Found: On the Road

Jesus was a Carpenter, May 2007

Taken outside of Bloomington, IN. This image of Christ with the thorn of crowns is a striking statement from the driver to other motorists. Contextually, the tool chest and ladders attached to the pick-up truck could create a parallel between the driver/owner of the vehicle and Jesus. Also, this image can serve as an identifier between the driver/owner and his clientele or other passing Christians. The driver cannot speak for his choice of decal but the image certainly can.

Coffee Christian

Coffee Christian

Ok, I was shopping with some of my friends and I found this at Starbucks . Each barista was asked to design their own cup around their personality and two of them focused on the Christian nature of the person. I think that's a very cool and courageous move. Specific to this picture, the 'Jesus Fish' on Amber's cup is a phenomena of the 20th century. It focuses on the solus Jesus movement (focusing only on the savior part of the trinity) and embodies the iconic representation to which religious iconography has been (in some cases) reduced.

Above: Coffee Christian (Part 1), 6th June 2007 (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Religiously Affiliated Businesses

This truck was found in Valparaiso, Indiana on May 26, 2007 outside of the Northside Tap (a bar). I think it's such an interesting phenomenon that businesses like this drywall and painting company visibly ally themselves with a religious motif. Perhaps this a technique that snags them a loyal clientele, however, it could also alienate perspective customers. Generally, I don't believe that it matters to consumers if their handyman is religious or not.
What do you think?

Tipping my Hat to Jesus

This is from a random street vendor in New York; I guess religious headgear is popular.

Creche in the Bathroom?

For those that believe God is always watching over us---quite literally.

Found: Feb. 18th, 2006; Quarryville, PA

Beth Olam

You wouldn't find a Catholic buried here.

Speechless

What can you even say to that?

Spell Check Anyone?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure its spelled forgiveness.

Stuck in the Middle

St. Patick's Cathedral is stuck in the middle of all the high rises and high-class shopping on 5th Avenue in New York City.

Its the only standing reminder that this city might have religion.

When all else fails

This is all that is left of the World Trade Center, other than that hole in the ground. A cross of beams that once supported a building that thousands of people worked in that people knew across the world.

When all else fails, when we have nothing left to turn to, when we want to believe theres hope.

God's Friendly Little Helper

No one would ever believe how unfriendly this man was. He marched the streets of New York City yelling at people. He wasn't preaching, he was yelling. Why? Because he thought what he had to say was more important than anything else that day.

The word of God should be delivered so people want to hear it....not ignore it.

Jesus Dynamite

Sweet Jesus

This gingerbread nativity was seen at the St. Nikolaus Festival. Is it wrong that one can eat Mary, Joseph and Jesus?

Standing Firm

Though the world all around me may crumble and fall the cross will continue to stand firm.

Jesus Rocks My World

Hi, My Name Is...

What would you say?
How would you describe yourself?

Conflicting Messages

I saw this car in the parking lot of my church. I found it interesting that the magnets are saying God Bless America and telling me to "Pray for our troops," but then the license plate tells me I am dumb. I am not sure I would listen to what someone tells me if they then say I am dumb.

Permanent Reminder

The cross that carries the sins of the world

This cross located on I-70 to St. Louis can be seen for miles. Just like Christ it stands out and above everything else and draws one's attention. It reminds me of the enormous price that Christ payed for everyone's sins when he died on the cross.

Mourning for Eternity

Just meditate on this one...

Skeleton Feast

From the IAC, a whole family of skeletons!

Exit Here

"Come unto me all ye burdened and heavy laden and I will give you rest!" This painting of Jesus is strategically (more like ironically) placed right under the exit sign.

Antiquated Delicacy

What was once outstanding and chosen for its quality and importance looks like mere disintegrated marble. I wonder how this particular tombstone must have stood out over 100 years ago. I wonder if the loved ones thought of how this would look 100 years down the road. Regardless, this image evoked my curiosity and stirred feelings of nostalgia, appreciation, and tranquility.

Even in death, we are connected.

An interesting tombstone and poignant thought on which to meditate. Love that exists in the absence of life.

Teaching Tools for the Young and Impressionable

This cartoon teaching tool was posted on the bulletin board in a church's basement where the children had Sunday School. This image was titled, "Jesus Teaches about God's Word," and subtitled, "'Jesus said to him, 'Away from me Satan! For it is written, worship the Lord thy God and serve Him only!" I wonder what impression the children got from this picture I call Angry Jesus.

A New Twist on an Old Debate

Street Evangelism

I saw these people along the canal downtown where they were performing skits in order to present the Gospel to bystanders.

Get Saved at Save-A-Lot

I found this information on "how to be saved" at the 38th Street Save-A-Lot. Coincidence?

Kickin' It with the Cross

Bypass the Hail Mary

And I thought Notre Dame's "Touchdown Jesus" was a bit much.

God is in the Details.

Messages from Meijer

Madonna and Child

"Hittin' the board for the Lord"

Lolipopes

Roadside Memorial

Is Jägermeister holier than other hard liquor?

Jesus Saves at NationalCity Bank

Here are some pictures I took at the Pork Festival in my home town of Tipton, Indiana. I happened to be in town while the parade was going through so I thought I would stop off and see what I could find. Surprisingly the Christian paraphernalia and displays were everywhere even though the festival was of a different genre.

Revelations

© Rebecca Scherpelz 2005

Bear Nativity

© Rebecca Scherpelz 2005

Bear of Righteousness

© Rebecca Scherpelz 2005

Behold, I Come in Color!

© Rebecca Scherpelz 2005

Hoosier Faith

In the 1950s the Cold War mandate of "One Nation under God" became part of the nation’s official mantra as American school children pledged their allegiance to the Republic each morning. Passed in advance of the Brown decision, the inclusion of the phrase in the pledge of allegiance was seen as shoring up the nation’s Judeo-Christian faith. Throughout the Eisenhower presidency the language of public religion was marshaled into the service of the Cold War agenda: domestic conformity and international hegemony. Eschewing denominational lines and theological exegesis the Eisenhower White House encouraged Americans to have faith, any faith. The similarities between that moment and our own seem striking.


Photographed one late evening in Indianapolis. © 2005