As many already know – especially around the Midwest – the ample, gaudy, and familiar structure along the I-75 corridor, King of Kings, was struck by lightning and burned to the ground Monday night during a fierce thunderstorm. Read Full Article
99% of the Facebook or blog posts I read throughout Tuesday stated relief, or amusement, that the structure, often the butt of jokes, was no more. To many, the structure was commonly known as, “Touch Down Jesus.” Another nickname was “Butter Jesus” – which I admit, was rather true, as it looked like a butter sculpture at a church bizarre or Methodist bishop conference.
There is now a great debate, waging on numerous Facebook sites, as to whether or not this “eye sore” should be returned (in 3 days), or whether the estimated $700,000 to rebuild Touch Down Jesus and the amphitheater, also damaged by fire. Many believe the church’s money should be used to build a homeless shelter, or to feed hungry children.
All these suggestions are great. However, the money does belong to the Solid Rock Church near Monroe, Ohio. They raised the original $250,000 to build the structure, and I am sure they will secure the funds to rebuild – but with no $50,000 contribution from HUSTLER Store owner, Larry Flint, as I jokingly posted yesterday (and many believed it!).
I, for one, could care less whether TDJ is resurrected near Trader’s World, or not. If they rebuild – great. If they use the money for charity – great. The money is the church’s to do with as the people, or teamster union running the church, decide.
To many from this congregation, the structure was actually referred to as their “Lord, and Savior” – as several indicated on news interviews. One lady sobbed that her children had been raised in this church (all before the structure was built in 2004), and that she couldn’t bear for them to return to see the structure they had grown up with destroyed! Ummm…. math skills? A young man of college age (who probably was not in college), stated that he had to come out to the scene to witness this catastrophe for himself, and then devastatingly added, “my Lord, and Savior is gone. He’s gone.”
Hmmm… perhaps the church should consider bringing in some grief counselors who are experienced in liturgical counseling, as well.
Whatever happens with TDJ, happens. I am sure the Solid Rock Church will decide the fate of this structure in a prayerful, Christian attitude that will make us scratch our heads, cheer, or moan.
64 comments
Comments feed for this article
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:25 am
carlschanz
This is where the “Big Butter Jesus” came from.
http://bit.ly/PI7RH
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:48 am
Raul
I think they should be a high-five Jesus next…seriously though, it is unfortunate that this happened.
http://www.wutevs.wordpress.com
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 12:33 am
jc1977
This was the most interesting thing I’ve seen all year… the cool thing is, that even though the J man was hit w/lightning, he still ended with a big victory sign. 🙂 Don’t mess with Jesus!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:05 pm
thismuchblog
This is the perfect time for Solid Rock Church to put their faith in the real Jesus, not some statue. From the comments you mentioned in your post, it sounds like their church is riddled with people breaking the second commandment- making, and worshiping a statue. Jesus is bigger than that statue and he’s bigger than the lightening that struck it down.
While I realize that TDJ has been there a long time, I think the church should only rebuild it if its parishioners can distinguish the difference between a statue and God.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:12 pm
theologigal
No kidding! The quotes given about how they referred to the statue are a bit creepy, not to mention unbiblical.
And to be honest, I don’t know how much glory God gets from a big, expensive, tacky statue of His Son.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:14 pm
paperbound
I couldn’t agree more!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:11 pm
symbiant
Incredible peace… incredible… good job here!
Now, with that said, I think it was the holy spirit that moved upon this statue (obviously not made of fire-retardant materials, as this structure was quite retarded in nature) and burned it to the ground.
Maybe Jesus is becoming more like other messiahs and taking a fancy to his religious counterpart, Mohammad. It only leaves one to question. Now on a less nonmsensical level, it was obviously a material that could ionize, build up static and make it such a good and formidable target.
As far as the monies spend to rebuild it, it is to me, absolutely repugnant. You know… these folks make billions of dollars per year, live batter than most ever come to imagine, yet they are still selling the BOOK to the helpless and needed of something better than those professing to know GOD. That my friends, is sheer BIBLICAL CAPITALISM at its finest. Let’s throw away some money, cause as where GOD gave us life, he somehow over looked to give us a brain.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:42 pm
youfailcollege
symbiant, I believe you are mistaken as to the definition of “retarded.” It means “delayed in development.” Therefore, as a fully developed (if ugly, ridiculous, and offensive to Chrisitans that understand the 10 Commandments) statue, it was not retarded. And now it’s just a pile of ashes.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:15 pm
marvimarti
What amazes me is the news got all the way around the world! I admit I laughed over all the Facebook posts and now the new verse to the song, Big Butter Jesus by Haywood Banks that I heard on Bob & Tom this morning. All this fuss over a statue.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 12:32 pm
natinanorton
I know there’s a joke to be made about Larry Flint and “resurrections,” I just can’t put my figure on it. 🙂
Maybe I’m wrong, but isn’t the whole ethos behind Christianity basically to help people and make the world a better place? If the church decides to rebuild, I suppose that’s their choice. However, what good does a Touchdown Jesus, High Fivin’ Jesus, or whatever kind of Jesus do for the congregation other than waste money and distract from the real issues?
I think it’s time for the church – all churches – to quit spending so much on “gody” eye sores and start giving back to the community in a productive way. They could certainly use the good press!
P.S. I love the Erma Bombeck quote. 🙂
Natina
http://crosswordcharlie.wordpress.com/
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 1:16 pm
miltonious
Great writing. We feel that the money should as “Jesus” would have wanted, given to the poor. The needy are always, well in need. Also education would be nice, or adoption, foster care (since abortions are out of the question). Lots of “Gods work” could be done with that money, we feel a large statue of the “lord and savoir” is not, WWJD.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 1:20 pm
squirrelsloveacorns
I think they should take this as a sign and not rebuild it. Obviously someone didn’t like it up there
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 11:08 am
Patti B.
That’s exactly what I thought when I saw the story. I was raised Catholic, so I don’t have any room to talk about anyone else’s building or not building a religious statue. If it inspires members of that church, great. I’m sure they do outreach in the community as well. I wasn’t a big fan of the statue, but no one has to be.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Kit Herring
Licked down by Jah…
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 1:22 pm
The Gates of Lodore
Ever see the giant steel cross in Groom, Texas? It proudly announces “welcome to the bible belt” for eastbound travelers on Interstate Forty. I bet it gets struck by lightning all the time, but being steel it is indestructible!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Becoming Dead
Pretty ridiculous. And fascinating.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Joshua
I grew up knowing a family whose entire CHURCH was wiped out after its steeple was struck by lightning – I’m glad this didn’t happen to this church, but have to say that I agree with some of the others – it could’ve been worse.
And yes… high-five Jesus gets my vote.
In Houston, where I now live (originally an Ohioan), we have a church that just erected a 150-foot cross. A little less subtle, but not nearly as humorous.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 2:04 pm
JamesBrett
it makes me sick to my stomach to think about a group of christians spending $700,000 on a statue. i badly want them to put that money to work helping to defeat AIDS in africa.
at the same time, though, that’s basically what judas said when the lady put perfume on Jesus’ feet. and Jesus defended her.
but still… makes me sick to my stomach.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:24 pm
RJR
$700,000 on AIDS in Africa would be gone in no time.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 4:37 pm
enosh74
We will always have the poor with us but touchdown Jesus was only among us for six years. lol
I have to agree with most everyone here by saying that this thing was an extravagant waste and there’s no way it should be rebuilt. I have met several people that attend this church’s satellite church in Anderson Township and I can say they in no way worshiped any of the gaudy decorations that filled that church.
However, as one local pastor pointed out to me this afternoon, you have to admit the statue did get people talking about Jesus on a global scale on several occasions in the last four years.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Joshua
The sad part is that they’d probably oppose things that work – like condom distribution (read: Church, Catholic).
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Tyler
I would say that it shouldn’t be rebuilt if these people claim to be christians, simply because it sounds like the statue was elevated to the place of an idol for some people.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Debbie
The REAL Jesus would be ashamed. Although he wouldn’t – because that’s not his style. But seriously, these people are wacked; it was styrofoam. (And something or other.)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 2:50 pm
missware
I am constantly saddened by churches today,who seem to not pay any attention to the old testament…You know the one that says dont worship idols cause this is exactly what this is. No man has any idea what he looks like so if only we can just continue to worship Jesus in spirit an in faith the world would be so much better.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:25 pm
RJR
You can have a statue and not worship the statue. I’m saddened by Christians who have no idea what they’re talking about.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:36 pm
theislandshoegirl
Great blog, I am also a Southern Ohio girl and now live in Key West. It was always a landmark on my trips home. As one of my friends said yesterday, “there goes my dream of living near it so can I give directions including ‘the exit after Jesus or if you see Jesus you’ve gone too far’.”
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 4:16 pm
R Lynn Robinson
LOL I mean I really laughed out loud at that last part. If you’ve seen Jesus you’ve gone to far. Thanks for that smile.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:40 pm
apocalypsecakes
The resurrection is coming! Touch down Jesus! http://apocalypsecakes.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/resurrection-day-self-rising-chocolate-cake/
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:45 pm
my oh my « a life lived simply
[…] oh my Published June 16, 2010 Uncategorized Leave a Comment i got a kick out of this today. it’s really close to where i grew up, and i have passed by the, to me, quite creepy […]
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Songbird
hmm… I had never seen that before…. interesing….
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 4:15 pm
R Lynn Robinson
I myself wondered why the church didn’t see this as a message, you know “Thou Shalt make no graven images of me?” I am pretty sure that this would count as a graven image… and lightening? Come on guys… this is definately a sign that someone doesn’t like the Statue of Jesus.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Jim Hagen
Isn’t a lightning strike considered an “act of God?” Maybe he’s trying to tell us something. Like “cool it already.”
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 5:56 pm
Elizabeth Anne
I personally keep on crossing my fingers for them to rebuild the statue as Buddy Christ.
Irreverent, me? Never!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 6:38 pm
matthewjrankin2010
Well I don’t think that the Jesus at SRC is or was a bad thing. It brought people to the area and brought them together. I also believe it has led someone or others to Christ…
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Robby
I liked the way you described the event without adding personal judgment. Every heart involved is coming at this from a different perspective and they are all convinced they are right. This is only one example of the many choices Christians are faced with everyday – to build or not to build. James 1 promises that when we ask for wisdom from God we receive it generously… I really hope the leadership in that church seeks that wisdom.
As for the ones who were on the verge of idol worship – I am thinking they are lucky that God didn’t make them grind and then drink the ashes. (Aaron and the golden calf.) What a distractable people we are – may God use this for His good purpose.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 6:46 pm
gregw89
Seeing this statue is quite unusual for me. Living in California, I don’t see any more than churches. In a way, this resembles non-secular countries such as Israel and Iran. I hope they use the money for humanitarian purposes, instead of forcing everybody, religious or not, to look at their idol.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Kay Stoner
Maybe the next Touchdown Jesus could be built big and hollow, to house homeless people. Talk about “taking shelter in the Lord” 😉
That way, the church could have their graven image, and the homeless could have a place to go. Win-win. The good works might cancel out the idolatry thing. But please make the next one fire-retardant.
Only in America… (speaking as someone who lives not far from a ginormous tomato statue along a major thoroughfare).
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 8:19 pm
The Brain
I am quite sure that God himself had something to do with this lightning strike at this exact location. And, for what it’s worth, I thank him for it!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 8:37 pm
keeneysr
I want to say two things. First, this is not Touchdown Jesus. Touchdown Jesus if the mural on Notre Dame’s Football Stadium. This is Big Butter Jesus.
Second, the whole thing was ridiculous and I’m kinda glad is was destroyed. As a Christian myself it’s pretty sad to see money blown on idolatrous crap like this. Not that idolatry is necessarily wrong, it’s the basis of Christianity’s spread actually, but the fact is that these millions could be better spent on actually helping people. I heard someone say the statue would bring in donation money which would go to the poor, but how many people stop there and think “wow, I’ll leave my church and go to this one because Big Butter Jesus is calling me?” Not nearly enough to give that argument any merit I’m afraid.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:17 pm
enosh74
Could you clarify your “idolatry is the basis for Christianity” comment, I’m not sure what you’re referring to there.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:19 pm
The Surg
yeah i am a little confused at what you mean by “idolatry is the basis for Christianity”
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 12:22 am
keeneysr
Idolatry is the basis of Christianity’s spread in that having things like Saints and feast days and icons of Jesus and Mary and the crucifix among others make Christianity easy for pagans to accept because missionaries made it sound like the beliefs were the same, everything just had a different name. The problem is not the use of these idols especially since they were what helped the religion spread, but now in a time and place where people rarely go actively searching for new recruits for their religion (Jehovah’s witnesses excluded) there are much better ways to spread whatever message you believe Christianity should be spreading.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Darin L. Jolliffe-Haas
I happen to believe there is room enough for more than one TDJ. Yes, Notre Dame’s mural was there, first; however, that’s Notre Dame – and Ohio can have it’s own version.
What I am not following is why would the Solid Rock’s TDJ be considered idolatrous crap, and the mural at Notre Dame not be considered the same? It is still an image, is it not, that could pass as an idol, or graven image?
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Joshua
Perhaps it’s how they respond to the statue? The comments were along the lines of “My Lord and Savior…” as they referred to the statue itself.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 12:31 am
keeneysr
They could both certainly be considered idols, but two very different kinds. For me the biggest thing is that Touchdown Jesus is a small, not too elaborate or expensive expression of the university’s faith, while Big Butter Jesus is a giant waste of money that could have been used to help people and that it was basically a way for an individual church to try to grab attention. To me it’s like ND is using the image for inspiration for itself while the church in question is using the image to prove that it is somehow superior to all other churches, even those which share its faith. That is at least how I always thought of it when I passed it.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 9:56 pm
john underdown
if they were referring to it as their “lord and savior”,they’ve probably made it an idol..if they rebuild it,i hope it catches on fire again.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Clark Bunch
Some things are still considered acts of God. I believe lightning is one of those. In our culture, isn’t being struck by lightning a sign of God’s judgement? For the record, Butter Jesus was made of styrofoam, with a steal frame inside. Ohio is pretty flat. It was basically a 62′ highly flammable lightning rod. Perhaps it was the grace of God that allowed it stand this long.
Was this a sign from God or an attack of Satan? Weigh in: http://wp.me/pfpoV-uE
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:54 pm
lifeaftereighty.wordpresss.com
I think there is a message here.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 11:17 pm
The Surg
hmm I think some people need SOZO (if some of you know what that is) or maybe they should just stop idol worshipping… wierd… why would you spend $250,000 on a flippin statue… seriously maybe we should bring back those bracelets and say “WWJD” ….
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 12:33 am
One Day Down… Two to Go! Resurrection? (via The Play-Wright Flyer Guy) | Adventures with Petunia GreenBeans
[…] http://alex-crabtree.crabbysbeach.com/blogs/drifters-curse/ As many already know – especially around the Midwest – the ample, gaudy, and familiar structure along the I-75 corridor, King of Kings, was struck by lightning and burned to the ground Monday night during a fierce thunderstorm. Read Full Article 99% of the Facebook or blog posts I read throughout Tuesday stated relief, or amusement, that the structure, often the butt of jokes, was no more. To many, the structure was commonly known as, "Touch Dow … Read More […]
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 1:22 am
cappy
It’s funny that people are so worried that their lord and savior is gone seeing as Christians aren’t meant to worship idols…
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 2:34 am
mysaviormygod
The Lord will not be mocked! People should take this as a warning! Thanks for posting this.
Jesus is Lord
God Bless
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 4:03 am
peelingtheorange
Yeah! Don’t mess with My Jesus! That was a great post!
~Great Love to you,
Mirian from peelingtheorange. “)
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 5:35 am
Jim
It seems to me their real god is something man built.
Notice I did not capitalize “god”? I do not refer to Jehovah, but that which they worship.
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 6:37 am
lifeintheboomerlane
Touchdown JC has (had) absolutely nothing to do with religion.
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 7:36 am
Chika
I doubt this was a coincidence… The Lord doesn’t want Himself to be displayed by a statue outside some church! What He searches is the hearts of people. God does not want big sum of $$$ being spent on a statue of Himself; no one can form an image of God. True worshippers are to worship Him in spirit and truth.
The church must’ve thought they’re doing a favor to God by putting up a memorial for Him, it’s an abomination to Him. Whenever a statue of a living person is put up, it implies that that person demands exaltation and worship. God does not demand people to come to Him and worship!
The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips (and statues),
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men.” Is 29:13
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 8:23 am
Lois Kackley
The destruction was, after all, an act of God.
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 8:55 am
Rahavard
Pretty ridiculous.
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 9:41 am
teresaklassen
Feels like a great time to refocus.
Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 12:25 pm
neuo8324
By building another statue the church will benefit – but no one else
Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 9:04 am
Michelle Brown
Great post, and, though I am saddened that the church lost some of its facilities…it appears that they also lost their mental faculties. The comments church members are saying at this tradegy make Christians look foolish. I’d rather they take the money and put it to better use. You want to show the world how big your God is, then show them how He can use you in a big way.
Saturday, June 26, 2010 at 1:48 pm
christianitythetruths
what we found is that the people in the western countries who had all along been following the Christianism for more than 1000 years, has finlly landed in the promiscous adultration,
filing for divorce is as common as booking a flight ticket,
family system is thrown away,
is this the Jesus Christ expected his followers to live ?
………………..
Now if an evangalist came to meet the Jesus Christ what shall he say to Jesus?
“My Lord, we can not win back the western soceity into adultartion free faithful family life. But we are Successful in converting those who are already leading a family life. We hope that atleast for the next two to three generations, they would continue to lead the family way of living…”,
Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 11:21 pm
hisfool
Good article. To me we should scrap all the “touch down Jesus'” and all the other churchy clap trap and focus on what we should be focusing on, preaching the good news of the Kingdom to all nations (and that includes our neighbor). It’s not about showmanship, or programs, or buildings. It’s about Jesus, and His Kingdom.
Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 9:42 am
croslet
Statue… Statue… Statue…
Where art thou oh Imago Dei?
Hehe, nice
http://croslet.wordpress.com/