What would you do if you saw someone wrapped in a blanket, sleeping on a bench outside a church?

For Cindy Castano Swannack who drove by St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Davidson, North Carolina, the answer was--"Call the police!"
When informed that it was only a sculpture depicting Jesus (with stigmata on his bare feet that poke out from under the blanket), Swannack seemed taken aback.

As modern-day Christian art goes, the sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmlaz, is quite poignant.
"I have to say, I kinda like it", says Cindy. Of course, not all people agree.
In a letter to a local news website, resident Jerry Dawson likened the Jesus depiction to a creepy Grim Reaper, and added:
"My complaint is not about the art-worthiness or the meaning behind the sculpture. It is about people driving into our beautiful, reasonably upscale neighborhood and seeing an ugly homeless person sleeping on a park bench."

Really? A statue of Christ--a creepy 'Grim Reaper'? An 'ugly homeless person'? I'd imagine that Mr. Dawson is just the sort of individual this sculpture was designed to reach, to bring to life the plight of the homeless.

Jerry, If I were you, I'd be very cautious if you're ever caught out on the golf course of that country club I'm sure you belong to. When a thunderstorm rolls in, watch overhead for lightning bolts...just sayin'.

I hope Jerry has a nice, big home.

I'm sure he does...

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