1. The meaning of the cross

    Tamala Krsna: He says, "What is the actual meaning of the sacrifice of the cross, Jesus dying on the cross?"

    Prabhupada: It has no meaning. The people were so rascal that they attempted to kill him, because he was speaking of God. So we can understand the pollution of the then society, how intelligent they were. He had to deal with such rascals that he was speaking about God, and the result is that they wanted to kill him first. He preached, "Thou shall not kill," and they killed him first. This is their intelligence. Now people are advanced. Those doctrines, they are not [indistinct]. That's all. The answer.

    Tamala Krsna: He says, "Did Jesus die on the cross to redeem all the sins of the world?"

    Prabhupada: This is another sinful thought — Jesus has taken contract for ridding your sinful activities. That's a plea, what is called plea for the sinners, that they will continue acting sinfully, and Christ will take contract to counteract. This is most sinful conviction. Instead of stopping sinful activities, we have given contract to Jesus Christ to counteract it.
    Tamala Krsna: So these people are not actually getting free of their sins unless they stop sinning.

    Prabhupada: Then what is the use of his preaching? They will continue sinful activities, and Jesus Christ will take contract for saving them. How nonsense idea this is! Bhavananda, do you think it is good idea?

    Bhavananda: Not a good idea, Srila Prabhupada.

    Prabhupada: Nonsense rascals. These people should be immediately hanged.

    >>> Ref. VedaBase => Room Conversation — April 2, 1977, Bombay