The Cross of Jesus

One of the more surreal aspects of Christianity is the use of the Cross as a religious icon, since after all the original cross was an instrument of state execution. It's not just a "memento mori." It's an icon with its roots in the power of the strong over the weak - of tyranny.

But imagine if Jesus had been hanged by the Romans instead of crucified.

• Mark 8:34 would read "... If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his noose and follow me."
  
• We would have hymns like "The Old Rugged Noose" and "When I Survey That Wond'rous Noose."
• Missionaries would be "Taking the noose of Jesus to the world."
• A noose would repel vampires.
• There would be a giant noosefix at the front of a church instead of a crucefix.
• Your First Aid and CPR training would be sponsored by The American Red Noose.
• The Swiss flag would look like this: