Hung, On The Cross

Crooks And Liars tips us to a controversy in suburban Oklahoma City, where parishioners at a Catholic church are swelling in anger over a seemingly very well hung Jesus.

Critics of the crucifix take issue with what appears to be a large penis covering Jesus’ abdominal area. Seeton said the portion of the crucifix in question is meant to be Jesus’ abdomen "showing distension” — not a penis. Seeton said, "I’ve had people who have vocally said that that’s what they see there. I’ve had people who have been just as vocal who said that’s not what they’re seeing there.” Janet Jaime, a local iconography artist who designed the crucifix, had no comment. "I think it was painted according to the certain specific rules of iconography and church art,” Seeton said of the crucifix. The crucifix is about 10 feet tall. It has been hanging above the altar since Feb. 21.

Some have quit the parish over the girthy Jesus. The 12th century crucifix upon which the Oklahoma item was modeled hangs slightly to the left in Assisi, Italy.