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About this quote

What does it mean?
If Jesus were crucified recently, religious symbols might reflect modern torture devices rather than crosses, highlighting cultural context.
In plain terms
Symbols change based on how people are punished today.
What can you take from it?
Religious symbols reflect the era's suffering.

Where it applies

  • theological debate
  • art history
  • cultural analysis

Putting it to work

  • analyze symbols
  • question traditions

Questions to consider

  • How do symbols evolve?
  • Does context define meaning?

Another view

It reduces deep religious symbolism to a historical coincidence.

More from Lenny Bruce

  1. Since they condone capital punishment, I want them to stop bitching about Jesus getting nailed up.

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  2. Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.

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  3. A lot of people say to me, 'Why did you kill Christ?' I dunno... it was one of those parties that got out of hand, you know?

    Permalink to quote #15

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