The Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, by Elliott Copeland

           The Bethesda Fountain is located by The Lake in Central Park and was constructed in 1868 by Emma Stebbins. The fountain is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists, visitors, joggers, couples, etc. every year, as the fountain and surrounding terrace are a focal point of the park. The fountain has a religious significance and was created with intentional symbolism. The center of the fountain is a female winged angel who is touching down on the top of fountain, where the water then overflows and cascades down into the two lower basins beneath. Below her are four cherubs that were made to represent Temperance, Purity, Health, and Peace. The angel’s backstory can be found in the Gospel of John and the basin below was constructed to represent the Pool of Bethesda that the angel blesses in this text. The religious symbolism of this piece is profound and the story behind it is fitting for the purpose and placement of the fountain.

            I believe that this piece is not only skillfully crafted and aesthetically pleasing, but the message that is conveys is the most exceptional part. The Bethesda Pool was described in Chapter 5 in the Gospel John to have healing powers once the angel touches it. This is fitting during its construction as it was made to allude to the Croton aqueduct that gave New York City the first source of dependable purified water in 1842. The Bethesda fountain is therefore a fitting symbol to remark the first source of dependable purified water, but what I believe is interesting is how the symbol is taken from a Christian narrative. The United States was founded on protestant Christian principles, and these undertones are present throughout many aspects of society such as our currency, our laws, and even our public schools.  This fountain is again another Christian image and even though we do not live in a secular state, we are surrounded by Christian influences. Thomas Jefferson remarks how the United States should be founded as a religiously free country in his A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom. This is true today as every American is allowed to practice whatever religion they deem fit for them. Thomas Jefferson advocated for religious freedom, but he never advocated for the equal representation in common society of other religions in the country.  I do not believe this unequal representation in society is wrong, as the majority religion in a country will ultimately be most present throughout society as opposed to other minority religions.

            I found this fountain to be a reflection of the religious landscape of the United States and it appears to be appreciated by the majority of those who visit it. The ornate piece appears to insult none and I do not believe that anyone should take offense to the fact that the creator of this piece chose this narrative. Although this piece is accepted widely by society, other public displays of Christian influence have caught some discrimination as our country begins to become more religiously diversified and reluctant to have religious ideals pushed upon us. The religious landscape of America is changing and the influence of rapidly growing religions, such as Islam, will begin to influence society more greatly in the near future. This is exactly the environment that Jefferson advocated for, and religious tolerance should continue to be practiced by our society if this country is to continue to progress.