University of Tennessee Displays Then Removes Blasphemous “Jesus”
“There is great outrage at the University of Tennessee at Martin over an art display that blasphemes the Christian faith,” reports journalist Todd Starnes. “One painting depicted Jesus Christ as transgender. Another featured a man in clerical robes cutting up a lamb.”
The blasphemous “art” titled Transgender Jesus was reportedly on display inside the campus Boling University Center. It portrays a twisted rendition of Our Lord crucified, exhibiting both male and female bodily characteristics and without a shroud.
Why would someone go to such hateful lengths to mock our Crucified Lord Who is infinite goodness?
According to the work’s description, Transgender Jesus is “about the divisive use of trans people in politics as a scapegoat of someone to blame.” The piece condemns the use of transvestites in politics, yet it uses Our Lord in an extremely divisive and offensive manner. The pro-homosexual movement claims to promote ‘love’ and ‘tolerance,’ yet it shows neither love nor tolerance for Jesus Christ or His followers.
How Has UT Martin Responded?
After the outrage erupted, a university spokesperson stated that the display was removed from the Boling University Center on February 16, and that the "university continues to gather information."
However, hundreds of students, alumni, and Tennessee residents are calling for a full investigation into the matter. Many are demanding that the student(s) responsible be expelled or suspended. The public display of such “art” appears to violate conduct rules set forth in the UT Martin student handbook, which does not allow lewd, indecent, and obscene conduct. Therefore, the university officials have grounds for swift disciplinary action.
One alumnus posted on Facebook, “I am ashamed and embarrassed that this is how we allow our students to ‘express themselves.’”
Indeed, this blasphemy targets the Lamb of God and all those who follow Him, including members of the university’s student body.
“It’s good the University of Tennessee removed the offensive images,” said John Ritchie, TFP Student Action director. “However, the simple removal of such a disgusting blasphemy is not enough to repair the injury to God. Public blasphemy calls for public reparation and more enduring corrective measures. The university should issue a public apology, correct its approval process for displays, and promise to never against allow attacks against the Sacred Person of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
“Blasphemy is not free speech but a grave sin,” said Ritchie. “The sacred Person of Our Lord has a right to His good name and holy reputation. Nobody has the right to drag the Holy Name of Jesus in the mud.”
TFP Student Action invites its readers to protest. Politely yet firmly express your concern to the University of Tennessee at Martin. Respectfully demand an apology, reparation, and disciplinary action for the blasphemous display.
Contact Information
Dr. Yancy Freeman
Chancellor, University of Tennessee at Martin
731-881-7500
chancellor@utm.edu
Main Number:
800-829-8861
Office of University Relations:
731-881-7615