Big Butter Jesus is Toast!
Posted by mattusmaximus on June 15, 2010
Okay, like everyone else on the Internet, I just cannot pass up the opportunity to write something about the “Touch Down Jesus” or “Big Butter Jesus” statue outside of the Solid Rock Church in Monroe, Ohio (technically, it was called the “King of Kings” statue). Last night this six-story tall statue was destroyed after, of all things, lightning struck it and burned it to the ground, leaving nothing more than the metallic frame behind.
Leaving aside the obvious jokes, which – believe me – are legion and spreading like wildfire across the Internet, I have to say I’m glad that no one was hurt.
But on a more serious note, I have to ask two questions:
1. Isn’t there a Biblical commandment against worshiping graven images? Wouldn’t one think that “Big Butter Jesus” statue was a violation of said commandment? Putting my theology hat on, couldn’t one surmise that perhaps this was a sign from the Almighty to NOT have such a statue? Somehow I don’t think many Christian fundamentalists will see it that way…
2. The damn thing cost $250,000 to build, and it was a bloody eyesore! Couldn’t these folks find something more useful to do with the money – like feed & clothe the homeless, perhaps?
In any case, in a final tribute to our burned (melted?) buttery friend, I share with you all this Youtube video of a wonderful song written back in 2007 by comedian Heywood Banks 🙂
The Skeptical Teacher 
David N. Brown said
From a theological perspective, Judean, Christian and Muslim traditions all have commands against idol worship, but there is plenty of room for flexibility. In the strictest sense, idolatry is at least as much about how the “image” is treated as it is about the creation of the image in the first place. A reasonable case could be made that artistic representations of God, Christ, Mohammed, etc. are acceptable as long as they do not become objects of worship themselves. (Of course, where that line is crossed would be a huge can of worms.)
All Around the World News said
Big Butter Jesus is Toast! « The Skeptical Teacher…
I found your entry interesting do I’ve added a Trackback to it on my weblog :)…
Bindy said
Here’s a picture of the poor statue after it burned:
http://www.bofads.com/stories/monkeystatue.htm
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