Ok, those are two different things: the stations of the cross are usually spaced around the inner walls of the church/hall (not at the altar) depecting scenes from the 12 hours before christ's death.

Yes, I understand what you mean. I think, however, this has more to do with tradition than theology, though I could be wrong. In general, symbolism and tradition are used as means of expression far more in the Catholic Church than in the Protestant church. The point remains, however, that whatever the means of expressing it, both Protestants and Catholics are encouraged to dwell on the extent of Christ’s suffering.