Religious Kitsch of the Week

One definition of  "Kitsch" (from the German) is “Sentimentality or vulgar, often pretentious bad taste, especially in the arts.” Vulgar does not always refer to something indecent, here instead refering to something coarse or distasteful.


Of course, in the arts, one man's kitsch is another man's inspiration. Bad taste is subjective. With that caveat, let me introduce the first Kitsch o' the Week:

(This comes courtesy of my friend John Hudson, who posted it on his Facebook page.)

Here we have Sensei Jesus, watching over two karate kids. While I think it pleases the Holy Trinity when we take care of our bodies and engage in physical activity (we are temples of the Holy Spirit), this figurine seems to indicate that Jesus watches over our every chop and kick to the spleen. It reminds me of the football player this weekend who thanked the Lord for helping him not fumble the ball. (If so, the reverse must be true: that God causes fumbles to happen on the field. Usually he doesn't get the blame, though. "I would like to acknowledge the Lord for making us lose this Saturday. I didn't mean to fumble, but Jesus failed to help me grip the ball!")

Anyway, Jesus as Mr. Miyagi is my first pick for Religious Kitsch of the Week. "Be at peace, boys. Wax on. Wax off!"