Written in Stone?

From A.Word.A.Day:

petrify

MEANING:

verb tr.:
1. To turn into stone.
2. To harden or deaden.
3. To stun or paralyze with fear.

verb intr.:
To become stony or callous.

Response Post:

 

What "petra" also gave us was, according to the Gospels, the name of one of Jesus' twelve apostles: Peter, the Rock ("...and on this rock I will build my church..."). It's ironic (in the situational sense) that what started as a small but radical movement for change has become, in so many of its manifestations, petrified.

Thanks again, Pheas!