Faith

Jesus Returns to Monroe, OH — as a Statue

Jesus Returns to Monroe, OH    as a Statue

The original Jesus statue (top), and a representation of the replacement (bottom).

MONROE, Ohio (AP) — A giant statue of a full-standing Jesus with arms outstretched will replace a mammoth, partial depiction destroyed by lightning outside an Ohio church.

Administrator Ron Carter at the Solid Rock Church in Monroe showed a model of the new, 51-foot statue to the Middletown Journal on Tuesday. Carter says construction will be completed by the end of the year at the site overlooking Interstate 75, where the original had been one of southwest Ohio’s most familiar landmarks.

That statue showed Jesus from the chest up and had been nicknamed Touchdown Jesus because of the way the arms were raised outward, like a referee’s. It burned down following a lightning strike on June 14.

Co-designer Tom Tsuchiya (su-CHEE’-yah) says work on the replacement will begin in May or June.

Information from: Journal, http://www.middletownjournal.com

Comments (95)

  • RightPolitically
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:16pm

    This is great but let’s not forget that the haters will attempt to bring it down!

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
    • TheBeezKnow
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:19pm

      I know right? Jesus and all his hateful rhetoric; so offensive!

      Report Post » TheBeezKnow  
    • empatreides
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 9:13pm

      Baikonur, I belive jesus said that no man should judge another else he would
      Condem himself to an eternity in hell. So please, from one Christian to another,
      Hold your judgements to yourself and let God decide if protistants are all going to
      Hell for himself. Also, Jesus said (I’m paraphrasing here) that his church would be
      Built in the hearts of men not out of stone or wood and that were ever one person
      Worshiped the Father that he would be heard. So massive cathedrals or drab
      Chaples or even in my semi truck I can worship God and not worry about were in
      His green earth I’m at because it makes no difference. “My fathers kingdom is
      Everywhere, split open a piece of wood and you shall see a part of it, Crack a stone
      And you shall find another. My fathers mansion has many rooms and I go to
      Prepare a room for you.”

      Report Post » empatreides  
  • Baikonur
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:10pm

    Where I live there is a beautiful cathedral in the Old City. St. Peter’s. It is somber and grey and architecturally lovely. The cathedral was built in the 13th century, but modified (savagely) during the Calvinist revolt.

    A little chapel has been preserved to show what the entire church used to look like in the Middle Ages, when the cathedral was built. The ceiling has blue skies with gold stars and angels, and everything is beautiful and good.

    Report Post » Baikonur  
  • TheWatcher
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:07pm

    You can be assured of this… He is coming back…
    ////////////////
    Buck
    http://www.***************
    Heirloom Seeds, “How God plants His garden”

    Report Post » TheWatcher  
  • Nevermind
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:03pm

    As an agnostic i find this laughable. Looks like a falso Idol to me, not only that but it isnt even an accurate depiction of Jesus. If you think Jesus was a white guy wiht straight brown hair , white skinand a beard you are a fool. Jesus looks more like Obama ( skin tone) than any other white guy you show in a church.

    By the way…what is wrong wqith being an atheist or agnostic? I saw a comment on here negative towards athiests. Just becasue someone doesnt follow what you do doesnt mean they are wrong. There is just as much proof there isnt a god ads there is there is one. An old book means nothing.

    Report Post »  
  • fred299
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:00pm

    Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth

    It’s probably ok though, I don’t think he meant it.

    Report Post »  
  • d4jmf
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:59pm

    Glens leaving fox later this year- all over the net now=go to drudge

    Report Post » d4jmf  
  • Baikonur
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:55pm

    It’s interesting to listen to the debate about the ugly weird statue of Jesus. The protestants are really twisting in the wind to justify such a statue, after they have historically denuded all lovely Catholic churches in their domain of any sort of beauty beacuse of ‘idolatry.’

    Protestant churches are ugly and plain and filled with gross people. Catholic churches are beautiful and make one’s spirit soar.

    Protestants, you who have de-beautified Christianity, what do you have to offer the human soul when even your kindness runs dry? What will you say to your Protestant version of God when you meet him at St. Peter’s gates, that you did Christ’s work by denying health care and a living wage to other human beings?

    Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:56pm

      @Baikonur
      In my town, our church does more for the community than the other churches combined, including the Catholics. It seems to me, in any place I’ve been, that Catholics only want to help other Catholics unless it’s your money they want.
      I am Methodist, by the way, and we aren’t gross.
      Nice “beautiful people” Catholic outlook on life you have there.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
  • Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:51pm

    @ Pragmatica…..Sort of like tree huggers and environmentalist worshiping the creation instead of the creator?

    Report Post » Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:46pm

    There was just a story on here from Glenn about him leaving FOX, where did it go? What’s the deal guys?

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Baikonur
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:56pm

      Who cares? Glenn is an entertainer who is making lots and lots of money from scaring and misleading people.

      Report Post » Baikonur  
    • Hungry_i
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:00pm

      You’d think we Blazers would be first to hear of it, rather than last.

      Report Post » Hungry_i  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:09pm

      Thanks for setting me staight Baikonur, jackwagon.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:12pm

      Here’s the story from another site:
      Fox News
      Glenn Beck to Leave Fox News Program, Will Produce and Develop New Shows for FNC
      By Alex Weprin on April 6, 2011 12:55 PM
      Breaking: Fox News Channel and Glenn Beck‘s Mercury Radio Arts say that they have reached a new deal that will keep Beck in the Fox News family, even as he leaves his daily TV program.

      Under the terms of the deal “Glenn intends to transition off of his daily program, the third highest rated in all of cable news, later this year.”

      However, Beck and FNC “will work together to develop and produce a variety of television projects for air on the FOX News Channel (FNC) as well as content for other platforms including FOX News’ digital properties”

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:24pm

      The whole site shut down after that story went up, I wonder if some computer guru hacked in and put up a false story.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:46pm

      Gonzo
      It’s still there.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Showtime
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 2:13pm

      Here it is — in full!

      http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/04/06/glenn-beck-to-transition-_n_845573.html

      Report Post » Showtime  
  • emertz8413
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:44pm

    I like the new one, the old one was a bit much. It sorta popped out at you, and took your eyes off the road.

    Report Post »  
  • Drum Man
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:25pm

    Praise Jesus.

    Report Post » Drum Man  
  • Eblaze44
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:24pm

    http://www.fox8.com/wjw-reincarnation-txt,0,1190900.story

    Report Post » Eblaze44  
  • cengleman
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:18pm

    This should be the new name:

    I can’t believe its not butter Jesus

    Report Post »  
  • delhoghe
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:17pm

    What if Jesus has short dark hair , a finely cropped black beard, a bulbous nose, and a round face ? Do you think he’d like you making him look like a long-haired guy from England ?

    Report Post »  
  • Marylou7
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:10pm

    Love Jesus but just don’t know if that is appropriate.

    Report Post » Marylou7  
  • Cinnamon2006
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:05pm

    I used to pass “Touch Down” Jesus everyday going to and from work. I will admit that my mind used to wander (and not in a good way) . Sort of like how you think strange things when looking at the head of a deer or buffalo on a wall. Like…..”wonder what the rest of him is doing?”. I was told that the original was made out of some kind of sprayed styrofoam on metal. Let’s hope the next one is a bit more substantial.

    Report Post » Cinnamon2006  
    • smokie
      Posted on April 7, 2011 at 4:27am

      I called him Bathtub Jesus, because he was sitting in that reservoir of water, before that, when they had just started building on the hands, and there was nothing but rebar where the foam would go, we called him MechaJesus.

      Report Post »  
  • Ironmaan
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:05pm

    Statues are a waste of money. Not what I want my tithes spent on.
    http://guerillatics.com

    Report Post »  
  • svedka
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:02pm

    There is something creepy about this. I remember snorkeling of the coast of Cozumel as a young person and I got a little disoriented and separated from my family and I looked ahead and there was a giant wooden Jesus just swaying in the water, his feet were anchored to the bottom and a huge fish was eating things off of him…scared the daylights out of me, I got out of there fast. That jesus was still there last time I was and it was just as creepy.

    Report Post » svedka  
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on April 7, 2011 at 6:04am

      “…….I remember snorkeling of the coast of Cozumel as a young person and I got a little disoriented and separated from my family and I looked ahead and there was a giant wooden Jesus just swaying in the water, his feet were anchored to the bottom and a huge fish was eating things off of him…scared the daylights out of me, I got out of there fast.”

      ******
      you were “…..a little disoriented and separated from my family…..” – and saw Jesus –

      why not see the positive…..

      Report Post »  
  • delhoghe
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:00pm

    Goody. And even bigger idol for God to hit.

    Report Post »  
    • DimmuBorgir
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:07pm

      you mean an idol…of our lord Jesus????

      once again, this isn’t a golden calf.

      Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
    • delhoghe
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:13pm

      Is that what the Bible says about idols ?

      Report Post »  
  • Pragmatica
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:58am

    There is a reason the Lord struck down the monument in the first place! Too many people were likely focusing attention on the statue instead of God himself. Now they are building a bigger monument? That money could have been better served in the community instead of building giant statues that are almost like false Gods…

    Report Post » Pragmatica  
    • DimmuBorgir
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:04pm

      this isn’t a golden calf, back off.

      Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
    • Pragmatica
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:20pm

      I see striking similarities to the golden calf. This is their church “idol” and they want passersby to “worship” their huge, gigantic Jesus statue. Jesus is NOT about gigantic statues but is more about loving and respecting each other in “little” ways… NOT through building gigantic statues to “honor” him. I would like to think Jesus would see giant statues as a sign of “dishonor” more than anything!

      Report Post » Pragmatica  
    • Showtime
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:52pm

      You just don’t like a symbolic Jesus. Face it. You’re an atheist!

      “Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man: And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; And the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures: And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father: And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end…”

      So, what is wrong with being reminded of our faith? Would the statue look like Jesus if he was depicted wearing Bermuda shorts? Or would you rather look at a Buddha and rub its tummy? Or how about a statue of Mohammed molesting children?

      Report Post » Showtime  
    • DimmuBorgir
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:56pm

      you want to talk about an “idol”

      how about all those non-denominational hip churches… they’re idol is free coffee.

      Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
    • DimmuBorgir
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:59pm

      and it doesn’t matter what you “would like to think” jesus thinks.

      i’m pretty sure it said no graven images and no other god before me.

      so an image of god doesn’t fit that mold.

      Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
    • The Word
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:09pm

      As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Mark 13: 1-2

      Report Post »  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:28pm

      I’m sure the libs love watching us feed on each other, especially over a depiction of Christ. No one should be acusing any one else of being unchristian because this monolith doesn’t suit them personally. I don’t care for giant depictions of my Lord, but that doesn‘t mean I don’t love him just as much as you do.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:43pm

      Instead of a statue, it would have been better to use the money to build a low cost/free food and clothing store in back, maybe? Jesus is/was all about helping your fellow man.
      Just my two cents, whatever that’s worth nowadays.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Steady1
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:58pm

      I don’t have the exact scripture memorized but it does not say “no false idols” as some would preferr to believe.
      It says we are to have no graven images of ANYTHING in Heaven or Earth or in the Sea. We shall not bow to them or worship them in any fashion.
      In my mind most Catholic objects, like pendants and rosaries are a direct and obvious affront to the second commandment….I sometimes wonder if even wearing a cross doesn’t fall into this.
      I suppose it would depend on WHY you wear it and and what you do with it…though I‘m certain that there isn’t much you can do with a 50‘ tall Jesus statue that wouldn’t go against the commandment.. The WHY is between those involved and God…they’ll have to answer for this. I pray for them that it’s a good answer….
      I‘m of the thinking that God saw one too many ’christians’ pray to that Touchdown Jesus and he took it out.
      In that same line of thinking, this new project will likely be a mess from the start, riddled with accidents and problems.

      Report Post »  
  • Untameable-kate
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:58am

    I don’t like the leviathan Jesus. He was humble and meek, these overblown statues seem disrespectful to me.

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • BidBerthaDotCom
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:20pm

      I haven’t been to church in a while, but it seems I remember something about graven images.

      Report Post » BidBerthaDotCom  
    • marine249
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:07pm

      BIDBERTHDOTCOM

      I think that had to do with golden calf’s or cows.
      Iam sure that also it ment that we were not to bow down to the likes of obama

      Report Post »  
    • BidBerthaDotCom
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:24pm

      Well, the commandment doesn‘t specify but I’m sure the Catholics would agree with you. As a recovering Catholic and current Deist I don’t agree with any of it but I thought it was worth a mention.

      Report Post » BidBerthaDotCom  
  • JP4JOY
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:57am

    Now that he‘s out of the ground is the church implying HE’S fully resurrected?

    Report Post » JP4JOY  
  • integrican
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:56am

    So they went from a “Touchdown Jesus” to an “Austrailian Rugby score Jesus”????? LOL!!!

    Report Post » integrican  
    • vennoye
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:02pm

      You’d think they would get the message when the first one was destroyed by a bolt of lightening…..perhaps not.

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:55am

    Looks great .
    Amen .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:55pm

      I agree — for those who have a problem with this .. I pass mosques along the same route and they have what looks like rockets ready to fire .. this is the Prince of Peace .. I think people NEED to be reminded.

      Report Post »  
  • DimmuBorgir
    Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:53am

    I loved seeing touch down Jesus when driving north on 75

    Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
    • Pragmatica
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 11:59am

      Big butter Jesus and Heywood Banks likes to say! ;-)

      Report Post » Pragmatica  
    • DimmuBorgir
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:04pm

      i’ve lived in OH pretty much all my life and i never heard anyone call him big butter Jesus until the statue burned down and it was in the news.

      Report Post » DimmuBorgir  
    • Pragmatica
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:17pm

      I guess you don’t listen to the “Bob and Tom Show” during your morning commute?? Heywood Banks (comedian) has been joking about “big, butter Jesus” for quite some on that radio show!

      Report Post » Pragmatica  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:18pm

      Cool — glad He is coming back – you can take that in 2 different ways! http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:47pm

      have always thought it was a big chunk of butter…….have always heard others say it was a chunk of butter….was shocked when Butter Jesus actually burnt down but never melted….

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:52pm

      I go by this in the summer on my way back and forth on I-75 .. didn‘t hear about the lightening strike but I didn’t go north last year. I would have wondered what happened for certain .. it is a very good point of reference .. one I always notice on my long trip.

      Report Post »  
    • dragon1969
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 12:52pm

      Now he’s the “i caught one thiiiis big” jesus.

      Report Post » dragon1969  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:27pm

      I’ve lived in and around Cincy for 30 years.
      I had never heard the name “Big Butter Jesus” until it burned down. It has been always referred to “Touchdown Jesus” before. I never listen to “forced laughter” Bob and Tom show. Heywood Banks was on Gary Burbank show years before Bob and Tom. I even went to see Heywood at Go Bananas Comedy Club one time, because he had been on Gary’s show.
      I miss Gary Burbank.
      Anyhow, I wonder what nickname they will give the new statue?

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 1:46pm

      I miss touchdown Jesus. It was cool! we will see about this new one………………………….

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • jblaze
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 7:12pm

      Second Commandment
      “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (Exod. 20:4-6).

      The natural, carnal mind of man desires some aid in the worship of God. Remember that the carnal mind wants to look righteous yet doesn’t necessarily want to be righteous (Rom. 8:7-8). Men want some physical object to remind them about God. This is exactly what is forbidden by the second commandment. We must never limit the all-powerful Creator God by making an image or picture of Him. Images and pictures give us a false concept of the true God. This commandment also demands that we take heed not to worship God in the wrong way.

      Report Post » jblaze  
    • colonial10
      Posted on April 6, 2011 at 8:11pm

      A statue of Jesus going anywhere is great.

      Report Post » colonial10  
    • Fawkes
      Posted on April 8, 2011 at 9:09am

      @jblaze – Exodus 25:18-20 – “And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end; of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be.”

      Hebrews 9:4,5 – “having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.”

      Report Post »  

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