Community Corner

What Really Happened to Christ on the Cross? One Man Explains

Chet Roberts is offering a one-hour talk on the spiritual and physical death on the cross.

In this season of Lent, it might be easy to overlook the meaning of one of Christianity’s most enduring symbols: the crucifix.

One Avon Lake resident, Chet Roberts, is ready to share what really happened to Christ, both spiritually and physically, when he was hung on the crucifix. He is offering the talk to groups wanting to learn how Christ died.

“It took three years to get the talk ready,” Roberts, who has given the talk to the Right of the Christian Initiation for adults at and , said.

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Although a Christian, Roberts gives a non-denominational, one-hour talk titled, “Do You Really Know How Christ Died?” in preparation for Lent and Easter.

“I've spent many years researching the crucifixion, its history and medical aspects,” Roberts said. “I think few Christians (and non-Christians too) know just how terrible this form of execution was. In fact we get our word 'excruciating pain' from the Latin words 'ex crucem' meaning 'from the cross.'”

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It’s a talk, Roberts said, everyone should hear once in their lifetime.

“People look at a crucifix and not give it a second thought,” he said. “It represents a man dying. People have an ‘un-understanding’ of what crucifixion is. Familiarity takes the edge off things.”

Roberts’s discusses not just the actual mechanics of crucifixion, but clears up misconceptions as well.

For example: the purpose of crucifixion is not to kill.

“That is merely a side effect,” Roberts said. “The purpose of crucifixion is to cause the condemned to experience as much pain as possible before the final relief of death... Some have described it as diabolical.

“The plantar nerve bundle in the foot is pierced. It turns your body against you. (Jesus) knew just what was coming.”

His one-hour talk begins with the Agony in the Garden. Any group (religious or otherwise) who would be interested in hearing the talk can contact Roberts at 440-933-0893 or by e-mail ancr@centurytel.net. Presentations are available during the day or evening.


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