Would your church censor this photograph?
Reading Chuck Warnock's blog, I came across a post about this interesting situation. A church in Texas invited local artists to submit representations of the Stations of the Cross. A 10-year-old boy, who studies photography with his father, was given the commission for station #7... Jesus falls for the second time.
Here is his entry, and the church decided not to display it. (The model is the photographer's younger brother). The photographer wanted to convey the innocence of Christ.
What do you think of it?
(Personally, I love it. It gives a fresh interpretation).
4 comments:
I love it! I think the church should have used the picture. As you said, it gives a fresh perspective. It also brings it to the modern perspective.
I like it, too. I feel that we need more people who can connect their faith to modern issues without coming off as self-righteous. That this came from a child makes it all the more relevant. It shows his very mature view of faith and also shows his ability in photography. In defense of the church, however, it can be construed to portray an anti-cop idea. I am interested to know if the church has given any reasons for not using it.
As religious art I think it is better than most. As an image that tells a story and makes you think it is even better. The first time I saw it I was drawn to the young boy/Jesus figure. The second time I saw it I was drawn to the young girl/Mary in the back ground who seems to be looking with shock upon the bystanders.
When a church asks for art they have a right to censor things if they want to. Unfortunately they do so at the risk of alienating the artist as well as closing the doors for people to experience faith at a level beyond fill in the blank Christianity.
Hm-m-m-m, I suppose that it could be viewed as anti-cop, though it does highlight that it was the authorities who killed Jesus.
I don't know why the church refused.
My only strike against it would be that it might be disturbing to kids.
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