Is that a penis?

[Undeniable Truth]

Members of an Oklahoma Catholic church are up in arms over a new crucifix, which some claim portrays the giant schlong of the son of God.

The crucifix is a large rendition of a San Damiano cross, a common Catholic icon originating in Assisi, Italy. Comparison photos (thumbnail link) to other San Damiano renditions can be found at the link as well.

"There are a couple people who have left the parish,” said the Rev. Philip Seeton, the church’s pastor. "There are people in the parish who don’t like it and have stayed.”

Critics of the crucifix take issue with what appears to be a large penis covering Jesus’ abdominal area. Seeton said the portion of the crucifix in question is meant to be Jesus’ abdomen "showing distension” — not a penis.

Seeton said, "I’ve had people who have vocally said that that’s what they see there. I’ve had people who have been just as vocal who said that’s not what they’re seeing there.”

Janet Jaime, a local iconography artist who designed the crucifix, had no comment.

"I think it was painted according to the certain specific rules of iconography and church art,” Seeton said of the crucifix.

The crucifix is about 10 feet tall. It has been hanging above the altar since Feb. 21.

"The crucifix is the straw on the camel’s back,” said Cook, who has attended the church for 35 years. "I think it’s an embarrassment to our Lord. I think it’s an embarrassment to our parishioners. And I think it’s an embarrassment to our visitors.”

Molly Jenkins, who is not a member of the church, said she attended a funeral at the church recently and immediately noticed the crucifix.

"I was appalled at the sexualization of Christ,” said Jenkins, who is not Catholic. Jenkins said she contacted a Catholic friend to ask whether such crucifixes are common.

Her friend, Seannene Smith, said she visited the church Friday and also was disturbed.

"I was horrified,” Smith said. "I believe in freedom of expression. I believe in artistic freedom. I believe that a church is a holy place, and I certainly don’t want people telling anyone how to worship, but I was shocked, stunned, and if I hadn’t been prepared already, I think I would have just been ill.”

Read more: http://newsok.com/warr-acres-catholi...#ixzz0lCJ79Ph3

[Mare]

[Mare]

I just don't like it (ugly) and yes the thing on his abdomen does look like a penis.

[Twisted]

I have to agree. That doesn't look anything like distension to me.

[~Absynthe~]

yes it looks like a penis

[silverfae]

It does so look like distention...of his junk

[biteme]

Well we know where Janet Jaime's mind is and what she craves
bet she has big Christ dreams nightly, although it's not a bad idea
it might scare a few alter-boys and keep them out of the priests chamber and out of harms way

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Who knew Jesus had a penis! I wonder if he wrote his name in the sand when he was little.

[Gidget]

The crucifix is about 10 feet tall. It has been hanging above the altar since Feb. 21.

I'm sorry, but dick or no dick, that thing scares the living fuck out of me. Once I went to a church that had this massive cross hanging from wire, centered over the front 2 pews. I didn't hear a THING the minister said that day because I was fixated on the possibility of that thing breaking loose and crashing to the floor, taking out a couple of random church-goers in the process.

There is absolutely no way I could sit through a church service with a big old honkin' Jesus cross suspended over the fucking altar. Just no way. Maybe if it was made of plastic. And it blinked. You know, like the ones in people's yards at Christmas. But THAT thing? No fucking way.

[Dakota Valkyrie]

Maybe if it was made of plastic. And it blinked. You know, like the ones in people's yards at Christmas.

If a plastic Jesus lit up and blinked at me, I think I would wet my pants laughing.
I think I want to buy me one of those to scare the neighbors with.

[Silvahalo]

Two diff. pics aren't these? looks more like Jesus has some serious abs. It's a play on the eyes that's all. People see what they want to see.

[MC30]

omg...janet has some crazy sense of humor. wow. i like the skull at jesus' feet. that's a nice touch. bitter much janet?

edit to add...her jesus has a kinda smug look going on..

[Tundratot]

Looked at some of the other San Damiano crosses online, most manage to look like muscular abdomens, not penises. The one this parish got, though -- well, that does look like a penis. And I think the artist may have wanted it to. From the dramatically large lower ab (or scrotum), to the flexed and crooked upper abs (lacking any six pack and definitely suggestive of a penis), I think you'd have to be a saint not to see it.

[WhatThe]

Those pics are just ODD to me. Yeesh. I would rather there be a plain cross to stare at and leave the rest to my imagination. Those also kind of remind me of beaver tails or something.