Posted by Helen on: 04.04.2007 /
Lots of people combine Jesus and chocolate at this time of year but this method didn’t go over so well…
Chocolate Jesus display shut down after protest
NEW YORK (AP) — A planned Holy Week exhibition of a nude, anatomically correct chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ was canceled Friday after Cardinal Edward Egan and other outraged Catholics complained.
The “My Sweet Lord” display was shut down by the hotel that houses the Lab Gallery in midtown Manhattan. Roger Smith Hotel president James Knowles cited the public outcry for his decision.
The reaction “is crystal clear and has brought to our attention the unintended reaction of you and other conscientious friends of ours to the exhibition,” Knowles wrote in the two-paragraph cancellation notice.
Matt Semler, the gallery’s creative director, resigned in protest.
The six-foot sculpture was the victim of “a strong-arming from people who haven’t seen the show, seen what we’re doing,” Semler said. “They jumped to conclusions completely contrary to our intentions.”
Comment by: Julie Clawson
1Death threats - yeah that’s a great way to show your support for Christ’s message…
I thought the concept was brilliant, but I guess people have a really hard time actually reflecting about meaning.
Comment by: Helen
2I thought it was very creative ;-)
Comment by: benjamin ady
3Is it made of free trade chocolate?
Comment by: benjamin ady
4The catholic league has called the display “an attack on Christian sensibilities”. So I’m curious, for the Christians out there–what exactly *are* Christian sensibilities? And did Jesus have them?
Comment by: Staci
5I don’t know anything about Christian sensibilities, but as a follower of Jesus I thought this was a terrific commentary on the commercialization of Easter. It has become a day for eating huge amounts of chocolate, usually in the form of a giant egg or bunny with little to no focus on Jesus. So to me it said, “Hey, if I’m giant and chocolate will you focus on me?” (Obviously my reflections on the piece - not speaking for the artist who may have had a number of other things in mind.)
Semler’s comment about jumping to conclusions that are contrary to their intentions is right on target. I didn’t find it offensive at all; in fact it struck me as very sympathetic to the Christian view of Easter. Why is everyone (regardless of faith) so quick to be offended by things? When there are two ways to take something (a comment, art, whatever) and one is offensive and the other isn’t, I say just assume it was meant in the way that isn’t!
Comment by: Helen
6Benjamin, it’s hard for me to believe Jesus could have had all the sensibilities some of his self-proclaimed followers seem to have.
Staci, I suppose my guess would be that this was intended to be provocative - I don’t know whether I’m right - but, so what? Like you, I’d like to see people less quick to become offended.
Comment by: benjamin ady
7Maybe all this leaping to conclusions that “I’m/We’re being attacked” is rooted in fear?
In the moment when one is afraid–that is, reacting to/…worshipping that fear (lending it the pre-eminent place), can one also in that moment be reacting to/worshipping Jesus?
I can’t do this–can’t focus entirely on/give weight or glory to/love/worship etc. two different things at the same time. This is a helpful thing for me to know about myself, because it gives me an out when I’m worshipping that which I don’t want to worship–just … mentally turn *toward* something *else* which I do want to worship. (Ha, if only it were always that easy =)
Comment by: Helen
8Benjamin, wow, I never thought of the ‘you can’t have two masters’ principle of Jesus applying to him and fear. Great application - have you thought of being a Bible teacher? ;-)
Comment by: benjamin ady
9I used to teach the bible a bit. but any sermons I might now prepare very probably wouldn’t go over super well with most of the people in power.
Comment by: Helen
10I think that happened to Jesus too ;-)