I have a personal goal to each week post something smart, something stupid and something else. You’ll have to decide, my esteemed reader, what this post is.
A conversation of sorts has been floating around regarding whether or not Jesus has flesh and blood. Right now. In heaven. Ever since I was a little boy I have had a small plaque mounted on a piece of plywood showing the image Christ Our Pilot by Warner Sallman.
Image: The Church of God Reformation Web Site Article No. 190)
As you can see in this painting, Jesus is hazier than the captain of the ship whom he is assisting. This doesn’t mean that he is less real than the captain, only that in his post-ascension visit to assist this troubled mariner he is not constrained by flesh and blood.
To further prove this point I will show you another image of Jesus before the crucifixion in which you can clearly see that he is a tangible being:
Image: Christ in Gethsemane by Warner Sallman, Sallman Archives, Anderson University
As you can see in this image, Jesus is clearly a living, breathing human being. Only the subtle halo reveals his divinity.
I have much more to write on this subject but I thought I should get some definitive proof out as quickly as possible for people to look at and make up their own minds.
To see some other discussion on this topic you might check out:
- Peter Kirk at Speaker of Truth: Subtle heresies in Hebrews 2:14, Does the risen Jesus have blood?
- John at Locusts and Honey: Art Blogging: Warner Sallman
- Matt Smith at Nonnus: Cultural Embarrassment II:
The Cocker Spaniel Jesus - The Warner Sallman Collection at Anderson University
- My original reaction to this topic: The heavenly incarnate Christ
I have a personal goal to each week post something smart, something stupid and something else.
Thanks–It’s always good to understand an author’s goal’s when you read his writing. This explanation makes a lot make sense
Hilary just pointed out something obvious to me that I missed before. In the Christ Our Pilot image, Jesus is a lot bigger than the mariner. Explain that!
Here’s how I would explain it… the pictures are people interpretations of what jesus was / is like. Just because a picture shows him as a spirit rather than flesh does not mean he actually was, it means this is the artists view of him and vice versa for the flesh
I saw a sermon by Charles Stanley in which he mentioned the painting “Christ our Pilot”…googled it and stumbled onto your blog. Then I read your profile of yourself that promised nothing, excused all “goofyness” and claimed every license to say what ever you wanted about how a painting is some sort of proof. Also you claimed that the lady that stands with you in holy matrimony is a weakness. But then you even warned us that not everything you say is true…..how devilishly sly you are! Perhaps the wit from eclexia says it best….” It’s always good to understand an author’s goal’s when you read his writing.
So, the important question is: do you think I”m funny, or not?
There are plenty of boring Christians on the web, Isn’t this a nice change?
Wow! I’m more used to people thinking I’m serious even when I’m trying to be fun. “Wit” is not a description I hear very frequently (maybe ever?) for things I say! I visit Lingamish for my periodic “laughing fix” every so often.
Sure, calls you a wit. And me? I need to be more like Charles Stanley.
I think this painting “Christ Our Pilot” is the inspiration for the song “Jesus take the wheel” by American Idol pop star Carrie Underwood.
Really, I don’t know, just sounds good, and it is probable.
And I’m almost certain that Warner Sallman was inspired by “Row, row, row your boat.” Amazing!
[...] made fun of the Warner Sallman icons before: Proof that Jesus is a ghost, Are we talking about the same [...]
I also have just finished watching Charles Stanley on UCB TV here in England and wanted to get a picture of the pilot – and here I am. Charles Stanley is just so amazing he is really at his peak. His wife leaving him was the best thing that ever happended – for the rest of us. He has gone into new areas. Christ may be the pilot but he seas are really rough sometimes.
you are the great one its right jesus is a ghost . Once he was ahuman after death he rose up so he will be a ghost . And ghosts are controlled by evil , So jesus also in the control of evil . It s really good to hear
Thanks for clearing that up.