Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe MONROE, Ohio, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- The destroyed Ohio statue commonly known as "Touchdown Jesus" has been replaced with a 52-foot statue of the Christian messiah along Interstate 75. Lawrence Bishop, co-pastor of the Solid Rock Church in Monroe, said the "King of Kings" sculpture -- which was destroyed by a lightning strike in 2010 -- was replaced Wednesday with a Jesus statue titled "Lux Mundi," Latin for "Light of the World," the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News reported Thursday. Advertisement The original statue featured Jesus with his arms raised into the air, earning it the "Touchdown Jesus" nickname, while the replacement depicts Jesus with his arms open wide, as if preparing for a hug. Bishop said the sculpture serves as "a beacon of hope" for travelers on I-75. "It's neat to see this day finally come," church administrator Ron Carter said. "Right now, this world needs a positive message." Read More 51-foot Jesus statue being erected in Ohio Work begins on new 'Touchdown Jesus' Atheists sue to remove Jesus statue Ohio church commissions huge Jesus statue PETA offers to rebuild Jesus statue Lightning destroys 62-foot Jesus statue
