Final answer:
The notion that spirituals regarded the crucifixion of Jesus as irrelevant is false. African American spirituals deeply integrated the suffering and victory of Jesus, using these themes as symbols of hope and spiritual endurance during enslavement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that spirituals deemed the crucifixion of Jesus irrelevant is false. Spirituals, particularly those originating from African American Christian experience, placed significant emphasis on the suffering and triumph of Jesus, including his crucifixion and resurrection. This emphasis provided spiritual resilience against the hardships of slavery and a sense of hope for deliverance.
The crucifixion was not seen as irrelevant but rather as a pivotal event that underscored Jesus's solidarity with the oppressed. Similarly, the notion of resurrection and redemption provided a powerful metaphor for the end of bondage and a better future. The revered narrative of Jesus's passion was integral to the messages conveyed through spirituals and profoundly shaped the spirituality and resistance against slavery.
The crucifixion narratives, as well as the depiction of Christ in various forms of Christian art, have been subjects of study by scholars and have significantly influenced religious thought and artistic representations across centuries. Whether interpreted metaphorically or historically within Christian doctrinal contexts, the crucifixion remains central to Christian theology and personal devotion.