I think it's most interesting that when I read the title "Protestant Icon", I could not come up with an idea of what it might be talking about. If a "Buddhist Icon" were mentioned, I would immediately think of the statue Buddha. If a "Catholic Icon" were mentioned, I would think of either the Virgin Mary or the Crucifix…

But when it came to a "Protestant Icon", nothing came to my mind. I see the point of the story, and it's true. Pictures we see of Jesus as children have had an impact on our thinking and our lives. But I think it's most significant that the pictures are replaced later on with a sense of the real spirit of Jesus that makes him come alive in our hearts. There is no image, for me, that can override the real thing.

***

I totally agree with you that Sallman's picture brings back some fond memories of Bible school and Sunday School days. I feel visual aids have been and are a big help in Christian education. Thanks for the article.

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That was a real eye-opener, since I was an art major, growing up in Chicago, lived in Andersonville, attended the Art Institute, was a Lutheran all my life and even carried the wallet-sized picture for years. Thank you for the true story of that portrait. I always knew it as "Sallman's head of Christ" but never knew the real story.

***

When you closely at the shadows on Jesus' face, just under the right temple, extending up to the hairline is a chalice. Then, the shadow on His forehead is a wafer, and under his right eye is the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.

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When Dr. Morgan informs us that "Protestants have historically resisted using pictures in their worship", it should be noted that this is not correct as far as the Lutheran Reformation and its churches are concerned.

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There's not a Jewish bone in this man's entire countenance! This is why Protestants, especially Reformed Protestants, stay away from images!

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When I started serving Manistee United Methodist Church in Manistee, Michigan, I found one if its prized possessions was a large (3'x5'?) chalk drawing of the Jesus portrait, done by Sallman himself, in the early 50's. Apparently, Sallman traveled around doing 'chalk talks,' and leaving the finished portrait for churches to enjoy. In a few months I learned that the Congregational Church in Manistee had a Sallman chalk drawing too, except theirs was facing the opposite direction. I was pleased to have this artwork grace my office for many years. It is definitely a national icon.

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