German “artist” fined 700 euros for altar push-ups

Moscow, January 18, 2017

Photo: http://www.dw.com/ Photo: http://www.dw.com/
    

German “artist” Alexander Karl has been fined 700 euros by a Saarbrücken district court for his push-up “performance” on the altar of the local St. John’s Catholic parish, reports the “German Wave” radio site.

The 38-year-old Saar College of Fine Arts graduate insulted the feelings of believers and sanctity of altars by ignoring that the altar was roped off, climbing upon the altar table itself, and doing twenty-seven push-ups on camera, later to be posted online and shown at an exhibition.

Karl says his workout session was a work of art, not intended to offend Christians, but “to explore the relationship between religion and the need to meet the high demands of our times.” The Catholic Church, however, has regarded the action precisely as an offense and brought the man to court.

“The Christian faith also has the right to a respectful attitude,” stated parish rector Eugen Vogt.

On January 17, Karl was ordered to pay the fine of 700 euros and to absorb the relevant court costs.

“Equating the altar with a gym wall is objectively disrespectful,” said Judge Judith Simon, adding that “creative freedom protected by law is not unlimited, inasmuch as the rights of other people are its limits,” and “the right of religious freedom is also protected by law.”

1/18/2017

Comments
Leonard Eisenstein4/15/2017 12:16 am
1. have we fallen so far that desecrating churches is the new pastime of the anti-religious??
2. only 700 Euros? maybe 10,700 would keep wannabes from desecrating churches in the future!
Isidora1/20/2017 12:25 am
Bet this coward doesn't have the courage to "explore" these issues in a mosque.
Matthew1/19/2017 6:37 am
Let's hope the 700 Euro fine has helped him to understand "the relationship between religion and the need to meet the high demands of our times."
Fr.John Kunjukunju1/19/2017 3:21 am
The punishment is very negligible; this infidel decicrated the holy place; what awaits for him God's judgment, as in the case of king Darius, "Mene, mene, thekel uparseen."

He must be at lease jailed and prohibited future entrance in the house of God. He must repent and offer restitution.
Anthony1/18/2017 5:13 pm
Простите Komrades! Why is this appearing on an Orthodox website? Has no relevance. Please remove. Спасибо!
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