Comparisons For the Cross

Regarding your review of James Cone’s The Cross and the Lynching Tree (“Were You There?” by Andrew Wilkes, March 2012): Cone’s point is an important one. But given that the crucifixion is presented by the gospels as largely following legal procedures, another way to help Americans appreciate the meaning of the cross is to compare it to the electric chair. We are the followers of a man who was publicly, officially executed in the most horrifying way.

Norm Mundhenk
Poulsbo, Washington