Man and Superman

Let us take a look at how the bird is represented in popular culture.

Consider Dracula. Archetypal bird figure. Magical being who feeds off of the masses. Able to fly, to hypnotize, to control, to do as he pleases. Has an aversion to crosses.

Look at Superman. Here is a good bird who fights for Truth, Justice, and the American way. Who is but a hobbled reflection of Nietzsche's Uberman. And let us not forget George Bernard Shaw's Man and Superman. In Shaw's work Superman is Don Juan, borrowed from Mozart's Don Giovanni. Don Juan as Superman turns up again in the works of Carlos Castaneda.

This figure is a representation of Faust, the man who made a deal with the devil for power. And who is Faust if not Simon Magus? He who sought the secret of the power that Peter possessed.

And what of the twelve sparrows that Jesus formed from clay?

The lord said to the disciples, "[...] from every house. Gather (things) into the father's house; but do not steal and remove (anything) while in the father's house."
Gospel of Philip 55:37-56:1-2 (Layton)

The disciples were thieves as well, taking from every house and gathering the things in the father's house. Like birds bringing shiny objects back to their nests. This is the nature of the relationship between the Church and those who support the Church. Teach the people the wonders of faith and then take advantage of the generosity of the faithful. The only disadvantage being that others might attempt to take advantage of the faithful as well. And so the crucifix serves as a warning to those able to perceive its overt message.