removing images of Jesus as white - can we have a respecful discussion?

[Anonymous]

This has been brought up before, but more so in recent weeks as one of the responses do dismantling white supremacy. The theory behind it is that if we keep perceiving Jesus as white, and the son of God as white, that gets deep into the psyche as a false image of perfection and "good." Praying to, worshiping, elevating this handsome tall, blue eyed, long blonde haired white man image has an effect on what society deeps as "right."

Obviously Jesus, whether you believe him to be a deity or a historical man, looked nothing like the image that has been painted and elevated. In all likeliness, he was an olive, short, hairy, rustic looking guy.

Would any Black Christians be willing to share their thoughts on the imagery as it relates to supremacy?

[Anonymous]

Obviously he would have looked Eastern Mediterranean. But in Thailand he looks Asian. In Ethiopia he looks black. It’s up to the church.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps it should be as in Islam, where representations of Allah and Mohammed do not show a face.

[Anonymous]

Revelation 1:14-15 New International Version (NIV)

14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps it should be as in Islam, where representations of Allah and Mohammed do not show a face.

As a cultural (raised, not practicing) Muslim, I'd argue strict lack of depiction of Mohamed has led to many deifying him to dangerous levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Revelation 1:14-15 New International Version (NIV)

14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.

That is the description of what he looked like after the resurrection.

On earth, he looked like a normal middle eastern man at the time. He was a carpenter by trade, so he would've been lean and muscular-ish, and darker skinned. He blended into the crowd, which means he was of average height, build and look.

[Anonymous]

I agree, it's up to the church. Let's see what the Unitarians do.

[Anonymous]

Whether or not you leave it up to individual churches (not just denominations, but actual church locations) I think there are a lot of people who are silent now, but would throw a fit if actually changed. I think there are a lot of people like that on DCUM quietly reading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree, it's up to the church. Let's see what the Unitarians do.

The unitarians don't deify Jesus. They don't have statues or paintings of him on display.

[Anonymous]

Every depiction I see generally has him as a dark skinned, Arab or maybe Italian/Greek looking person. Where are these blond Jesuses of which you speak?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every depiction I see generally has him as a dark skinned, Arab or maybe Italian/Greek looking person. Where are these blond Jesuses of which you speak?

Do a Google Image Search for "Jesus" [https://www.google.com/search?q=jesus&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixzu2A6qfqAhXfmnIEHbm9CAsQ_AUoAXoECGgQAw&biw=1348&bih=864]

Almost all of them are blonde and white, and like the guy on a cover of a romance novel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Every depiction I see generally has him as a dark skinned, Arab or maybe Italian/Greek looking person. Where are these blond Jesuses of which you speak?

Do a Google Image Search for "Jesus" [https://www.google.com/search?q=jesus&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixzu2A6qfqAhXfmnIEHbm9CAsQ_AUoAXoECGgQAw&biw=1348&bih=864]

Almost all of them are blonde and white, and like the guy on a cover of a romance novel.

Yes, the majority picture him as white, but blond? Very few. Mostly he is brown/auburn to dark haired. But yes, incorrectly Caucasian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps it should be as in Islam, where representations of Allah and Mohammed do not show a face.

Islam is strictly prohibited from worshipping “idols”. That’s why you will never find a face or symbol that reflects Allah, Mohammed or Islam.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This has been brought up before, but more so in recent weeks as one of the responses do dismantling white supremacy. The theory behind it is that if we keep perceiving Jesus as white, and the son of God as white, that gets deep into the psyche as a false image of perfection and "good." Praying to, worshiping, elevating this handsome tall, blue eyed, long blonde haired white man image has an effect on what society deeps as "right."

Obviously Jesus, whether you believe him to be a deity or a historical man, looked nothing like the image that has been painted and elevated. In all likeliness, he was an olive, short, hairy, rustic looking guy.

Would any Black Christians be willing to share their thoughts on the imagery as it relates to supremacy?

I'm black but not a Christian, you've all been conned. Of course Jesus wasn't white, I don't even know why this is an issue. And even if miraculously he was white, wouldn't he have at least a tan? Rediculous….

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Every depiction I see generally has him as a dark skinned, Arab or maybe Italian/Greek looking person. Where are these blond Jesuses of which you speak?

Gosh just Do a google image search or watch Jesus Christ Superstar.