The Changing Face of Christ
Over a decade ago, the Red Bank Baptist Church in Lexington, S.C., commissioned a seven-foot statue of Jesus Christ for the front of the building. The church has now removed it. “We have discovered that there are people that view the art as Catholic in nature,” said a letter from the church to sculptor Bert Baker Jr. — who was a member of the church when he made the statue. “We understand that this is not a Catholic icon, however, people perceive it in these terms.” After he received the letter, Baker sent a two page response. “I am stunned that your letter both insults the intelligence of the Red Bank Community,” he wrote, “and, more disturbing, singling out the Catholic church in such a manner as to suggest that their denomination is deficient in theology and lacking in Christian core values.” The church originally told Baker the statue would be destroyed if he didn’t come remove it, but has since found another church willing to take it. “The Jesus I serve is not on the front of the building,” said senior pastor Dr. Jeff Wright. “He lives in my heart.” (MS/Columbia State) ...Where he’s only welcome if he looks right.Original Publication Date: 17 June 2018
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 24.
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 24.
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