New Book from Dr. Taylor Marshall - The Christian Patriot: 12 Ways to Create One Nation Under God

The following excerpt was taken from his newest book, The Christian Patriot: 12 Ways to Create One Nation Under God by Dr. Taylor Marshall.

PUBLIC CROSSES AND STATUES OF CHRIST

Visitors to Europe have observed crosses and monuments to Christ, the Virgin Mary, and local saints that are visible on nearly every street corner and plaza. Churches and chapels are open throughout the day, beckoning Christians to stop and pray. Having grown up in Texas, I have observed similar sights in my home state. The largest cross in America is the Corpus Christi Cross in Corpus Christi, Texas, standing at 230 feet. There is also a 190-foot-tall cross standing in Groom, Texas, surrounded by bronze versions of the Stations of the Cross. It creates a significant visual and spiritual landmark, drawing visitors from around the world. Ballinger, Texas, has a hundred-foot cross with a seventy-foot wingspan. There is also the seventy-seven-foot Kerrville Cross in the Texas Hill Country, featuring seventy-seven Bible verses engraved in stone.

These local monuments publicly speak to the faith of the local people: “From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). While some cities promote or tolerate pride flags and parades, other cities promote Christ as King and Christ first.

High above Rio de Janeiro, atop Mount Corcovado in Tijuca National Park, stands Christ the Redeemer, a monumental statue of Jesus Christ that has watched over the city since its unveiling on October 12, 1931. Rising 38 meters (125 feet) from its base, this Art Deco icon stretches its arms 28 meters wide, embracing the sprawling beaches and mountains below. Completed after nearly a decade of work that began in 1922, it remains one of the world’s most celebrated landmarks with the message that Christ is the Redeemer of mankind.

The statue’s creation stemmed from a post-World War I vision of peace. Designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and Carlos Oswald, with Paul Landowski sculpting its serene face and hands, it was built using reinforced concrete and clad in durable soapstone. Funded by donations through Semana do Monumento, construction cost $250,000, a testament to collective faith in Jesus Christ. Dedicated in 1931 by President Getúlio Vargas, its electric lights were famously switched on from Rome. It’s about time that a site of Christian heritage was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Likewise, Samosir Island in Indonesia just recently built the tallest monument to Jesus Christ known to man, reaching 200 feet (61 meters). Unveiled on September 19, 2024, the world’s tallest statue of Jesus Christ overlooks Lake Toba in North Sumatra, a region with a significant Christian minority. Crafted by artists Himawan and Eko, it was commissioned by the local Catholic community, funded through donations totaling roughly $330,000. Its recent completion marks it as a symbol of contemporary Christian outreach in a predominantly Muslim nation.

Similarly (but not as tall), is Christ the King in Swiebodzin, Poland, at 170 feet (52.5 meters), completed on November 6, 2010. Conceived by retired priest Sylwester Zawadzki, this statue was a grassroots effort, funded by $1.5 million in donations from the town’s 21,000 residents. Zawadzki envisioned it as a declaration of faith, with its 33-meter figure symbolizing Jesus’ earthly lifespan. The statue’s construction reflects Poland’s deep Christian roots, aiming to assert spiritual identity in a post-communist era and draw pilgrims to an otherwise unremarkable town.

 Another example of taking up Christian space in a Muslim nation is Christ Blessing the World in Manado, Indonesia, completed in 2007 and standing 160 feet (50 meters) tall. Local Christian real estate mogul Ir. Ciputra, inspired while standing on the hill with his wife in the early 2000s, funded its $540,000 cost. The monument—tilted 20 degrees forward—embodies a blessing over the Christian community below, who live as minorities in a Muslim nation. These monuments are outward signs of an inward reality: this is a Christian place. The people here honor Christ as their king.

About Dr. Taylor Marshall

Dr. Taylor R. Marshall is a bestselling author, philosopher, theologian, and podcaster known for his passionate defense of Christian identity and culture. He hosts The Taylor Marshall Show, which has been downloaded over 150 million times. He is the bestselling author of Infiltration: The Plot to Destroy the Church from Within and ten other books. Taylor lives with his wife and eight children in Texas. Learn more at taylormarshall.com