The Cross and Crown

"The Cross and Crown" by T. D. Curtis is a thought-provoking poem from the late 1800s that examines religion, power, and the battle between spiritual independence and control by institutions. The author shares his views on Christianity and how society is organized, questioning long-held religious ideas and customs. The poem criticizes the church and its symbols, like the cross and crown, suggesting they're used to take advantage of and control people, instead of representing anything holy. The cross, according to the author, stands for ignorance, cruelty, and oppression based on superstition. The crown represents tyranny and the manipulation of people. The poem considers how these symbols have been used over time to mislead and dominate humanity, arguing for freedom through logic, fairness, and unity, aiming for a society released from outdated beliefs and moving towards awareness and unity.