"Similar to 9/11, I think many Americans don't know where to turn in the midst of the current worldwide financial crisis.”
Belk says he hopes his “Journeys With the Messiah” collection will help people who are anxious and looking for answers to find peace by knowing there is someone to turn to.
The photos are a retelling of the stories of first century Jesus to a 21st century audience. Included in the collection are photos of Jesus with Nazis, prostitutes, Ferraris and motorcycles, as well as Wall Street executives and high rollers. Collectively, the photos creatively address modern day social problems such as genocide, materialism, addiction, poverty and hypocrisy.
In the photo entitled “The Second Mile”, Jesus is shown walking and talking alongside a Nazi soldier. The Messiah is carrying the soldier’s backpack as well as his gun.
“Jesus’ teachings on this subject (forgiveness) were revolutionary: ‘Love your enemies as yourself. Pray for those who persecute you. Forgive people seventy times seven.’ Jesus reminds us that, just as God forgives us, we are expected to do the same for others,” wrote Belk in the accompanying journal entry for the photo.
Each of Belk’s images is accompanied by a written journal entry of a 21st-century take on a biblical story or parable.
In another photo, “Rest for the Weary”, a man in a suit and tie is shown collapsed on the steps of a building. His head rests on Jesus’ lap while his suitcase is opened with papers scattered about.
“I am writing this in March of 2009 while the world is in a serious economic upheaval,” Belk’s journal reads. “Fortunes have been lost, retirement incomes are gone, and the basic necessities have become a struggle for man.”
But then he writes, “In truth, we assign too much importance to issues that, in the end, will be of non consequence. Have you ever heard of a man on his deathbed who asked to see his stock portfolio one more time? Could the time we spend worrying be better spent in quiet, soothing fellowship with the One who created it all and promises more?”
