Should I get rid of this artwork?

[LadyCrosstalk]

I normally don't splurge on decorations or artwork of any kind. But six months ago I saw a small bronze statue of a lion that I really liked, so I purchased it for display in my home.

Most visitors to my home haven't commented on it, or if they did, they've said they like it. But two have made comments that make me wonder if I should get rid of it.

The first called it a waste of the resources God gave me. I'm not a materialistic person, driving an 18 year old car and living below my means, and I own no other art. I also have enough left over to pay the bills, tithe and volunteer. So I can understand their point, but I'm not sure I agree with it.

The second comment is the one that really bothers me. Because the statue is fully anatomically correct, one person called it "pornographic". It never occurred to me to think of it in those terms; I just appreciated that it was a realistic representation of one of God's most majestic creatures. But if it's going to be a stumbling block for anyone, or draw this kind of attention, perhaps I should get rid of it. I certainly do not want it to cause any kind of immoral thought.

So, what do you think?

You can see photos of (a more expensive version of) the statue here: Extra Large Wild African Lion On Prowl Wildlife Safari By Barye Bronze Sculptu | eBay

It is wise to remember that, like your first critic, Judas also scolded the woman (and, by extension, Jesus) who anointed Jesus with "pure nard". Judas said that it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. Jesus told Judas to leave her alone--that she had done a beautiful thing. You have done what is also a beautiful thing in purchasing this artwork which reminds us of the beauty of God's creation. And if it was done to honor the "Lion of Judah" it was even more beautiful.

Your second critic appears to have a dirty mind--seeing evil where no evil was intended.

 

[zoidar]

I normally don't splurge on decorations or artwork of any kind. But six months ago I saw a small bronze statue of a lion that I really liked, so I purchased it for display in my home.

Most visitors to my home haven't commented on it, or if they did, they've said they like it. But two have made comments that make me wonder if I should get rid of it.

The first called it a waste of the resources God gave me. I'm not a materialistic person, driving an 18 year old car and living below my means, and I own no other art. I also have enough left over to pay the bills, tithe and volunteer. So I can understand their point, but I'm not sure I agree with it.

The second comment is the one that really bothers me. Because the statue is fully anatomically correct, one person called it "pornographic". It never occurred to me to think of it in those terms; I just appreciated that it was a realistic representation of one of God's most majestic creatures. But if it's going to be a stumbling block for anyone, or draw this kind of attention, perhaps I should get rid of it. I certainly do not want it to cause any kind of immoral thought.

So, what do you think?

You can see photos of (a more expensive version of) the statue here: Extra Large Wild African Lion On Prowl Wildlife Safari By Barye Bronze Sculptu | eBay

Do you know who the lion is a symbol for? Jesus Christ ... He is the lion of Judah. The issue here is what you think about it. Does it feel wrong to you? If people around you don't like it, I think it's their problem, and I think you should tell them so.

Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”
/Rev 5:4-5

 

[Jesus' Girl]

Seems fine to me. But maybe out it somewhere less in the open. It is your house but if some things offend family I would cover or hide when they come.

 

[Greg Merrill]

If it offends your brother, it would be good to get rid of it if you plan to continue to have them over to your house.

God probably doesn't mind that you buy works of art occasionally, if you are giving your offering, have the bills paid, etc. If someone might find it offensive, you might place it in a place they will not likely see it. God created the lion, and I would think a human would be a little more warped than usually to think this piece of art is pornographic. Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah in the book of Revelation.

 

[RaymondG]

God probably doesn't mind that you buy works of art occasionally, if you are giving your offering, have the bills paid, etc. If someone might find it offensive, you might place it in a place they will not likely see it. God created the lion, and I would think a human would be a little more warped than usually to think this piece of art is pornographic. Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah in the book of Revelation.

I dont believe there is anything wrong with the art, no matter what it depicted, whether or not offerings were given or bills were paid. He is free to make his choice, and I wouldnt pick up any stones to throw. However, he said that it raised negative feelings in some people that come to his house, so I said it would be good to remove it, to help the negative feelings of the friends. But He is free to have it but....
1cor 8:9
9 ....take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

I do think, hiding it would work as well. My suggestion was because of the weak, not because I felt it was wrong to buy/have it.

 

[megabuff]

maybe just dont invite them over any more because they sound like busybodies to me and a bit rude

 

[sunshineforJesus]

I think it is really nice and not offensive at all.

 

[Neogaia777]

I normally don't splurge on decorations or artwork of any kind. But six months ago I saw a small bronze statue of a lion that I really liked, so I purchased it for display in my home.

Most visitors to my home haven't commented on it, or if they did, they've said they like it. But two have made comments that make me wonder if I should get rid of it.

The first called it a waste of the resources God gave me. I'm not a materialistic person, driving an 18 year old car and living below my means, and I own no other art. I also have enough left over to pay the bills, tithe and volunteer. So I can understand their point, but I'm not sure I agree with it.

The second comment is the one that really bothers me. Because the statue is fully anatomically correct, one person called it "pornographic". It never occurred to me to think of it in those terms; I just appreciated that it was a realistic representation of one of God's most majestic creatures. But if it's going to be a stumbling block for anyone, or draw this kind of attention, perhaps I should get rid of it. I certainly do not want it to cause any kind of immoral thought.

So, what do you think?

You can see photos of (a more expensive version of) the statue here: Extra Large Wild African Lion On Prowl Wildlife Safari By Barye Bronze Sculptu | eBay

Why did you originally get it, and what was your thoughts about it at the time, and before other people's opinions influenced yours about it...?

If it was pure, there is nothing wrong with it (I suppose they want a clothed lion or a lion with a diaper on or something...?)

Doesn't sound like it or ever was an idol to you, until other people interjected, with their infantile opinions...

Don't let them change it...

As far as "stumbling them", I don't know what to say about that...

I have little statues of dragons, but I don't bow down and worship them, I just like the mythological creatures and I'm a big fantasy and sci-fi buff...

I don't think I'd get rid of them, just because it stepped on someone else's infantile sensibilities...

They need to grow up a bit, I think...

God Bless!

 

[buzuxi02]

If you really want to get rid of it. I'll take it.

But seriously the word porn literally means harlot or harlotry. I'm pretty sure no one's going to get turned on by it. It's also not sensualistic, there's nothing suggestive of the piece to make people have carnal thought over it.

 

[thesunisout]

I normally don't splurge on decorations or artwork of any kind. But six months ago I saw a small bronze statue of a lion that I really liked, so I purchased it for display in my home.

Most visitors to my home haven't commented on it, or if they did, they've said they like it. But two have made comments that make me wonder if I should get rid of it.

The first called it a waste of the resources God gave me. I'm not a materialistic person, driving an 18 year old car and living below my means, and I own no other art. I also have enough left over to pay the bills, tithe and volunteer. So I can understand their point, but I'm not sure I agree with it.

The second comment is the one that really bothers me. Because the statue is fully anatomically correct, one person called it "pornographic". It never occurred to me to think of it in those terms; I just appreciated that it was a realistic representation of one of God's most majestic creatures. But if it's going to be a stumbling block for anyone, or draw this kind of attention, perhaps I should get rid of it. I certainly do not want it to cause any kind of immoral thought.

So, what do you think?

You can see photos of (a more expensive version of) the statue here: Extra Large Wild African Lion On Prowl Wildlife Safari By Barye Bronze Sculptu | eBay

The scripture says that whatever is not of faith is sin. If your conscience is convicting you about it you should get rid of it

 

[Neogaia777]

The scripture says that whatever is not of faith is sin. If your conscience is convicting you about it you should get rid of it

Her conscience was just fine, till other people got involved, got anything to say about that...?

She got it, "in good faith" with a clear conscience, till others stumbled her over it, which I think is wrong and she should not get rid of it, for those reasons...

God Bless!

 

[thesunisout]

Her conscience was just fine, till other people got involved, got anything to say about that...?

She got it, "in good faith" with a clear conscience, till others stumbled her over it, which I think is wrong and she should not get rid of it, for those reasons...

God Bless!

She said she doesn't want to cause someone to stumble..that's what I was basing my comments on. Of course she should pray and ask the Lord what He wants

 

[Neogaia777]

She said she doesn't want to cause someone to stumble..that's what I was basing my comments on. Of course she should pray and ask the Lord what He wants

Agree... That's the best course always...

I guess I'm just kinda upset that her desire not to stumble them, seems to be stumbling her...

I apologize if I seemed a little harsh or rash... I'm only human after all...

Peace,

God Bless!

 

[Neogaia777]

.

 

[thesunisout]

Agree... That's the best course always...

I guess I'm just kinda upset that her desire not to stumble them, seems to be stumbling her...

I apologize if I seemed a little harsh or rash... I'm only human after all...

Peace,

God Bless!

Neogaia777, speaking as a deeply flawed human being, I can understand how easy it is to come off the wrong way..I'm constantly messing up on that very thing

 

[Neogaia777]

Neogaia777, speaking as a deeply flawed human being, I can understand how easy it is to come off the wrong way..I'm constantly messing up on that very thing

Me too!

God Bless!

 

[wandererUK]

If it offends your brother, it would be good to get rid of it if you plan to continue to have them over to your house.

Don't agree. This particular reference was in reference to eating meat/drink which was in the context of trying to win Jews over.

We should not run our lives around the whim of others. Some Christians are very good at projecting their own views onto others and directly or indirectly asserting control. So, keep the sculpture and furthermore, I would suggest that perhaps those making negative remarks allow the poster to go into their houses and do likewise.

 

[Zoii]

There are some very generous and kind comments here but Im not so generous. Id tell the first that the exploration of art is a wonderful thing and worth spending your money on. I'd tell the second to get his/her mind out of the gutter

 

[Roseonathorn]

Hahahaaa that hilarous barbar that called that lion pornografic only said it because He liked it. Real wild lions have testicles. Or worse, He was jeallous. he wanted You to get rid of the a nice thing You have. The person was mean or insensitive. People like that You should consider grow like a cactus. They have their thorns sticking out and they can not help themselves. Or He wanted You to start thinking of things and worrying of things You shouldn´t In case You ever said He is not deep enough. Lions are bold and no housecats so You keep Your lion If You like it. That man has a polluted mind, I do not watch porn but I do watch lynx, snowleopards, lions, gepards, tigers and such. That animal is a great piece of art. Keep it and remember that comment as a thorn from a cactus that couln´t help it self of sticking out. Maybe You are like me and should not think too much as an old man said. I always think too much.

 

[Dave-W]

...do you have any statues of golden calves? There might be issues with those.

That is hilarious!!!!