‘Homeless Jesus’ sculpture stirring the pot in North Carolina

By Will Lerner

3 hours agoOdd News

Outside St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson, North Carolina rests a sculpture, so realistic that from not too far a distance, it appears to be an actual, living homeless man sleeping on a bench. It’s a piece by sculptor Timothy P. Schmalz entitled, “Homeless Jesus.” As WCNC NBC Charlotte reports, it’s getting quite a bit of attention.

Reverend Dr. David E. Buck sitting next to "Homeless Jesus" (WCNC)

On his website, Schmalz describes “Homeless Jesus” as a, “representation that suggests Christ is with the most marginalized in our society.” The art, which costs as much as $2,975 depending on the size one might want, shows Jesus wrapped in a heavy blanket with very little of his face showing, but his wounded feet clearly on display. Schmalz talks about the piece on his YouTube account…

Reverend Doctor David E. Buck, St. Alban’s rector told WCNC that it’s “beautiful” and that it help reminds believers that their, “ultimate calling is as Christians, as people of faith, [is] to do what we can individually and systematically to eliminate homelessness.” The piece also seems to have some notable fans. In a CTV report, Schmalz says “Homeless Jesus” was blessed by Pope Francis and displayed in Vatican City.

Pope Francis with "Homeless Jesus" (CTV/Timothy P. Schmalz)

So the sculpture, having the endorsements of religious leaders both home and abroad must have the community of Davidson behind it, right? Well…no. Not entirely. While some neighbors of St. Alban’s told WCNC that they like “Homeless Jesus,” others aren’t happy. The station spoke with Cindy Castano Swannack, who said she initially called police the first time she drove by it, thinking it was an actual homeless person. Additionally, Swannack said, "Jesus is not a vagrant, Jesus is not a helpless person who needs our help. We need someone who is capable of meeting our needs, not someone who is also needy."

Cindy Castano Swannack (WCNC)

She isn’t alone in her sentiment. In a letter to the editor of DavidsonNews.net, resident Jerry Dawson wrote:

“…My complaint is not about the art-worthiness or the meaning behind the sculpture. It is about people driving into our beautiful, reasonably upscale neighborhood and seeing an ugly homeless person sleeping on a park bench. It is also about walking by this sculpture at night and passing within inches of the grim reaper. These are the impressions that this sculpture gives. I have stepped over actual homeless people sleeping on a sidewalk in New York City and not been as creeped out as I am walking past this sculpture.”

"Homeless Jesus" (WCNC)

DavidsonNews.net writes “Homeless Jesus” will, “remain permanently at the church.” Reverend Buck told the site, “It’s here because it’s wonderful art that reminds, with this beautiful (church) structure here, that our faith is expressed through our concern and care for the homeless. We think it’s the perfect place for it.”

More info: WCNC, DavidsonNews.net

The Jonah Juxtaposition Why people gravitate to God's global purposes and why they run away.

     By Shane Bennett   

Who wouldn't want to have a book in the Bible named after themselves? My guess is that Jonah wouldn't. As far as I can tell, though, he's the only one to get four eponymous chapters dedicated solely to himself. And it couldn't be the recounting of noble exploits or sharing of time-honored, God-revealed truth. Not even an angelic visitation. No, it had to be a giant, unmitigated foul-up. It may be Jonah's one and only foul-up, but it's preserved so we can read it, raise our eyebrows, cluck our tongues, and judge poor Jonah.

Or maybe he's not so much "poor Jonah." He clearly disobeyed. And in the process, he may provide mission mobilizers with a moral on a silver plate: "Obey God. Become a missionary. Don't be a dope like Jonah." Powerful stuff if wielded well, but not as interesting to me as the "why?" behind the "what?"

Why did Jonah, on hearing God's call to Nineveh, head to Tarshish? Sometimes we go for a secondary moral: "Jonah was afraid of the Ninevites, so he ran away. Don't be a baby like Jonah. Be brave. Follow God to where there aren't even any Starbucks!"

But Jonah tips his hand at the end of his short bio and shows us it wasn't fear that made him run. It was his conviction regarding the character of God: "Isn't this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live." Essentially, "If I preach, they might repent. If they repent, you'll relent. Ergo, no Ninevite carnage."    

Apparently Jonah was compelled by his logical conclusion that dead enemies are less likely to visit their nefarious plans on your beloved homeland. He prioritized his perceived national security over God's glory and Ninevite salvation. He didn't go because he didn't want them at the party.

What about us? What causes us and our people to run away from or toward obedience to God's purpose?

In the course of my job, I ask tons of people to jump into God's global purposes. Many of them don't say yes. And since I can't stomach the possibility that it might be me or the way I ask, I have to wonder why. I frequently ask students the following question in Perspectives classes: "What are some of the reasons people, perhaps including you at some point, run from involvement in God's purposes for the world?"   

  

A bright class will generate a long list. Long enough sometimes that we have to stop before we all get convinced to bail out! Here are some of the top reasons.

Reasons to Run away from God's Global Purposes

1.    I can't learn a language.

2.    I don't measure up.

3.    I'm really happy here and don't want to leave what's comfortable.

4.    I'm engaged in ministry locally.

5.    I can't (won't?) raise support.

6.    I don't understand what it looks like. No role models.

7.    I don't really care.

8.    I don't like foreign stuff.

9.    Life is so full and crazy, it's all I can do just to get by.

10. I just don't see the need.

11. I didn't know God was into that stuff.

12. It feels so imperialistic, intolerant, and non-pluralistic.

Reasons to Run toward God's Global Purposes

1.    I want to obey what the Bible says.

2.    I feel compassion for people in need.

3.    I sense an opportunity for adventure.

4.    I honestly think I can help.

5.    I want to join in what God's doing.

6.    I want to live a life of purpose.

7.    I believe God is worthy to be followed by all peoples.

For people like us, these lists do a couple of things. One, they give us language to articulate our judgmental, Pharisaical attitudes. I don't recommend using them that way. (Although I should probably add, "Do as I say. Not as I do!") But they also give us a window of understanding into the people we hope to mobilize for God's global purposes. And maybe if we're smart and work together, we can mitigate some of the first list and maximize the second one.

That said, I'd like your help. Can you take one minute right now and do something for me? Pick an item from each list and suggest a way to decrease its impact (first list) or increase its effect (second list). Because I'd really like this exercise to change things, pick items you feel have the best combination of "easy to address" and "high potential to make a difference."

This article is a full 25 percent shorter than normal! Whoop! Please use the extra time that just landed in your lap to share you smarts with the tribe. I'll follow up next month.

Editor's Note: For some more on Jonah, listen to a message from Shane, In the Steps of Jonah or Jesus?

Malicious Glee:

Malicious Glee:

Do we Americans need to view our world through a different lens? In the attached article it reads, "The idea that Sochi is one giant embarrassing mess for Russia has spread like wildfire...". In response, a Russian reporter writes, Russians are "puzzled by why the Americans and the British are so very happy that the details are a little screwy, the way they generally are in Russia." In other words "screwy details" are normal everyday life for that great country called Russia (as is most countries of our world). If that is so, then why are we able to look down our noses at a country that has not been as financially fortunate as some countries in the west?

Are we really that arrogant?

If we are, that makes me ask, who is actually viewing life out of perfect lenses?

We Americans (as in those from the U.S.) believe that the rest of the world should measure up to our standards, as in our cleanliness, efficiency etc... and because of this, "cultural misunderstandings give birth out of sheltered ignorance".

Why is it that these "posts reflect actual issues that directly impact the quality of life of Russia’s 143 million people" and we don't see it that way?

Maybe it's because the lens many Americans see life through is a warped lens. It is a lens that is much like that coke bottle that you won at the fair as a kid. It has been changed. It has been distorted and reformed... but sadly, not for the better.

Honestly, I would rather see my world through a lens that has some dirt on it, than a lens that is so distorted that no matter how clean it is, a clear, actual picture is not able to be displayed nor understood. Malicious Glee:

Do we Americans need to view our world through a different lens?

In the attached article it reads, "The idea that Sochi is one giant embarrassing mess for Russia has spread like wildfire...". In response, a Russian reporter writes, Russians are "puzzled by why the Americans and the British are so very happy that the details are a little screwy, the way they generally are in Russia." In other words "screwy details" are normal everyday life for that great country called Russia (as is most countries of our world). If that is so, then why are we able to look down our noses at a country that has not been as financially fortunate as some countries in the west?

Are we really that arrogant?

If we are, that makes me ask, who is actually viewing life out of perfect lenses?

We Americans (as in those from the U.S.) believe that the rest of the world should measure up to our standards, as in our cleanliness, efficiency etc... and because of this, "cultural misunderstandings give birth out of sheltered ignorance".

Why is it that these "posts reflect actual issues that directly impact the quality of life of Russia’s 143 million people" and we don't see it that way?

Maybe it's because the lens many Americans see life through is a warped lens. It is a lens that is much like that coke bottle that you won at the fair as a kid. It has been changed. It has been distorted and reformed... but sadly, not for the better.

Honestly, I would rather see my world through a lens that has some dirt on it, than a lens that is so distorted that no matter how clean it is, a clear, actual picture is not able to be displayed nor understood.