Chocolate Jesus

Have you heard about the fight over the "Chocolate Jesus?"

"My Sweet Lord" is a 6' milk chocolate sculpture of Jesus on the cross by Cosimo Cavallaro and was to be displayed this week at the Lab Gallery in Manhattan. However, there was such outrage last week that the hotel that houses the gallery closed the show before it ever opened.

It is interesting that such a sculpture would create so much vituperation. I think though that it is probably an indication of the emotions related to the ongoing discussions about who Jesus is or was and what Jesus means for the church in all of its manifestations today. We see that argument usually carried out in books and articles from all perspectives.

I wonder though why no one gets so upset about a chocolate cross? A couple of weeks ago, I stopped in one of those super-sized arts and crafts stores and happened upon a display of chocolate crosses. I suppose they will sell countless numbers of those for folks to add to their children's Easter baskets. Why doesn't anyone get all up in arms about chocolate crosses? This symbol of torture, capital punishment, and gruesome death is acceptable for Easter baskets but we can't display a milk chocolate Jesus without a public outcry? What's the deal?

Here's my take on "My Sweet Lord." I think the artist makes an interesting statement about how we have misunderstood Jesus and his message. We've turned him into a piece of candy that can sooth us in our moments of anxiety and that can satisfy our momentary hankering for something sweet. This artist challenges us to reassess our relationship with Jesus and to ask ourselves if we understand who he is and if we want to follow him wherever he leads. It's too bad that the show won't go on.