Marilyn,

First, thank you for your comments. It stands 15" with the rock.

It appears that I have created controvercy, by, as you put it "mixing a symbol of ancient religions combined with the Christian Cross." I emailed the image to a few friends and one was deeply offended. She stated "as a Christian I'm not certain what this implies...Jesus Christ is the only person who suffered and died on the cross, and was later resurrected, not the sun." She went on to say that seeing my "Sun" cross was like "putting a dagger through her heart." She also advised me not to "put it out there," for others might be offended too.

I replied with the following:

I originally was going to attempt a cross with Jesus' figure on it, but when I talked with my mom (who I'm giving the cross to for Christmas), she told me that the Son is not on the cross anymore because he has risen and ascended. That's why her denomination never depicts the cross with Jesus on it. This was months ago when she told me this, and I have been trying to come up with an artistic, yet respectful depiction of the cross. Then the other night, this vision, a sun on the cross came to me. I interpreted it as a symbol of Jesus, the Son, not in human form, but in spiritual metaphoric form. The rays of the sun are rays of light, rays of life. These are all qualities that the sun represents both figuratively and literally.

Art is simply the artist's interpretation of reality. In turn, the viewer has his/her interpretation. I've seen other artist's work, which I have interpreted as purposefully disrespectful, disdainful, and distasteful. That has never been my goal, as I don't interpret reality as such. At least, that is my reality.

J.R.

It sounds as if you might live in the bible belt as I do. It's too bad that there are people so insecure that say things as the one person did. Then again, I could say that it is a good example of intolerance.

marilyn

Hi JR -

I think it is a lovely piece. Your mom should be proud. The amount of thought behind it is also worthwhile.
I won't say anything derogatory about someone else's religion or beliefs, unless they infringe on my right to believe as I wish.
This piece does not do anything like that, and only puts forth your views as they came to you. This is what art is all about. Not everyone will see it as you do, but such a strong reaction is definitely encouraging to your artwork. You are making people think.
Good job.

Rick Crawford at Smoky Forge

Good point (controversy making people think), Rick. Unfortunately, some people on the extreme religious right will be offended, no mater what you do. I think JR's work is outstanding. Anyone who is blinded by religious intolerance and can't appreciate work like this looses out.
Rob

people can be offended by whatever they are choosing to be.... just tell your friend to read John 8:12. Or for that matter look up the word "light" in the new testament in their concordance. Personally, I think you did a great job, very accurate for its meaning.

Paula
Guthrie, MN

I don't think u need to rename anything because someone wants to be offended.... i can think of so many other things in this world to be offended at.

Paula
Guthrie, MN

Boy, ain't that the truth!
Rob