Casual Jesus

According to the London Telegraph website, a church in East Sussex, England has recently unveiled a new statue of Jesus, done by sculpter Marcus Cornish. The seven foot high bronze statue cost 35,000 euros, and is mounted onto the exterior wall of the Our Lady Immaculate and Saint Phillip Neri Catholic Church. Money to fund the project was given by a longtime church member who passed away a year ago.

The statue, entitled "Casual Jesus", but dubbed by the public "Jesus in Jeans," has caused quite a sensation, and has become not only an internet sensation, but has even made appearances on many of the late night TV shows here in the US (including a very funny spot on the Colbert Report). As you can see from the photo, it portrays Jesus wearing jeans, with a loose fitting shirt billowing in the wind, with hair and beard fashionably trimmed. And yet, a closer look reveals his arms and legs in an unmistakeable "on the cross" pattern. This is in many ways an updated, passion-free crucifix.

Father Buckley, pastor of the church said: "We wanted a figure of Christ not in suffering but dynamic and welcoming."

In many ways this statue is a microcosm of the challenge that faces the Church today. As people leave the Church in droves, and as many more give up on faith completely, how does the Church reach out in meaningful ways? How does the Church present Christ in ways that are genuine, meaningful, relevant...and yet true to the scriptural story? Does a "casual Jesus" become an outreach tool, or does it simply dilute the message of Christ? Where is the tipping point?

One thing is for sure: doing nothing is unacceptable. And yet, we'd better find that tipping point sooner rather than later.