Dress Up Jesus

What if Jesus wore a hula skirt, bunny slippers, devil's horns, and a skull t-shirt? Well, if you purchase "Magnetic Jesus Dress Up!" you can see what that might look like. DressUpJesus.com sells the magnetic dress up set for Jesus. The set works kind of like a paper doll. The main piece is Jesus hanging on the cross wearing only briefs. You can dress him up with any variation of the given pieces such as a tutu, a coconut bra, a devil costume or snorkeling gear. There are also signs that say things like "TGIF" or "Happy Easter" that can be hung on the top of the cross.

These small magnet kits created quite a buzz in March 2004. Urban Outfitters, who had been carrying the magnets, pulled them after many protests. The protests came from Christian organizations such as The American Family Association and The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property.

Bob Smith, 34, created the online version of Dress Up Jesus. Bob, who likes to be called "normal bob", sells the kits from his website. According to a Washington Post Report Smith was raised a Christian but became and Atheist at the age of 30. The same article says Smith reported attending a showing of The Passion of the Christ dressed as Satan.

The kit measures 11 by 8 inches and sells for $14 plus shipping on the website, or at various retailors listed on the site. The website currently features a Jesus in The Wizard of Oz motif where visitors can dress Jesus up as any Oz character or any combination of characters.


Bob Smith with his creation.

"Jesus Is My Homeboy"

I bring you the shirt that inspired this blog and this entire research project. The shirt that boldly states "Jesus is my Homeboy". This shirt isn't just prestigious because it bears the name and image of Jesus, but it has clung to such celebrity bodies as Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Pam Anderson, and Ashton Kutcher. Just to mention a few. The shirt is made by Teenage Millionaire.

An article in the Detroit News titled "What A Trend We Have In Jesus" said, "Los Angeles-based clothing company Teenage Millionaire introduced the design three years ago. 'We were looking at pop icons of the 21st century, and Jesus topped the list,' says Chris Hoy, a partner in Teenage Millionaire. '[The shirts] appeal to the religious people and the hipsters alike.'" ( 03/08/04)

Christians haven’t reached a consensus as to whether or not they like the shirt. Some love it. Some hate it. But the clothing, poster, bumper sticker, and accessory industries seem to love the craze.