Artist Timothy P. Schmalz´s installation with the Homeless Jesus statue has generated a lot of buzz. I hope his work will help change the perception of the homeless.
This 'Homeless Jesus' statue has found a home after similar works were rejected from cathedrals in New York and Canada, but not all are welcoming it with open arms. The moving work by Timothy P. Schmalz has provoked diverse responses since being installed at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Davidson, N.C.
Rev. Doctor David E. Buck, the church rector, sees it as an evocative combination of beauty, art, and religion. "It's Jesus representing the most marginalized of society," he told NBC Charlotte. "We're reminded of what our ultimate calling is as Christians, as people of faith, to do what we can individually and systematically to eliminate homelessness. Part of a faith commitment is to care or the needy."
Child comforting Jesus:
However, others think it is in poor taste. Cindy Castano Swannack called the police the first time she drove by the realistic bronze statue, explaining to NBC Charlotte, "I was concerned for the safety of the neighborhood." She protested, "Jesus is not a vagrant, Jesus is not a helpless person who needs our help."
NBC Charlotte news coverage:
Image with Rev. David E. Buck sitting next to Jesus via National Public Radio. Found via deathandtaxes.
Child comforting Jesus via Episcopal News Service. Photo taken by Alleen Barber.
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