My Thoughts on San Francisco’s Naked Statue

There is something sorrowful about when Adam and Eve traded being clothed in the light of God for the world. 

In my beautiful hometown—named after Saint Francis of Assisi—on the lovely Embarcadero, stands a 47-foot sculpture of a naked woman. "R-Evolution," created by Marco Cochrane for Burning Man, is an obstructive piece that literally stands in front of pedestrians and the waterfront. It wasn't in a museum where people could choose to see it or not, it was forced on us. 

Think about how much work went into getting a sculpture of a giant naked young woman exposed in one of the biggest cities in the world. If it didn’t matter or mean something it wouldn’t be there. As Jesus said either you are for Him or against Him, neutral is not an option according to the creator of the universe. Whenever you as a Christian encounter such things, you are making a choice, do you accept the status quo, celebrate it, or evangelize?

As Saint Paul said:

“For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:12) 

Only a desensitized individual wouldn’t notice the intrusion of R-Evolution. Whether anyone realizes it or not, what we see and hear daily influences us. This is why marketing and advertisements exist. We must not be too naive to ask ourselves, what are they advertising to us? That is why I choose wisely what I allow into my family’s sphere. 

When Cochrane’s sculpture was erected in the public sphere an unnamed freedom was lost. Perhaps the freedom of peace. No one who looks upon that sculpture will feel peace. Really, it sparks more confusion than anything else, because it's in your face and out of place. 

Prayer of the Day: Stay with us O Lord, shine the light of Thy countenance upon us. Amen

It is almost amusing to think that Cochrane believes people will buy his explanation that R-Evolution, represents a strong, empowered woman—a fearless woman. This reminds me of Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain," where he famously submitted a toilet as art to be exhibited at Grand Central Place in New York!  Can you imagine if Duchamp had convinced the government to display a toilet as art on the streets of New York? I got a kick out of Duchamp in my high school art history class, but this sculpture on a public street confusing my kids stirred a protective instinct in me as a Christian mother. 

R-Evolution represents the thoughts of a man and government who do not care about the corruption it brings to the most vulnerable members of society—specifically, children. 

Public places should never alienate families period. In the words of the late Pope John Paul II:

“As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.”

Today I agreed with my toddlers that this is weird and it made us all uncomfortable not just them. My family was enjoying SF’s waterfront, its nice markets, the historic clock tower, and the ferry to Sausalito, not the Tenderloin. The sculpture is set to be removed in October. However, this is not the first instance of public art like this and there is surely more to come!

Opportunity to evangelize in my domestic church (family):

My children’s confusion became an opportunity to turn our gaze on God. My child asked: Why did God make us? I responded, to delight in us (I only discovered this truth after becoming a mom).  In the beginning, God made only Adam a man in His image. But God saw that it was not good for the man to be alone, so the Trinity, God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit said Let us make him a helper. So God made the first woman Eve to be his helper. The purpose of women is to help men glorify God. 

Don’t buy the lie, public nudity is not empowering. Public nudity is usually a sign of mental disturbance. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13). You can become fearless through putting all yout trust in Jesus. God is always in control and you have nothing to fear because He loves you with His steadfast love. 

God is not a human being who speaks falsely, nor a mortal, who feels regret. (Numbers 23:19)

So I choose Jesus every moment of every day as my refuge, my fortress, and my God in whom I trust. (Psalm 91:2)

Remember, we are all merely pilgrims on this earth on our way to our eternal home. Only pleasing God matters not being cool or sophisticated at the expense of worldly ideals. 

Several Bible verses came to mind when my children saw this sculpture today:

1. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15).  
2. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
3. Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:15)
4. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. (John 15:19) 
5. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs at the days to come…Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband, too, praises her. (Proverbs 31:25-28)
6. Say to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2)
7. You have committed a grave sin. Now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I may be able to make atonement for your sin.” (Exodus 32:30)

Peace,

Laura