Sad News: Big Butter Jesus Melted by Lightning

Speaking of Roger... Look at this thread title as 'Shave and a haircut...'

Then look at all of us forumite knuckleheads as a bunch of Roger Rabbits vibrating wildly until we can't take it any more...

Then look at our posts as our way of saying 'Two Bits!'
 
I think that if we can agree to keep it light the thread stays open. I think that its a pretty fun thread and no one seems to be offended by anything at this point....PM me if there are any issues.
 
Flamencology said:
Somewhere between $0 and $250,000 per statue commission, it seems.
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Maybe lightning is what really happened in Rhodes. :embarrassed:

colossus.jpg
 
Kerouac said:
AWESOME!!!!!

That monstrosity was an eyesore and infuriating... a $250,000 vanity project. Think of all the good that money could've been used for with community outreach, missionary programs, etc. :mad:
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Bingo. This - in Memphis - cost just a hair more I do believe - and is a much bigger statement methinks
 
I'm one of those annoying activist people who is starting a letter writing campaign and petition to deliver to the pastor, showing how the surrounding community actually feels about it being rebuilt. Nearly everyone I was talking to this morning mentioned how they thought the church should leave it down and instead spend that money on worthy causes... it seems only the fringe and the actual church members think it needs to be rebuilt.
 
I'm a Christian (I'm not sure how its relevant here but anyhoo...) I agree with Kerouac. Use the money for a real cause.
 
Something that's interesting me is whether we'd be saying these things if the piece of art in question was of greater artistic value, rather than a giant Buddy Christ.

I mean, the Catholic Church in particular financed a lot of spectacular visual art and architecture over the centuries. Granted, it also of greater pragmatic value back then, as the majority were illiterate...

But even today, churches have commissioned stunning stained glass windows from brilliant artists like Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke (who, sadly, died from cancer last week)... projects that could have been a lot cheaper, presumably.

It's a much harder question to deal with, I think.
 
Jeremy said:
Despite my jokes, I am too. And I also agree.



I don't know how I could help, but I'd be happy to if you need/want it. :shrug:
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Honestly, it probably won't change a thing. But I feel a lot better at least making an effort, because too many people won't.
 
Flamencology said:
Something that's interesting me is whether we'd be saying these things if the piece of art in question was of greater artistic value, rather than a giant Buddy Christ.

I mean, the Catholic Church in particular financed a lot of spectacular visual art and architecture over the centuries. Granted, it also of greater pragmatic value back then, as the majority were illiterate...

But even today, churches have commissioned stunning stained glass windows from brilliant artists like Gerhard Richter and Sigmar Polke (who, sadly, died from cancer last week)... projects that could have been a lot cheaper, presumably.

It's a much harder question to deal with, I think.
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I think that creating deeply significant religious works in the context of a (presumably) long-term building is an investment and can carry on a rich tradition as people do grow attached to the churches they grew up in. I think putting a giant Jesus outside of a giant megachurch that has bison, racehorses, and a trolley to the sanctuary is fucking ridiculous and not a work of art.
 
Kerouac said:
Honestly, it probably won't change a thing. But I feel a lot better at least making an effort, because too many people won't.
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Of course. :) I was actually considering writing a pretty scathing letter to the pastor/pastoral staff at that church whe I read the article this morning. Without getting too involved here, it's because of my beliefs that I feel charitable works are my duty when I have the ability to do them and like you said, the money used to re-build this statue could be used to great effect in the local community.

I also agree with Flamencology's post, though too. I suppose in the end, it's not really my judgment of the issue that matters. I'd still like to make my view known, though. :shrug:
 
I am no fan of organized religion, and feel that many churches have Edifice Complexes, but it comes down to the fact that they will spend money as they see fit. If the congregation feels that a huge Jesus outside the church is a good way to invest money, they will do it. No one from outside the church will convince them not too; they will see opposition as proof that the non-believers are threatened by the witness of their statue. It would take disagreement from within the church to divert the money and it is likely that those who would rather spend the money helping the poor and needy are not attending this church.
 
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