A massive statue recently erected by Glorious Hope Ministries has triggered sharp debate within Antigua’s religious community, with some leaders praising its biblical inspiration while others question its purpose and expense.
Elder Claude Weaver, the church’s leader, said the structure was designed to raise awareness about the return of Christ and was inspired by the book of Daniel.
But Bishop Charlesworth Brown of the Christian Council criticized the installation, arguing it has created more division than unity. “We are here to harmonize the society … I don’t think the erection of that image brings harmony,” Brown said. He added that the Christian message is best spread through faith and teaching rather than costly monuments.
The towering structure, visible to anyone passing along All Saints Road, has become a point of controversy, with Brown suggesting the funds spent could have instead supported needy families.
The statue remains in place as the debate over its symbolism and necessity continues.
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If it was a statue of “white Jesus” they would be quiet as a church mouse.
If there is strife and confusion it’s because people won’t read their Bible for themselves and their leaders love them being ignorant.
As another comment mentioned, other leaders are concerned their members will get too curious and go visit.
The statue is doing exactly what it’s doing, create conversation.
God told Weaver to build it….
So what does the Bishop has to say about that.
When you build these huge church buildings, did you think about the people in need?
Thief nah lub fu see thief with long bag.
This gimmick is going to draw persons away from other churches so all the other church owners worried that the collection plate will decline.
Each group is allowed their own beliefs and creative expression, aren’t they? It’s not depicting hatred, prejudice , or war. They just have different ways of expressing than you.
Them reporters at that newsroom just LUBBBBB drama. SMH. Let the fights amoung the religious heads begin.
All i can say, once you believe in Jesus Christ from deep with in your heart,there should be any concerns about what other religions or religious organization want to do…
I wonder if U feed those in need in ur congregation
Preacher, just leave this madness alone. A monstrous image resembling the one from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is mute.
When the government forced people to take a now defunct jab that is now linked to blood clots, heart attack, stroke and cancer,you cowered in silence. You were called, “macrome”and you were silent. Now you’re arguing about some grotesque, insequential statue? Please.
That church is going to see a large increase in young people attendance. Young people are quicker to adopt to new changes and culture.
Bishop Browne truth must prevail against error. And one cannot join to error when it is the truth that set human beings free.
@ Watching@ Exactly!!!
Faith and culture often intersect, but clashes like this show how interpretation can vary even among leaders.
Just make the people do what the want
To the good Bishop…there were few figures as polarizing as Jesus Christ. He brought a whole lot of division in his day. He said, “Matthew 10:34-35 -Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. [35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”
You go feed the poor, let Mr Weaver remind them of eternity.
Regardless of what happens going forward I think the statue has already served its purpose:
1 it has shown how biblically illiterate many of us, even Christians are
2 It has brought much needed attention to God in a society that is already comfortable with religion
3 It has reminded us of the coming kingdom of God and the importance of understanding Bible prophecy
4 It has gone against established societal norms and forced the leaders to take a stance and make their positions known.
Read the new testament and you will see that JESUS CHRIST in his day, did exactly the same things.