What you see in the photo is a six foot sculpture made from 200 pounds of milk chocolate. The sculpture is of an anatomically detailed and frontally nude rendering of Jesus hanging on a cross ... sans the cross. It was intended to be displayed in a New York Gallery until an outcry was raised (primarily from Catholics). The exhibit has been pulled. The artist is angry. The gallery's creative director is angry and resigned over the gallery's decision.
The back story is here. The reason for the outcry. One, it was "sickening." Two, it was "an assault on Christian sensibilities." Three, it represents a double standard, since it would be considered unthinkable and intolerant to sculpt a naked Mohammed with his genitals showing ... yet here we see that done to Jesus.
Continue reading "Chocolate Jesus" »
Civilization, Thomas Aquinas once wrote, is constituted by conversation; that is, by argument. Civilized people, treating each other as reasonable, argue with one another. Barbarians club one another, as if values are mere "preferences," and reason has nothing to do with them. For barbarians, nothing matters but power.
~ Michael Novak, Theologian, Professor, Author
Continue reading "Hosting The Perfect Pigfest: Moderating" »
“The dinner table is the center for the teaching and practicing not just of table manners but of conversation, consideration, tolerance, family feeling, and just about all the other accomplishments of polite society except the minuet.”
~Judith Martin (American Author and Journalist, b.1938)
Continue reading "Hosting The Perfect Pigfest: Setting The Table" »
If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect.
~ Benjamin Franklin
A good cause is often injured more by ill-timed efforts of its friends than by the arguments of its enemies. Persuasion, perseverance and patience are the best advocates on questions depending on the will of others.
~ Thomas Jefferson
One of the funnest things about a Pigfest is the challenge of forming compelling propositions to bring to the gathering. It is a skill that needs honing.
Continue reading "Hosting The Perfect Pigfest: Forming Propositions" »
We had seventeen guests to the Pigfest. It was a lively group. We indulged in food, fellowship and conversation. Numerous thought provoking propositions were presented.
Continue reading "Pigfest Report : March 23, 2007" »
Continue reading "Apologetix Concert Near Roanoke This Sunday" »
Theodore Roosevelt was one of the most effective presidents in the history of the United States. What was it about his upbringing that made him so successful?
Continue reading "Where Are More Like Him?" »
Just got back from my biannual visit to Covenant College. Part of my visit includes a trip to the Tuck Shoppe (the book store) to find treasures. I struck paydirt.
Continue reading "What I Found In The Covenant College Tuck Shoppe" »
What you see in the photo is a six foot sculpture made from 200 pounds of milk chocolate. The sculpture is of an anatomically detailed and frontally nude rendering of Jesus hanging on a cross ... sans the cross. It was intended to be displayed in a New York Gallery until an outcry was raised (primarily from Catholics). The exhibit has been pulled. The artist is angry. The gallery's creative director is angry and resigned over the gallery's decision.
