Posted on 01/31/2008 5:40:53 AM PST by NYer
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but a controversial ad found in the February edition of the Boston Magazine is causing quite a stir.
"It's unfair and depraved," said C.J. Doyle with the Catholic Action League.
The ad is for the Equinox Fitness Club in Back Bay showing nuns drawing a nude man.
The ad seems to be working because it's getting attention even though a lot of it is negative.
The Boston Archdiocese says the ad is a slam on the Catholic Church.
"When you look at it, it's offensive to religious women who dedicate their lives for the good works of the church," said Terry Donilon with the Boston Archdiocese.
Equinox says the ad captures the energy and artistry of the well conditioned body in a thought-provoking fashion, blending fantasy and impact.
But the Catholic Action League finds the ad very offensive.
"It's also an example of this perverse obsession that the advertising industry has with exploiting and sexualizing Catholic religious imagery," Doyle said.
The ad is getting mixed reactions from local Catholics.
"Yes, I am (Catholic) and my family is as well," said Boston resident Carlos Gomes. "It's offensive. Everyone is getting too acceptable these days."
"It just doesn't bother me," said Laura Deveau, of Norflok. "I don't take things like that seriously."
So, should the ad be seen as offensive or creative art? There's only one way to find out.
WBZ took the ad to the Museum of Fine Arts to get an expert opinion.
"It's evoking a very particular aspect of art, the study of classical statuary or using the human body as a tool to learn how to draw," said Marietta Cambareri with the MFA.
One man had an interesting take on the ad.
"The body is such a work of art that even the nuns appreciate it," said Bostonian Gaetano Tarara.
The Boston Archdiocese said it wants an apology from the fitness club.
The Catholic League now wants the ad to be withdrawn, saying it shows a callous contempt for the beliefs and sensibilities of Catholics.
Classic is “Life is Worth Living”.. I believe its Fridays at 9pm on EWTN.
Hard to believe there was a time in America, not all that long ago that Network TV not only aired such a show, but that it was a Hit as well.
No network today would dare put someone like Sheen on in prime time.
I’d like to see them spend their time on the issue of supporting Catholic Democrat politicians who are “pro-choice.”
Glad to hear it. However the orders you listed, for the most part are not often out in regular society. One of them, if I recall correctly, has vows of silence.
Father Pacwa is a really great teacher of the faith. I have one of his books. Also, I enjoy his Holy Land Rosary program which airs every morning at 7:30AM.
some of my best friends are nuns. I have to tell you, this makes me very angry, even though they'd do what nuns do: pray for the offenders.
He looks nun the worse for wear... Being nude before nuns is a nasty habit.
Looks like a job for Sister Superior. Or is that Sister Posterior?
I have no doubt that the edgy artistes who dreamed up this ad would treat Islam in a far more reverent manner.
Don’t you know that it’s ok to disrespect any religion except islime?
May a pig try to procreate with moHAMid while he is kneeling on his prayer rag and spill its seed on his copy of the koran.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.