When you look at the picture you see a cross and you start talking about blasphemy.
What if there is no cross ?
Look closely and you will see that the vertical beam is no beam at all, but has been added to make the whole thing look like a cross.
Follow it down, it appears behind the girl's left knee - and then miraculously disappears.
If Jesus had been nailed to such a "cross", his body would have fallen off.
Even if that "thing" is meant to be a cross, how in heaven's name can it float with the body of the girl weighing it down ?
I can hear some of you saying : Who cares about such arguments ? Cross or no cross, she has committed an unforgiveable sin.
In that case, just cross out what I've written above !!!
Philippe
Thomas
December 25th, 2007 12:06 PM
Let's be real.
This is one of those things that people CHOOSE to be offended by.
Does it occur to anyone that she was just a model in the photograph? She is as much of a prop as the cross and the pool. I'm sure someone else, probably the photographer, came up with the concept for the photoshoot.
When people stop CHOOSING to be offended by things that aren't actual attacks upon them, the world will be a much happier and safer place.
Don
December 25th, 2007 11:23 AM
Stunningly blase' with a hint of modern day secular disdain. Little doubt where the chaos and diminishing societal values emanate from when such fundamentally jaded statements are flaunted by media and found innocent by ignorant masses. Persecuting Christianity is but one of many twenty-first Century secular malignancies to come out of the closet. It is symptomatic of what ails much of Western civilization today, and why so much is wrong and simply not fixable with more of the same. The photo is in very poor taste and should never have been publicized.
G O D
December 25th, 2007 10:14 AM
To the speakers of falsehoods: Sal, Leah, George Bush, and others - You perverse EVERYTHING! You look at the simple and draw ssoooooo many of the wrong conclusions. A little acceptance goes a looonnnnnnggggggggggggggg way.
Ed
December 25th, 2007 9:45 AM
May everyone reading this be blessed!
BEN
December 25th, 2007 6:50 AM
THOSE WHO MAKE THE EFFORT TO APPROACH GOD WILL SMILE AND KNOW THIS YOUNG WOMAN'S FOLLY. THOSE WHO MAKE NO EFFORT TO APPROACH GOD ARE LOST. TO EXPLAIN THE FOLLY OF THIS WOMAN TO THOSE THAT ARE LOST WOULD BE TO CAST PEARLS BEFORE SWINE. YET EVEN FOR THEM THERE IS STILL HOPE...
gaurev
December 25th, 2007 6:20 AM
What's so "offensive"???? If you are a guy you have to be gay to be offended by her. Wait a minute....do you think most christian priests are (in-the-closet) homosexuals?
The fact that she is very very female and really sexy...could even qualify as a goddess.
Well we just can't have folks looking at the hot girl on the crucifix rather than Mr. J. Christ. Even though she's a lot easier on the eyes.
Good thing this wasn't a couple hundred years back or she would be burnt alive at the stake.
fredmandude
December 25th, 2007 4:18 AM
Not at all a professional touch-up artist, however, nice body and if she wore a thinner top, that would've brought out more of her boobs...maybe.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to my Republican friends and to the rest, Happy Holidays.
Eric
December 25th, 2007 12:31 AM
What is the big deal? People need to lighten up. that goes for the morons who always want to pull Bush into the discussion as well. Plus I think it is hot to see a girl sporting wood!!!!
Sal
December 25th, 2007 12:13 AM
Leah,
I understand and agree. It is sad that some Christians on here are calling people idiots and other degrading or humiliating words. I am guilty of doing that to people sometimes, myself.
You did tend to act as if Christians were dumb in your initial comment. How we are duped and need to shut up because we don't even know about our own history.
Those comments were asking for a hostile response. Although we Christians are commanded to turn the other cheek, it is really hard to do sometimes. Like I said, I am guilty of being aggressive myself. I really try to not insult a person, but address the action they did.
It's a fine line to walk and I admittedly cross that too often.
This whole thing doesn't really "offend" me. But it does concern me. It is the attitude of the masses which are alarming, not the picture.
There will always be someone who is offending or insulting. That's not such a big deal. But when the majority becomes the offensive, then I think we have
Brittany
December 24th, 2007 10:35 PM
I see that many people posting on here are not offended. I see that many are. If you are not, then it should not matter either way to you...move along. If you are offended, then state the reason. I see that some have done that. Personally, I think this girl is a little stupid for trying a publicity stunt off the back of "anti-religion/anti-rules/anti-establishment" or whatever. It is the one of the most mindless and shallow forms of self-promotion. It is her perogative, but a foolish business decison. And YES...it is a business decision. She does not do this pose to satisfy her deeply-seeded and long-held passions over the historical tyranny suffered by masses at the hand of religious persecutors. It's a gimmick....a stupid and potentially career ending one...but a gimmick. It is clearly a reference to Christ...it is a universally accepted icon. Trust me, they have churches in France. This girl, her agent, and the photographer knew exactly they were doing. I don't think t
Quentin
December 24th, 2007 10:11 PM
I don't know what was on her mind or in her heart at the time of this photo, so I can not judge her. As a Christian, the picture is offensive. Sure, many people were crucified back then.....But, only JESUS was crucified and shed his blood to pay for the world's sins....so that we could believe in him and accept him as our savior and some day have eternal life.
John
December 24th, 2007 10:10 PM
So is it more Christian to forgive her or is it more Christian to curse her and defend the religion? Recent history, and many of these posts, tells us exactly which approach would be taken in Islam.
Don't stoop.
Leah
December 24th, 2007 2:49 PM
Sal,
I didn't intend to be disrespectful to anyone when I posted my initial comment - and I assumed that a majority of the world understood the Pagan/Christian commonalities (or as common as they can be) - until it was so politely pointed out that I was an idiot. But I digress - I wasn't intending to be disrespectful to anyone over their faith - I beleive people have a right to be offended, but at the same time I think when people react the way some did on here it does nothing but cause division - and even in all of our differences aren't we all innately human, whether we believe in the same God or not. And if we look back through history we see where division has taken us - and it's not a good place.
Although there are many people that have commented on here and have been respectful and obviously know the true meaning of scripture and the teaching of Jesus, there are others that don't, and maybe I should have limited my comments to them.
Sal
December 24th, 2007 2:17 PM
Leah,
Most Christians do know that our holidays are converted pagan holidays. Even Easter is actually from the goddess of fertility, oestre. Which is why they use pagan symbols of rabbits and eggs.
But, that's not really the point. The world celebrates these days on the dates which were determined by history. It's the heart of the celebration that matters, not the date it's celebrated.
On Christmas, I'm not thinking about the druids, or the festival of lights, but the birth of Christ. It is the day the world has set aside to celebrate that historic moment. I have no conflict with that.
Going back to your statement about "how do we know she was mocking Christianity".
Maybe she was completely ignorant of what she was doing or didn't think of how it could offend people. Maybe it was the photographer who is the real culprit here.
It doesn't really matter.
But it is mockery, the same way that people like Madonna, Chris Angel and other ungodly people wear crosses on t
Heath E. Miller
December 24th, 2007 2:04 PM
Excellent expression of art! Well done
Lynn Brown
December 24th, 2007 1:39 PM
Strip her of her title already she is mocking our God and we have had enough. If she was offending Islam she would be dead already. The liberal community might not find any thing wrong with this but we do! It has come time for us to stand up for our God and what he inspires us to do and to be. Enough is enough.
Leah
December 24th, 2007 1:38 PM
I have a name - and it's not "missy" - I'm not 5, funny I haven't had anyone call me "missy" since I was about 28 - which was a long time ago, and since you didn't have enough guts to leave your name, I guess that shows how confidant you are in your response to me.
So I guess that the Archbishop of Canterburry is wrong - and how thoughtless of me to actually believe what I learned in History class about converting Pagans to Christianity - and really, I guess I never paid attention in CCD classes enough to know that MOST Christians are aware that Christ's birth was most likely in the spring...
Are you old enough to know that Judaism is truly the oldest religion? Because if you are then you must have far greater and much more extensive knowledge than me. You can't possibly know that for a fact, just like I can't.
Now, unless your going to contradict everything that history teaches, then I am right about Pagan holidays being transformed into Christian Holidays in order to ma
leah is an idiot
December 24th, 2007 12:40 PM
Leah, does it make you feel a little smarter to say stupid things. "that our spiritual leaders admit to stealing pagan holidays" or our holiday is on honor of the sun god". Idiots are a dime a dozen. To be correct missy, the jewish faith is the oldest, of which these pagans took their religion. Christ was fortold long before the druids came around and so no, our religion does not parody theirs, theirs is based on ours. Christianity is simply and extension of the jewish faith. But back to the subject at hand. Is she mocking Christ, do not know. IS it or could it be offensive to Christians, YES. But it is not our place to force our views on the world. Christ said, I come not to change Rome, but to save the world. It is not our job to deal with this lady. It is our job to simply shine throughout the world. She will either find truth in christ in this life and make ammends, or she will find out the truth in the next, but will not be able to do anything about it then. It is not ours to forc
Leah
December 24th, 2007 11:15 AM
Wow - I love all these "so called Christians" that find this sooooo offensive and accusing her of "mocking Christianity" How the hell do you know what was in her heart and mind at the time?? You know, it's not like someone put this picture up in a prominent place in your home - you had to actually look for something to be offended by. So, stop looking for something to offend you and leave the girl alone, if you don't like the photo don't look at - read your bible instead - remember Christians don't have a monopoly on morals, and none of you even know when your christ was born - funny how all of your leaders are now saying that, yes, in fact, they did usurp Pagan festivals and turned them into Christian "Holy Days" - want to be offend by something, how's this, your holiday is in honor of the birth of the Pagan Sun God - not Christ - your trees are a centurys old tradition started by Druids - so really - be offened by how you've been duped all these years, get off your high horse and s
Kevin M
December 24th, 2007 11:10 AM
These people are idiots. If they don't believe in Christ, why use symbols that have religious value to over half of the world? No one makes them believe in any religion...why not respect the icons of those who do? They just look like idiots doing this stuff. I always have to wonder...why do they hate Christianity so much? Sometimes when people go out of their way to attack something, it makes you wonder if there isn't some real truth to the message of the thing they are attacking.
liz
December 24th, 2007 9:30 AM
This is disturbing to look at!
What a piece of trash she is!
j.d.
December 24th, 2007 7:17 AM
I am a Christ follower and do not find this one way or the other it was said on here that many were crucified includung Jesus, very true. And the living God Christ is no longer on the cross He is in heaven mediating my sins before the Father. Here in Washington state someone put Santa on a cross (see the Kitsap Sun news paper) but niether of these have anything to do with Jesus. If she were posed with the Quran or Mohammed however there would be interbational rioting of Islamic radicals. Please Muslims I wish you no offense but I think that there are fringe radicals in every niche of society.
I just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
rngraves91912@yahoo.co.uk
December 24th, 2007 7:03 AM
Come on, lets cosider the source, that this idea comes from, there are much better pictures, at Chrismas time to print, and get publicity. May be a Santa Claus, in a bathing suit would be more interesting, and funny. signed, Al Snowball..................
Richard
December 24th, 2007 2:55 AM
Why do people feel that they have the right to punish someone over what they find offensive?
I don't think this picture is harmful. I guess it's just easier to punish someone over something so inconsequential rather than just brushing it off and having thicker skin. I think if this picture makes you angry then you're the one with issues. This poor girl getting her crown taken away is a bunch of intolerant crap.
December 25th, 2007 12:19 PM
A cross ?
When you look at the picture you see a cross and you start talking about blasphemy.
What if there is no cross ?
Look closely and you will see that the vertical beam is no beam at all, but has been added to make the whole thing look like a cross.
Follow it down, it appears behind the girl's left knee - and then miraculously disappears.
If Jesus had been nailed to such a "cross", his body would have fallen off.
Even if that "thing" is meant to be a cross, how in heaven's name can it float with the body of the girl weighing it down ?
I can hear some of you saying : Who cares about such arguments ? Cross or no cross, she has committed an unforgiveable sin.
In that case, just cross out what I've written above !!!
Philippe
December 25th, 2007 12:06 PM
Let's be real.
This is one of those things that people CHOOSE to be offended by.
Does it occur to anyone that she was just a model in the photograph? She is as much of a prop as the cross and the pool. I'm sure someone else, probably the photographer, came up with the concept for the photoshoot.
When people stop CHOOSING to be offended by things that aren't actual attacks upon them, the world will be a much happier and safer place.
December 25th, 2007 11:23 AM
Stunningly blase' with a hint of modern day secular disdain. Little doubt where the chaos and diminishing societal values emanate from when such fundamentally jaded statements are flaunted by media and found innocent by ignorant masses. Persecuting Christianity is but one of many twenty-first Century secular malignancies to come out of the closet. It is symptomatic of what ails much of Western civilization today, and why so much is wrong and simply not fixable with more of the same. The photo is in very poor taste and should never have been publicized.
December 25th, 2007 10:14 AM
To the speakers of falsehoods: Sal, Leah, George Bush, and others - You perverse EVERYTHING! You look at the simple and draw ssoooooo many of the wrong conclusions. A little acceptance goes a looonnnnnnggggggggggggggg way.
December 25th, 2007 9:45 AM
May everyone reading this be blessed!
December 25th, 2007 6:50 AM
THOSE WHO MAKE THE EFFORT TO APPROACH GOD WILL SMILE AND KNOW THIS YOUNG WOMAN'S FOLLY. THOSE WHO MAKE NO EFFORT TO APPROACH GOD ARE LOST. TO EXPLAIN THE FOLLY OF THIS WOMAN TO THOSE THAT ARE LOST WOULD BE TO CAST PEARLS BEFORE SWINE. YET EVEN FOR THEM THERE IS STILL HOPE...
December 25th, 2007 6:20 AM
What's so "offensive"???? If you are a guy you have to be gay to be offended by her. Wait a minute....do you think most christian priests are (in-the-closet) homosexuals?
The fact that she is very very female and really sexy...could even qualify as a goddess.
Well we just can't have folks looking at the hot girl on the crucifix rather than Mr. J. Christ. Even though she's a lot easier on the eyes.
Good thing this wasn't a couple hundred years back or she would be burnt alive at the stake.
December 25th, 2007 4:18 AM
Not at all a professional touch-up artist, however, nice body and if she wore a thinner top, that would've brought out more of her boobs...maybe.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to my Republican friends and to the rest, Happy Holidays.
December 25th, 2007 12:31 AM
What is the big deal? People need to lighten up. that goes for the morons who always want to pull Bush into the discussion as well. Plus I think it is hot to see a girl sporting wood!!!!
December 25th, 2007 12:13 AM
Leah,
I understand and agree. It is sad that some Christians on here are calling people idiots and other degrading or humiliating words. I am guilty of doing that to people sometimes, myself.
You did tend to act as if Christians were dumb in your initial comment. How we are duped and need to shut up because we don't even know about our own history.
Those comments were asking for a hostile response. Although we Christians are commanded to turn the other cheek, it is really hard to do sometimes. Like I said, I am guilty of being aggressive myself. I really try to not insult a person, but address the action they did.
It's a fine line to walk and I admittedly cross that too often.
This whole thing doesn't really "offend" me. But it does concern me. It is the attitude of the masses which are alarming, not the picture.
There will always be someone who is offending or insulting. That's not such a big deal. But when the majority becomes the offensive, then I think we have
December 24th, 2007 10:35 PM
I see that many people posting on here are not offended. I see that many are. If you are not, then it should not matter either way to you...move along. If you are offended, then state the reason. I see that some have done that. Personally, I think this girl is a little stupid for trying a publicity stunt off the back of "anti-religion/anti-rules/anti-establishment" or whatever. It is the one of the most mindless and shallow forms of self-promotion. It is her perogative, but a foolish business decison. And YES...it is a business decision. She does not do this pose to satisfy her deeply-seeded and long-held passions over the historical tyranny suffered by masses at the hand of religious persecutors. It's a gimmick....a stupid and potentially career ending one...but a gimmick. It is clearly a reference to Christ...it is a universally accepted icon. Trust me, they have churches in France. This girl, her agent, and the photographer knew exactly they were doing. I don't think t
December 24th, 2007 10:11 PM
I don't know what was on her mind or in her heart at the time of this photo, so I can not judge her. As a Christian, the picture is offensive. Sure, many people were crucified back then.....But, only JESUS was crucified and shed his blood to pay for the world's sins....so that we could believe in him and accept him as our savior and some day have eternal life.
December 24th, 2007 10:10 PM
So is it more Christian to forgive her or is it more Christian to curse her and defend the religion? Recent history, and many of these posts, tells us exactly which approach would be taken in Islam.
Don't stoop.
December 24th, 2007 2:49 PM
Sal,
I didn't intend to be disrespectful to anyone when I posted my initial comment - and I assumed that a majority of the world understood the Pagan/Christian commonalities (or as common as they can be) - until it was so politely pointed out that I was an idiot. But I digress - I wasn't intending to be disrespectful to anyone over their faith - I beleive people have a right to be offended, but at the same time I think when people react the way some did on here it does nothing but cause division - and even in all of our differences aren't we all innately human, whether we believe in the same God or not. And if we look back through history we see where division has taken us - and it's not a good place.
Although there are many people that have commented on here and have been respectful and obviously know the true meaning of scripture and the teaching of Jesus, there are others that don't, and maybe I should have limited my comments to them.
December 24th, 2007 2:17 PM
Leah,
Most Christians do know that our holidays are converted pagan holidays. Even Easter is actually from the goddess of fertility, oestre. Which is why they use pagan symbols of rabbits and eggs.
But, that's not really the point. The world celebrates these days on the dates which were determined by history. It's the heart of the celebration that matters, not the date it's celebrated.
On Christmas, I'm not thinking about the druids, or the festival of lights, but the birth of Christ. It is the day the world has set aside to celebrate that historic moment. I have no conflict with that.
Going back to your statement about "how do we know she was mocking Christianity".
Maybe she was completely ignorant of what she was doing or didn't think of how it could offend people. Maybe it was the photographer who is the real culprit here.
It doesn't really matter.
But it is mockery, the same way that people like Madonna, Chris Angel and other ungodly people wear crosses on t
December 24th, 2007 2:04 PM
Excellent expression of art! Well done
December 24th, 2007 1:39 PM
Strip her of her title already she is mocking our God and we have had enough. If she was offending Islam she would be dead already. The liberal community might not find any thing wrong with this but we do! It has come time for us to stand up for our God and what he inspires us to do and to be. Enough is enough.
December 24th, 2007 1:38 PM
I have a name - and it's not "missy" - I'm not 5, funny I haven't had anyone call me "missy" since I was about 28 - which was a long time ago, and since you didn't have enough guts to leave your name, I guess that shows how confidant you are in your response to me.
So I guess that the Archbishop of Canterburry is wrong - and how thoughtless of me to actually believe what I learned in History class about converting Pagans to Christianity - and really, I guess I never paid attention in CCD classes enough to know that MOST Christians are aware that Christ's birth was most likely in the spring...
Are you old enough to know that Judaism is truly the oldest religion? Because if you are then you must have far greater and much more extensive knowledge than me. You can't possibly know that for a fact, just like I can't.
Now, unless your going to contradict everything that history teaches, then I am right about Pagan holidays being transformed into Christian Holidays in order to ma
December 24th, 2007 12:40 PM
Leah, does it make you feel a little smarter to say stupid things. "that our spiritual leaders admit to stealing pagan holidays" or our holiday is on honor of the sun god". Idiots are a dime a dozen. To be correct missy, the jewish faith is the oldest, of which these pagans took their religion. Christ was fortold long before the druids came around and so no, our religion does not parody theirs, theirs is based on ours. Christianity is simply and extension of the jewish faith. But back to the subject at hand. Is she mocking Christ, do not know. IS it or could it be offensive to Christians, YES. But it is not our place to force our views on the world. Christ said, I come not to change Rome, but to save the world. It is not our job to deal with this lady. It is our job to simply shine throughout the world. She will either find truth in christ in this life and make ammends, or she will find out the truth in the next, but will not be able to do anything about it then. It is not ours to forc
December 24th, 2007 11:15 AM
Wow - I love all these "so called Christians" that find this sooooo offensive and accusing her of "mocking Christianity" How the hell do you know what was in her heart and mind at the time?? You know, it's not like someone put this picture up in a prominent place in your home - you had to actually look for something to be offended by. So, stop looking for something to offend you and leave the girl alone, if you don't like the photo don't look at - read your bible instead - remember Christians don't have a monopoly on morals, and none of you even know when your christ was born - funny how all of your leaders are now saying that, yes, in fact, they did usurp Pagan festivals and turned them into Christian "Holy Days" - want to be offend by something, how's this, your holiday is in honor of the birth of the Pagan Sun God - not Christ - your trees are a centurys old tradition started by Druids - so really - be offened by how you've been duped all these years, get off your high horse and s
December 24th, 2007 11:10 AM
These people are idiots. If they don't believe in Christ, why use symbols that have religious value to over half of the world? No one makes them believe in any religion...why not respect the icons of those who do? They just look like idiots doing this stuff. I always have to wonder...why do they hate Christianity so much? Sometimes when people go out of their way to attack something, it makes you wonder if there isn't some real truth to the message of the thing they are attacking.
December 24th, 2007 9:30 AM
This is disturbing to look at!
What a piece of trash she is!
December 24th, 2007 7:17 AM
I am a Christ follower and do not find this one way or the other it was said on here that many were crucified includung Jesus, very true. And the living God Christ is no longer on the cross He is in heaven mediating my sins before the Father. Here in Washington state someone put Santa on a cross (see the Kitsap Sun news paper) but niether of these have anything to do with Jesus. If she were posed with the Quran or Mohammed however there would be interbational rioting of Islamic radicals. Please Muslims I wish you no offense but I think that there are fringe radicals in every niche of society.
I just want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
December 24th, 2007 7:03 AM
Come on, lets cosider the source, that this idea comes from, there are much better pictures, at Chrismas time to print, and get publicity. May be a Santa Claus, in a bathing suit would be more interesting, and funny. signed, Al Snowball..................
December 24th, 2007 2:55 AM
Why do people feel that they have the right to punish someone over what they find offensive?
I don't think this picture is harmful. I guess it's just easier to punish someone over something so inconsequential rather than just brushing it off and having thicker skin. I think if this picture makes you angry then you're the one with issues. This poor girl getting her crown taken away is a bunch of intolerant crap.
Christians come on. Be the bigger man.