Think you miss the greater part of Catholic teaching on this. Not that condoning satanic displays is a Catholic action, we need to militantly argue against such scandal for the greater good. That part is a given.
However, the idea of the rights of the individual are derived from the truth of conscience, the primordial Christ. The dignity …
Think you miss the greater part of Catholic teaching on this. Not that condoning satanic displays is a Catholic action, we need to militantly argue against such scandal for the greater good. That part is a given.
However, the idea of the rights of the individual are derived from the truth of conscience, the primordial Christ. The dignity of each person is also sacred. So despite what laws might be in the government slate, this ugly statue still remains a work of art by an individual. We have no right to destroy a work of another person without just cause for such violence. Violence is rarely the right expression for Christians.
Let’s recognize that despite the declaration of the statue as satanic it is a work of human inspiration. Inspiration does not arise from the devil. That is, art is a work of creativity which in a state of grace should reflect the goodness and beauty of Our Creator. In considering this, ugly and boring, sculpture from this perspective we can recognize it as a cry for help from a person failing to receive the grace God gives so generously.
We then need to respond to this beleaguered artist with charity. Considering the religious tone this person expresses it may be best to remain at a distance and use fasting and prayer to intercede with God for the restoration of this lost soul. Reacting with violent destruction of the work this person made is an offense to the dignity of the person.
Truly setting this bad art up in the public forum and especially during Advent is clearly an antagonistic act. Christians have faced much greater acts of persecution than a defiant satanic idol set in public during Advent. We must face such acts with the dignity of the person, despite the antagonistic bearing, as a first priority with charity and the hope for the restoration of a soul as the critical matter. The gravity of the scandal must clearly be considered in that the detriment to others may greatly outweigh the charity owed to the other.
I hope to identify that bad art should not be addressed with violent acts but rather acts of charity in the hope for conversion of the other. I would also judge that the scandal and harm done by exceedingly bad art presented as an offensive act at Advent does not require a violent response. I can understand how offended one could be by this grotesque work. Yet I don’t believe destroying what one claims to be an artistic expression is warranted in this case.
Consider also if the Protestants were justified in destroying Hindu temples? Would you accept it if this man raided a Hindu temple and beheaded an idol inside? How different is this junk art being destroyed from such an aggressive act as done by the British in India?
Think you miss the greater part of Catholic teaching on this. Not that condoning satanic displays is a Catholic action, we need to militantly argue against such scandal for the greater good. That part is a given.
However, the idea of the rights of the individual are derived from the truth of conscience, the primordial Christ. The dignity of each person is also sacred. So despite what laws might be in the government slate, this ugly statue still remains a work of art by an individual. We have no right to destroy a work of another person without just cause for such violence. Violence is rarely the right expression for Christians.
Let’s recognize that despite the declaration of the statue as satanic it is a work of human inspiration. Inspiration does not arise from the devil. That is, art is a work of creativity which in a state of grace should reflect the goodness and beauty of Our Creator. In considering this, ugly and boring, sculpture from this perspective we can recognize it as a cry for help from a person failing to receive the grace God gives so generously.
We then need to respond to this beleaguered artist with charity. Considering the religious tone this person expresses it may be best to remain at a distance and use fasting and prayer to intercede with God for the restoration of this lost soul. Reacting with violent destruction of the work this person made is an offense to the dignity of the person.
Truly setting this bad art up in the public forum and especially during Advent is clearly an antagonistic act. Christians have faced much greater acts of persecution than a defiant satanic idol set in public during Advent. We must face such acts with the dignity of the person, despite the antagonistic bearing, as a first priority with charity and the hope for the restoration of a soul as the critical matter. The gravity of the scandal must clearly be considered in that the detriment to others may greatly outweigh the charity owed to the other.
I hope to identify that bad art should not be addressed with violent acts but rather acts of charity in the hope for conversion of the other. I would also judge that the scandal and harm done by exceedingly bad art presented as an offensive act at Advent does not require a violent response. I can understand how offended one could be by this grotesque work. Yet I don’t believe destroying what one claims to be an artistic expression is warranted in this case.
Consider also if the Protestants were justified in destroying Hindu temples? Would you accept it if this man raided a Hindu temple and beheaded an idol inside? How different is this junk art being destroyed from such an aggressive act as done by the British in India?