Jesus Christ in legal battle for driver's license

[AC]

Mr. Christ's name on passport, but he faces challenge in W.Va.
 
 
Attempts to prove his name really is Christ have led the man born as Peter Robert Phillips Jr. through a lengthy legal battle and a recent victory in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
œThis all started with him expressing his faith and his respect and love for Jesus Christ,� attorney A.P. Pishevar told The Associated Press. œNow he needs to document it for legal reasons.�

Described by his attorney as a white-haired businessman in his mid-50s, Christ is moving to West Virginia to enjoy a slower lifestyle. He bought property near Lost River, about 100 miles west of Washington, and has a U.S. passport, Social Security card and Washington driver's license bearing the name Jesus Christ.

Original name
But he still falls short of West Virginia title and license transfer requirements because his Florida birth certificate has his original name on it and he has been unable to obtain an official name change in Washington.

œWe just need official documentation that that's his name,� said Doug Stump, commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles. œHe will be treated no different than anybody else.�

Christ applied for the legal name change in May 2003, but it was denied by District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Tim Murphy because œtaking the name of Jesus Christ may provoke a violent reaction or may significantly offend people.�

In his appeal, Christ's attorney argued that Phillips had changed his name to Jesus Christ 15 years earlier, and œhas been using the name since then without incident.�

The appeals court last month sent the name-change proposal back to the lower court, saying some required hearings in the case had not been held.

Any comment from the man in the middle of this legal tussle?

œChrist is not speaking to the press at this time,� Pishevar said.
 


I Just dont get it, why ? why would some one change thier name to Jesus Christ. I am As religis as they come, but I dont want to change my name to Jesus,

what is your take on it?
AC   
 

[GrumpyGills]

I understand that muslims use the name Mohammad as much as possible so that they keep the name of their prophet alive.  It's a different mindset. 

My opinion: Jesus is not really uncommon, it's the Christ part that makes me think the guy's a bit of an attention seeking loose nut.

[Hvns]

Don't know AC some people just things to some strange level that the rest of us don't get. He sounds a bit fanatic to me, as well as attention seeking.
Hvns
you im me if you like

[Celery Peach]

Well you guys know I'm not religious, but heres my view on it anyways.....

I think hes done it for attention. If he truly does love his God so much then surely it is disrespectful to take his name ?

[meggiesmum]

have to admit its a bit extreme.

[GuzziHeroV50]

Now would it be different if he chose the name Christos?

I think Washington are being idiots.  They guy aint harming anyone, so they should let him change.

[MarieC]

I don't know why he would do it, either  Doesn't really make sense. I also agree that he's prob seeking attention.