RIP Big Butter Jesus

[Falcon Fanatic]

Struck by lightning and melted down! Wonder what kind of sign that is?

http://www.whiotv.com/video/23901994/index.html

http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/m ... 62245.html

Haywood Banks song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-ksuOaI61g

[hammb]

Always thought that thing was kinda creepy and weird.

The youtube video is pretty sweet.

[Peregrinner]

At least they still have the anatomically correct Trader's World horse down there to weird things up.

I never liked that stretch of road.

[Redwingtom]

Isn't there a flea market or something down that way with a bunch of giraffe's on the roof too?

[Peregrinner]

Isn't there a flea market or something down that way with a bunch of giraffe's on the roof too?

I'm going to assume that is also Trader's World.

Or Jungle Jim's.

[tiznow]

Yeah, Jungle Jim's has a few Giraffes as well as other animals.

If I have my exits correct, I believe close by to Big Butter is and obnoxious Hustler store sign. I wonder if that sign got struck by lightening?

[Peregrinner]

One of the quotes I've seen from people today:

Giant Jesus statue torched by lightning. Porn shop next-door unharmed.

[Rightupinthere]

"This is definitely a wake up call for all Christians."

Yeah, don't make your idol a lightning rod, you freaking numbskulls.

It's much safer going with Buddy Jesus.

[SaxyIrishTenor]

If I have my exits correct, I believe close by to Big Butter is and obnoxious Hustler store sign. I wonder if that sign got struck by lightening?

You are correct. I read an article that quoted a self-proclaimed "believer" as being stunned that BBJ got struck when the Hustler sign didn't. Sounds like it made it unscathed.

[musicman2343]

I read an article stating that the damage done was around $700,000 - $300,000 for the statue and $400,000 for the amphitheater right behind it... Plans are already in motion to rebuild the statue.... The pastor is quoted saying "We'll try something more fireproof next time."
Why?! That is such a gigantic waste of money! I know I'm toeing the line on religious discussion, but it seems to fly in the face of what Jesus wanted - take care of the poor. God only knows how many poor people $700,000 can help.
Ok - sorry for coming really close to a religious or belief system discussion, but with the situation it seemed relevant.

[Flipper]

I don't know anything about the church nor the thought process behind the statue, but they may feel that getting even a few of the thousands of people that pass that sucker every day to stop and consider their faith...or lack of it...might be worth the investment.

[SaxyIrishTenor]

I don't know anything about the church nor the thought process behind the statue, but they may feel that getting even a few of the thousands of people that pass that sucker every day to stop and consider their faith...or lack of it...might be worth the investment.

And that's kind of what the articles I have read said as well. They always viewed it as a "beacon" for the faithful and faithless alike, and, regardless of one's religious beliefs, the logic makes sense.

In all reality though, the publicity from the unfortunate event is likely to benefit the church both in terms of membership and financial support from outside sources, so it may not cost the church that much money directly out of pocket.

[Tech83]

This is the architect in me speaking.....

I never had a problem with the subject matter. However, I thought the scale was wrong between the figure and the cross.... the cross needed to be bigger. But more importantly, I hated the material used. It evokes the same feels I have about churches who build their "multi-purpose" room before they construct the sanctuary. Or worst.... go to the worst builder and get a metal building. Where is the sacrifice? Of course my favorite... lets build a stage and have the service be a theatrical performance. The absolute lack of any ecclesiastical meaning to the buildings... or lack of architecture.... just drives me nuts.

I renovated/converted a former historic brick church into a women's fitness center about two years ago. The building was built in 1853 and was two stories. The sanctuary was on the second floor. It had a 21 foot ceiling with 18 tall stained glass windows. I helped my client purchase the building from the church and walked through the building with some high level pastor in this particular church. This guy couldn't understand why they would have put the sanctuary on the second floor...... because... you know.... it's not really convenient to climb stairs, blah, blah, blah. So I ask this guy.... with years and years of religious study under his belt.... don't you think there was an ecclesiastical meaning to having this sacred space above the secular, earthly street and to give this feeling of upward movement when you come to worship Christ? He was STUNNED.... and actually said "Gee I never thought the building should reflect any sort of meaning like you just gave."

In case you ever get to Europe to see the great Gothic Cathedrals.... you enter the main doors on the West Facade - this is an arch representing the final judgement... and the entry into the Holy City. The main arch typically has sculpture representing of the final judgement.... right hand of Christ stuff..... the figures on his left are usually tortured and demonic in nature. The light that comes throught the Stained Glass is referred to as Lux Nova (New Light). The interior of the church is very dark and the intent of the entire processional experience - coming through the Final Judgement, bathed in the Lux Nova, and the Alter at the crossing of the church as the important space. The Gothic Cathedral is intended to represent the Divine City on earth. Also the vertical is emphasized in the Gothic.... to draw your eye to heaven.

The Latin Cross.... this is the plan of Chartres Cathedral. The stained glass was typically of bible stories since only the clergy and wealthy were literate.


In closing.... hope I didn't offend anyone's church. But we seem to forget that its Christ House.... not our gym.

[Redwingtom]

In closing.... hope I didn't offend anyone's church. But we seem to forget that its Christ House.... not our gym.

Nope, but just stay the hell out of my pew!

[Tech83]

In closing.... hope I didn't offend anyone's church. But we seem to forget that its Christ House.... not our gym.

Nope, but just stay the hell out of my pew!

Or your folding chair in the gym.