Homeless Jesus statue by Timothy Schmalz invites debate in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS STAR
By Wei-Huan Chen and Jorge Dorantes, Star reporters

A blanketed figure on a park bench, the Homeless Jesus statue, is observed during the unveiling of the statue at Roberts Park United Methodist Church, Friday, November 13, 2015. The statue, which is a permanent reminder of homelessness in Indianapolis, was created by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz. It is located at the intersection of Alabama St., Vermont St. and Massachusetts Ave.

INDIANA---The Son of God lies huddled on a bench near one of the city’s busiest intersections. His body is minute, almost child-sized, and hidden inside a robe or rag. He appears to be shivering. He could be anyone, though the exposed feet, punctured like they were on the cross, are a dead giveaway — this is Jesus Christ beaten down and clinging on for life. In other cities, “Homeless Jesus,” a bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz, has been called insulting, demeaning and creepy. Some say its $40,000 price tag is a waste of money and should be used instead for food and shelter. Others have suggested it could attract more homeless people to the area. [link]


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