Homeless Jesus Statue Sparks Controversy

A homeless Jesus statue that depicts the Son of God as a vagrant sleeping on a park bench has sparked debate in the religious community. Jesus is laying in a blanket with hands and face obscured. The crucifixion scars on his visible feet reveal his identity. Some people believe the statue is insulting while others feel it gives the church authenticity. Timothy Schmalz, the creator of Homeless Jesus is a Canadian sculptor and devout Catholic, knew hisJesus the Homeless would be provocative and spark controversy.

Religious art typically depicts Jesus as saintly, reverential, and floating above humanity or healing them with his touch; often he is presented as a baby or being crucified on a cross. But a sculpture which appears to be a hobo curled up on a bench has caused a host of controversy. The life-size bronze work is titled, Homeless Jesus, on the artist’s website. According to the website the sculpture was inspired by Matthew 25. It goes … click HERE to continue reading