Posted on 03/30/2007 11:38:24 AM PDT by John Jorsett
NEW YORK (AP) - A planned Holy Week exhibition of a nude, anatomically correct chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ was canceled Friday amid a choir of complaining Catholics that included Cardinal Edward Egan.
The "My Sweet Lord" display was shut down by the hotel that houses the Lab Gallery in midtown Manhattan, said Matt Semler, the gallery's creative director. Semler said he submitted his resignation after officials at the Roger Smith Hotel shut down the show.
The six-foot sculpture was the victim of "a strong-arming from people who haven't seen the show, seen what we're doing," Semler said. "They jumped to conclusions completely contrary to our intentions."
But word of the confectionary Christ infuriated Catholics, including Egan, who described it as "a sickening display." Bill Donohue, head of the watchdog Catholic League, said it was "one of the worst assaults on Christian sensibilities ever."
The hotel and the gallery were overrun Thursday with angry phone calls and e-mails about the exhibit. Semler said the calls included death threats over the work of artist Cosimo Cavallaro, who was described as disappointed by the decision to cancel the display.
"In this situation, the hotel couldn't continue to be supportive because of a fear for their own safety," Semler said.
The sculpture was to debut Monday evening, the day after Palm Sunday and just four days before Roman Catholics mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday. The final day of the exhibit was planned for Easter Sunday.
The artwork was created from more than 200 pounds of milk chocolate, and features Christ with his arms outstretched as if on an invisible cross. Unlike the typical religious portrayal of Christ, the Cavallaro creation does not include a loincloth.
(Excerpt) Read more at breitbart.com ...
I don't care if it rains or freezes ...
And the liberals throw a fit at the mere suggestion that they're not as patriotic as the average guy...
Going ninety, I'm not scary...
Maybe they could do a "anatomically correct" chocolate mohammed for ramadan. I'm sure it would go over quite well.
8" I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. 9 But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Ooops, never mind. I thought the story was about Barak OBAMA!
LOL.
None out their with real balls I guess.
The days of bold, daring artists are long gone. The group of pussies stick to the safe, tried and true cliches like Jesus.
Wake me up when somebody does a "Chocolate Mohammed" during Ramadam.
>>Maybe they could do a "anatomically correct" chocolate mohammed for ramadan. I'm sure it would go over quite well.<<
I'd prefer a BBQ pork one. But I am in Memphis... ;)
They had to cancel, someone ate his ears.
"You know I'm never feeling frightful, long as I've got the 12..."
Cancelled due to the riots and beheadings, right?
SPAM would be easier to sculpt....
"one of the worst assaults on Christian sensibilities ever."
I dunno, the cross in the jar of pee was a little over the top...
Har.
I'm sure it's next on the schedule.
I fall on my knees every Sunday at Zerelda Lee's candy store...
-Tom Waits
Okay, that was pretty funny.
They should have fired the sorry blackguard before he had the chance to quit.
>"My Sweet Lord
Coming next, lawsuit by George Harrison's estate?
You know that there will be a "resurrection" (Pardon my pun) of this so called exhibit at some brave smaller private gallery somewhere in NYC.
Im telling you all right now, If I ever hit the big Lottery, after I financially take care of my family, I will build a gallery that is so politically INCORRECT that liberal heads will explode. I will offer commissions that will be designed to set a new bar for offensiveness and I will encourage free speech in other than Christian themed art.
What the heck do I care. I already have Cancer. There is little that the world can do against me. I still have Free Speech. I would welcome the battle in court over that vague (and undefined term) HATE crime. Oh the fun I would have.
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