imaginarydave
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First I want to say that this is a great image. It is great because great images provoke emotions. I don’t think this photo needs a title as the message is clear.
On the issue of it being offensive - I dont think it is, but it does get an initial defensive response, and I can see why some would be offended. I am going to chime in on the social statement of your image because I feel it is important. I am a christian. You were very blunt and quite accurate to show that the bible is very clear in the Old Testament that homosexuality is to be treated harshly, but so were a lot of other sins. The new testament and the coming of christ brought a change of approach in the way God related to humans. We are called to be more tollerant and accepting. The approach is more to live amongst and reach out to the people who do not believe, Also, while the Bible’s over all position in my opinion is that being gay is a sin; it also says being a Glutton (ie eating too much and being wastefull..... sounds kind of like america to me  ), or being greedy, or lying is a sin. We are told to realize that the only sin that REALLY matters is not believing in Christ as the Son of God. Ok, the only reason I made such a big deal about that point is that many christians (typically the more fundamental type) go around telling homosexuals or people with other different beliefs that they are going to hell because of it, but they are not going to hell any more for that than for the fact that they lied to their boss about being late for work. According to the new testament there is only one unpardenable sin - not believing in Jesus Christ. I have had many gay friends and have been clear with them if asked that my belief system does not find their life style to be correct in this one respect, but that I am not going to treat them any different than other people I know who do not believe in God. I know many christians who act in this manner, and it is not the slightest bit intollerant. It is a difference of opinion and belief.
What is frustrating is the hatred we as Christians receive from gay people who have not given us a chance to be friendly to them. Intollerance is a lot different than disagreement, and because I am Christian I have been written off as being intolerant and been told that I hate people who are gay. Another example of intollerance that directly correlates to this is when people told me I was unpatriotic because I didnt think we should be invading Iraq, when in all reality I was thinking of what was best for my country, and not getting caught up in the grand ideas and rhetoric of the times. The point being that when there is a difficult disagreement about something this touchy, an easy debate tactic is to emotionalize the opposition’s stance, and make it seem undesirable simply because of the emotions attached to it. Politicians do it all the time (one of the underlying reasons we hate politicians so much). Both sides of this issue employ this tactic, and both sides are wrong to do it in my opinion.
All I am trying to say is that the road goes both ways, and not all disagreement should be construed as hate. So now that I have made clear why I think there is an initial gut reaction of offense or defensiveness for myself and probably for many people who see it, I would like to say that the truly intollerent Christians; the fundamentalist and outspoken "hatefull" people who call themselves christians while they throw stones have made your photo justified, and it will likely get my vote in this competition. For that reason this photo is not offensive, but poignant in my mind. However, If I were to do it, I would change only one thing. I would have one of the hands on the right clenched in a fist. But of course that is just my take.
Best of wishes
-Dave
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...the rainbow arm bands represents gays & lesbians and the cross represents the church that hates them. You would need to be familiar with the fact that rainbows are a symbol of the gay/lesbian community. I think this portrays hate well.