A cosmetics range with cheeky taglines that extolled the virtues of "Looking Good for Jesus" has been pulled from stores in Singapore after some Roman Catholics complained the items were disrespectful - unlike the plastic Jesus figurines sold throughout Italy and the United States.
Promising to "Redeem your reputation and more," the product line included a "virtuous vanilla"-flavored lip balm and a "Get Tight with Christ" hand and body cream, as well as bags and other items sold by British retailer Topshop and produced by Blue Q. Wing Tai Retail, which manages Topshop in the city-state, removed the range late last month after receiving complaints. In addition, the company was set to release "Rapture," - a cologne for men, and, for women, the lip gloss "Sumptuous Lips."
"These products trivialize Jesus Christ and Christianity," said Nick Chui, 27, one of the complainants. "There are also sexual innuendoes in the messages and the way Jesus is portrayed in these products. It made me all tingly, and I had to confess that to my priest!"
On the packaging of one of the products, Jesus, wearing a bright white robe, looks heavenward while a blonde, heavily made-up woman with an arm draped across his shoulder gazes dreamily at his face.
"Why would anyone use religious figures to promote vanity products? It's very disrespectful and distasteful," said 24-year-old accountant Grace Ong, also Catholic. "Admittedly, Jesus is very handsome, but it's just not right."
An unnamed Wing Tai Retail spokesman apologized for offending the Christian community. Wing Tai Retail officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday because the company's office was closed for the Lunar New Year holiday.
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