History Today magazine took a close look at the shame of Roman crucifixion. The author recognized its reputation: "It was death deserved by the most unworthy of all unworthies; it was death with grim humiliation, ignominy and abasement."

Other religions had previously believed in a dying god. The Greek god Dionysos and the Egyptian god Osiris experienced violent deaths, but their deaths were quick and completely free from shame. "Christ's death by crucifixion was by contrast deeply perplexing. Let the Son of God deign to assume a mantle of humanity. But why go to dregs? Why stoop to the deserts of a rogue slave—beneath humanity?"

The new theology of a god's voluntary humiliation was completely alien to Roman thought. One religious group, called the Gnostics, rejected the shame of the cross and believed Jesus only appeared to be crucified.

Today and throughout history, many are unwilling to accept a God who, out of pure love, endured such shame.