An art.hack is the use of an artistic medium to show an alternative or contemporary understanding of the Christian message, often using dissonance. Click here for a list of art.hacks.
Blogger and Pastor Eugene Cho posted the picture up for discussion on his blog here.
Thoughts? What is evoked in you from this image?
::edit:: a commenter found the original work by Michael Belk, so here’s the original
Cross-posted from over there. Thanks for the heads up!
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I *love* this image. Certainly there's the carrying burdens image mixed with carrying the soldier's pack a second mile, but there are a few other "Easter Eggs":
* The rifle. Jesus has taken the Nazi soldier's weapon. Or is it that the soldier has given up his weapon to Jesus?
* The parable of the sower. The road is dry and cracked, the berm is covered with thorny bushes. A LOT of thorny bushes, mostly on the soldier's side of the road. Apparently Jesus has walked this road before with different results.
* The Nazi soldier's uniform. Swastika aside, it's perfectly pressed. His boots are shined so well there's a reflection in the left one. He's done his very best to clean himself up, and it hasn't been good enough.
* The Nazi soldier is about 3/4 of a step from being in step with Jesus, but slightly ahead.
* The shadow coming across the road indicates an incline in the Nazi soldier's favor. That is, Jesus has lowered himself to talk with this man.
* Notice how large the shadow of the Nazi soldier's right foot is, the step he's just about to take.
Fascinating. One of my new favorites.
(Also, Jesus needs some conditioner.)
very good analysis Matt, thanks!
The words that Jesus is speaking to the Nazi soldier are these:
Satan builds his kingdom with the point of a sword—
God builds his kingdom with an invitation of His love
—R.S.V.P. Required
Choose today which one you will serve—Satan will vote against you,
God will vote for you…and your choice will decide your eternal destiny.
—Choose wisely my friend.