award distribution, seemingly to parallel the national award presentation. Can any national patriotic citizen of this blessed land, even think of perpetrating such a dastardly divisive scheme? The impeccable “Trinity Cross” is destined to outlive its detractors and reactionaries. Long live the “Trinity Cross!”

OTHELLO DEMOOR
Toco