Jack Posobiec claims historical paintings of Jesus were based on the Shroud of Turin

In December 2023, Alex James, the 56-year-old musician from the band Blur, found himself in a controversial situation at a church. While attending a Christmas service, he mistakenly treated an antique figurine of a naked baby Jesus as an ashtray. After being informed by a fellow attendee that smoking might not have been allowed, he thoughtlessly stubbed out his cigarette on the delicate statue. This ill-fated action not only broke the figurine but also drew the ire of churchgoers present during the service. James, who has since adopted a quieter life focused on his family and farm in the Cotswolds, relayed the incident in a humorous manner. He attempted to fix the broken figurine, only to accidentally pull off one of the arms while highlighting its supposed robustness. His clumsy attempts to lighten the mood only added to the awkwardness of the situation, leading to his eventual ejection from the church. The artist, who has maintained sobriety since 2002, reflected on how his behavior was deemed inappropriate in a sacred setting. This incident has sparked discussions about the boundaries of humor in religious spaces and the respect required for sacred objects. As a public figure, Alex James's actions have drawn a mixed response from fans and church members alike, with some expressing offense at his lack of reverence, while others found humor in the surprising gaffe. The repercussions of this event serve as a prompt for broader reflections on behavior in spiritual and public settings, especially during a time of year that emphasizes reverence. Overall, as the story circulated in media outlets, it highlighted the importance of understanding the significance of religious symbols and the potential for misinterpretation of societal norms regarding respect for sacred artifacts. James's experience is a cautionary tale about the expectations placed on public figures and the amplified scrutiny they face in their private lives, often leading to public backlash when their actions stray from societal norms.