About Stations-14

click here to read an in-depth discussion about the creation of Stations-14.com

Reflections (click here for an more in-depth theological reflection)
The Stations of the Cross traditionally consist of 14 stations - stops along a virtual pilgrimage - that allow the participant to traverse important moments documented in the narratives and trditions surrounding the Passion of Jesus Christ. While not commonplace in Protestant liturgical traditions, the Stations of the Cross are a common installment in many Catholic cathedrals.

The original purpose of the Via Cruces was to provide Christians with a virtual pilgrimage to the Via Dolorosa (Way of Grief) - a most significant destination for the Christian pilgrim in Jerusalem.

The path of Jesus Christ is seen as a path of suffering and reminds us of the significance of Christian belief that Jesus was a human who was well acquainted with the sorrow and sufferings that accompany the human experience. This is not to suggest that the very concept of suffering itself is, on its own merit, a virtue. Rather, the sufferings of Jesus remind us that it is often only by being confronted with the sufferings of others that we are made more fully aware of the injustices and crimes that exist in our communities. And, it is often only through personal suffering and sacrifice that one might be able to affect the situation in redemptive activism.

As fully human the life, suffering and death of Jesus do more than simply stand alone as a singular events bound by time and space. Beyond this, the Way of the Cross reminds us of the cycle of life, suffering and death that continues to play out as a universal aspect of the human condition that leaves many of us wondering "how long?"

I have chosen to break from tradition by not using images of Jesus Christ in my rendition of the Via Cruces. Instead, I have chosen to use people/events/current issues that for me serve as reflections of the heart of God as exemplified in Jesus incarnate.

The Way of the Cross, then, serves as a tribute to all of those who have been brave enough to translate such questioning into activism both before and after the passing life of Jesus on this earth and provides hope for the future by reminding us that in our midst are those who will rise and confront injustice and champion the marginalized. In this way, the redemption of the human condition can be seen not only in forensic and mystical terms but also as an active and risky engagement in a deeply social dimension.

For a more in-depth theological discussion view the following document:

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Backdrop For This Project
Stations-14 was created in partial fulfillment of the Master of Arts, Theology degree which I received from the Brehm Center for Worship, Theology and the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. This project represents an expression of my desire to integrate my training as a visual artist (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Art Center College of Design, 1992) and my studies in Christian theology and Christian liturgy througout my M.A. program.

About The Artist
Michael Chung, 37, is a Korean-American native of Southern California. After completing his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena California, he worked as a digital artist in the video-entertainment industry under such companies as Sega of America and Namco, Japan. In June of 2006, he completed his Master of Arts Degree in Theology: Worship, Theology & the Arts at Fuller Theological Seminary: The Brehm Center for Worship, Theology & the Arts (also in Pasadena, California).

Michael currently serves as the Worship & Arts Pastor for the English Ministries of the Cerritos Korean Seventh-day Adventist Church in Norwalk, California. He is also the editor and art director for a small-run monthly publication that serves the Korean-American SDA ministries in North America. Michael also freelances as a graphic designer (for both print and web) and as a photographer. His photos were used extensively in this project.