Outrage at Sexy Virgin Mary Models

The prominent Chilean fashion designer, Ricardo Oyarzun, has sparked outrage in his country by dressing up models to look like the Virgin Mary. On its own this wouldn't be so grave if it wasn't for the fact that they look quite sexy, in some cases with ample, near-naked breasts.

The Roman Catholic Church has obviously condemned the designer and attempts to block the show by conservatives were unsuccessful in court. The poor innocent Oyarzun said he had received telephone threats and had excrement smeared on his doorstep. "There is no pornography here, there's no sex, there are no virgins menstruating or feeling each other up," Oyarzun said in a rather tactless quote. "This is artistic expression."

Although I suspect Oyarzun must have known this was likely to offend, the fact that the courts have allowed the fashion show to go ahead is a small indication that Chile is becoming a tad more liberal. However, the culture of prudishness and guilt so cultivated through the doctrine of original sin permeates Catholicism. With no sexual naturalism in their teachings it is no surprise that so many choose a deviant path. Mocking the Virgin Mary becomes an iconic show of strength between social mores whose influence will fade away very quickly. Much harder to change is the idea that there is no original sin.

reported at Reuters