If you have ever read the book, My Name is Asher Lev, by the late Chaim Potok, the protagonist of the story creates a scandal in his Orthodox Jewish community when he paints a picture where his mother is positioned such to suggest a Crucifix. Beforehand, Asher struggles with doing so, and decides that he must use the symbolism because there is no other symbolism in his own faith that he can use. He is not mocking Christ; raher, as an artist, he uses the Crucifix as metapor to show the tribulations and sacrifice that his mother has endured. If you have not read the book, Potok tells the story with a great deal of compassion and respect for another faith, in this case, Christianity. Asher is an artist without an agenda to promote a cause. He paints from within and his paintings are personal to him.
A Christmas display outside the courthouse in Leesburg, VA featuring Santa Claus crucified on a cross was torn down by an angry resident in spite of arguments by elected leaders that the display was Constitutionally-protected free speech.
The display was erected by Jeff Heflin, whose application was submitted and approved by the Loudon County Board of Supervisors.
The Loudon Times reported that Heflin described his display as “art work of Santa on a cross to depict society’s materialistic obsessions and addictions and how it is killing the peace, love, joy and kindness that is supposed to be prevalent during the holiday season.”
“It was meant to show the over-commercialization of Christmas,” said Jonathan Weintraub, of the NOVA Atheists. “I agree. It is over commercialized. People should keep their hands off the display, all the displays.”
I cannot believe the intent of the artist here, and see it as shameless self-promotion by sensationalism. Why? Heflin states that he did this to protect " the peace, love, joy and kindness that is supposed to be prevalent during the holiday season," but chooses to use two symbols where one is a classic depiction of the "spirit" of the season ("Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus") and the other a symbol of the faith for which the season has its deepest meaning (ask your priest why we bow at the Creed when we recite that Jesus Christ became Man). This is irony in its definition: let's protect the "peace, love, joy and kindness" by erecting a display that will evoke reactions that dispel the "peace, love, joy and kindness."
Why would an atheist group care about the "over-commercialization" of a religious holiday? Because it is costing them too much? Then spend less. Because they hate having their TV programs interrupted by seasonal commercials? Then shut it off.
Or just be honest. A Nativity set alone is, in essence, a counter to the secularism of Christmas and its spending. A display like this has one purpose: to disgust. And especially in an area that will be hosting a Christmas parade for children this weekend. It is facetious sensationalism by mean-spirited persons to ruin a holiday for those who enjoy it, and to insult Christianity.
And if you say, "No, it's art . . ." - okay, let me look at it. Hmmm. Poor construction, lack of focus, too simplistic . . . it's bad art, take it down.
And for the local folks, remember which supervisors on the county board voted to approve this piece of shit at the next election.
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