Makeover idea gains some fans
An earlier posting about a series of extreme Hollywood makeover figurines depicting a “Christ-like” figure doing everyday tasks captured the attention of several people.
The day the posting ran on Page 2 along with a picture of one of the figurines of the “Christ-like” figure wearing jeans and riding a motorcycle, I got a phone call from an irate older woman who said she thought the whole idea was terrible. She said The Oklahoman should never have published the information about Eric Dyson’s We Are Fishermen figurine collection.
Some others who read the posting thought the figurines were OK.
“I remember years ago when a church I attended got student ministers from Phillip’s Seminary in Enid,” Oklahoma City resident Floyd Ingle said in an e-mail.
“One day a fellow rode his motorcycle to the church and came in wearing his leather jacket. We wondered if he was a Hell’s Angel member and were really judging him to each other. He took off the jacket which covered his suit and preached an excellent sermon.
“It reminds me of Paul writing to the Church at Corinth, 1 Corin. 9:20, “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews…”
Claude Pittenger of Yukon had this to say:
“I think the idea of the figurines of Jesus is a winner. Anything that can get people to talk about Jesus, who mixed and mingled with the sinners of his day who were attracted to Him is great,” Pittenger wrote.
And Gary Gappa described the figurines as “wonderful, certainly not disrespectful at all.
“After checking the Web site (www.wearefishermen.com) and reviewing all the different figurines, I found them to be absolutely delightful and more in tune with the times than most Christians would like to admit. I especially found the ‘Peace’ figurineto be closest to my heart as my son is serving his second tour in Iraq and we pray for his safe return home every day.”
Extreme makeover: Jesus edition
The idea of Jesus getting a so-called makeover is probably irreverant to some.
Most artwork and figurines depict Jesus in the traditional robes of His day, but a Los Angeles native, Eric Dyson has changed all that.
He’s come up with We Are Fishermen, a collection of “Christ-like” figurines with what his promotional materials call an “extreme Hollywood makeover.”
The figurines, available at www.wearefishermen.com depict several looks. In one the Christ-like figure is wearing jeans and riding a motorcycle and in another he’s shown dribbling a soccer ball, dressed in soccer shorts and cleats.
In a news release, Dyson said he came up with the idea after the loss of his father and Pope John Paul II, two men he loved dearly. When he asked why the answer came from within: ”I am always with you.”
He said he came up with the figurines to inspire people and let them know that God is always with them as they live life to the fullest.
He said the figurines are intended to give people a lift, to encourage them to follow their dreams, to have courage, to believe in themselves.
In his news release, Dyson admits knowing that the new collection pushes the religious envelope, so to speak.
“That’s alright with me,” he said. “They give me hope and faith and courage and I only wish the same for others who come in contact with them.”
The figurines are sure to be conversation starters.
What do you think? Do you think they are disrespectful in some way or do you think they will do as Dyson hopes — inspire others?
Let me know: chinton@oklahoman.com
