Nearly 2000 years ago, something profound happened—something that would ripple through generations, faiths, and cultures.
Jewish tradition offers one perspective. Catholicism has built an entire theology upon another. Islam firmly denies the crucifixion altogether. Hinduism and many other worldviews remain outside this narrative entirely. And so, we must ask: if our stories diverge so drastically, how do we connect?
And yet, to this day, no single account of what transpired holds universal certainty.
Connection does not require consensus on historical facts. Nor is it about mere tolerance for others’ beliefs. True connection arises when we recognize the shared longing behind all our stories—a longing for purpose, transcendence, and collective betterment.
If we step back from the rigidity of doctrine, from the claims of exclusive truths—many of which have been shaped and reshaped by organized religion—we begin to see a deeper possibility. We can still find profound meaning in the story of Good Friday, regardless of whether we see it as literal, symbolic, or somewhere in between.
Was Jesus crucified? Perhaps we will never know with certainty. What we do know is that nearly half of humanity today does not accept the Catholic version of the story. But maybe that’s not the point at all!
What matters most is what the story has come to represent across time: the idea that through great suffering, there can be great transformation. That standing for truth, challenging injustice, and enduring hardship can lead to renewal—not just for one person, but for all of us.
This message is echoed across traditions. From the parables of indigenous elders to the verses of sacred books, from cultural myths to philosophical insights, we are reminded that growth—true, evolutionary growth—requires sacrifice. The path forward is often carved through trials, but it leads toward something better, something whole.
In this light, the crucifixion becomes more than a moment in history. It becomes a reflection of our own potential to transform. To speak truth to power. To carry the weight of injustice. And to rise beyond it, bearing a love so complete it dissolves separation.
This is not just a Christian teaching. It is a human one.
I truly hope that no one—Jesus or otherwise—ever had to endure such suffering on a cross. But if this story, in all its pain and complexity, can awaken something sacred within us—courage, compassion, unity—then it continues to serve a divine purpose.
So whether you mark Good Friday as history, tradition, metaphor, or mystery, may it remind you of the strength it takes to suffer with love, the wisdom to see beyond belief, and the vision to rise—together—into something more whole.
That is resurrection. That is Pure Love.
