MtheGM: "But these tendentious aids certainly help in fixing & reinforcing the 'spiritual' message, don't they?"

Maybe a 'religious' message, but not necessarily a 'spiritual' one. I suppose if you think that seeing a crucifix on a wall, gives a church the authority to smack a kid, you could draw an analogy to the Jewish clergy wanting Jesus killed...and Pilate okaying it, because he was in fear of losing his job!!
Gosh, sounds like the chemistry of church/state tyranny???

GfS