Why is it that the Bible description of Jesus clearly makes him sound like a person who was of African descent yet all around us are these pictures of this blonde haired blue eyed white man?

Answer 1

I will admit that I have no actual facts on which my answers are based. However, in theory I think you must look at it from a historical point of view. Scientifically and perhaps even religiously it is easy for us to conceive that Jesus, in physical form, looked much like most of his followers at the time. In fact most historians know that it was unlikely that a man from his region would have had long light colored complexion/hair and blue eyes like most of the pictures that we've seen of him. Much the same way it would be unlikely that a person from India, China, Ethiopia, or Persia would have these features. Depending on which country you live you will often find pictures of Jesus that reflect that particular culture. More importantly, since the beginning of the recording of the New Testament politics played a major role in its interpretation and translation. Kings and Shahs and other political or religious leaders for centuries were the only ones that were literate and intentionally made alterations to the texts to benefit themselves and ensuring their power. Since then, most modern civilizations have just been too afraid, ignorant, and/or lazy to ban these false depictions and claim more accurate portrayals. When you think about it- it's pretty incredible how a simple image, whether realistic or fabricated, can affect the psychology of an entire people! Whatever the reason, I believe that mankind places far too much emphasis on how Jesus looked and not nearly enough on how he lived his life as an example of how we should live our own!

Answer:

Contrary to what the question suggests, The Bible gives no indication that Jesus appeared to be of Africa descent - in fact it gives no physical description of Jesus at all. However, reading between the lines as it were, we can glean some information about his appearance. Firstly, as a Jew from Galilean descent through Mary, genetically he would probably have dark hair and an olive complexion not unlike every other Jew of that area. As a carpenter he would be stocky and muscular - muscular and strong enough to overturn the moneychangers' tables at the Temple. However, judging by the impact he had on people, his whole demeanour must have been one of a highly charismatic character who, once seen, would never be forgotten - the sort of person who, when they look at you, their eyes pierce your very soul. Other than these gleanings and speculations, no other descriptions can really be ascertained. Of course, in art, the appearance of Jesus is portrayed as 'perfection' or 'pureness' or 'holiness' and often in the western world the convention is of a blond haired blue eyed, white, effeminate looking man, as that, for many people, is the ideal. Similarly, in other cultures Jesus is portrayed as black, oriental, Inuit, Asian or whatever. But the important thing is not what he looked like but who he is and what he did for mankind.

And God created man in his own image. I certainly do not view Jesus as a blond haired or blue eyed man. I might suggest if you want religion you might try looking inwardly before you look out. There is of course the contra view that man created God in his own image. As for Jesus being of African descent, well that's a new one for me. I think it needs saying that religious views are a very personal thing, we are all entitled to believe what we will & must be respectful of the beliefs of others because some people are Very sensitive of their religion. As for these pictures of this blond haired blue eyed white skinned man ? I haven't seen any of them.

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While I don't view it this way, the people who wrote the English versions were white men who probably wanted to have the idea of white supremacy out sometimes, and also it was better marketing to white people, the only people who were buying their bibles. also, the original handwritten letters and records didn't have pictures.

This question actually leads to two things. First of all, is the context of this bible verse. If you read this passage along with the verses before and after it, you'll see that it talking about Jesus' death and how ALL people wouldn't care---sin. This expresses the crucifixion and Jesus' love for all of humanity, which is again spoken of in John 3:16. This description would be true of anyone who had been beaten and crucified as severely as Jesus was, and no person was or ever shall. That is what makes the scripture so powerful and Jesus' sacrifice so important to His followers. Secondly, I don't see how that description could link to African descent, even though I have heard of the possibility of Jesus being African before. I have never seen Jesus will blonde hair either; brown hair yes, and blue eyes. However, I never really cared for those paintings. His physical description is not important. What is important is who Jesus is and how He wants us to live our lives.

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It's because paintings and other images of Jesus are mostly basically a bit perfect but more average man from the region that the image has made in for example if you look at a picture of Jesus from Africa he would look African