were Jews of the Middle East white??????????
2007-10-27 18:58:15 · 14 answers · asked by David O. 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Because the artists (or the people paying for the art) were white.
If he existed, Jesus would be more likely to resemble Saddam Hussein or Osama bin Laden (the image on the Shroud of Turin looks just like bin Laden).
See images here: http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_jcfa.htm
2007-10-27 19:02:43 · answer #1 · answered by gelfling 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, he usually isn't depicted as entirely white, is he? Think about it because I just have. He always appears to have a tan or something. I think the major Renaissance artists were attempting to convey what they thought an Israeli Jew would have looked like at that point in history. Most of these paintings are over 400 years old. So, you have to try and imagine what these men were thinking that long ago and if you look at it in that light, it becomes a matter of historical viewpoints and philosophies, doesn't it? The best way to find out what Jesus looked like while living as a human on Earth is by reading your Bible. Here's some things it says in so many words:
1. He was not handsome so that we might be desirous of Him.
2. His eyes are mentioned quite often. They apparently generated a lot of attention.
3. He worked with his Earthly father, Joseph, as a carpenter. Therefore, he would have been a muscular man, probably having rough hands, used to working out in the sun which made his complexion darker.
4. He walked a lot and generally it didn't take Him that long to get there. For some reason, this has always made me think that Jesus was a tall man.
5. He had a kind expression. Children loved Him and some of the apostles seemed to think of Him as being vulnerable somehow. He was completely innocent, of course. I think this would have reflected on His face.
Just some thoughts.
2007-10-27 19:21:07 · answer #2 · answered by Chiksita 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Um, He's not, unless you live in a predominantly white country. He is traditionally represented as part of the dominant ethnic group in a given region, for a couple of reasons:
1. Artists tend to use live models; and back before international travel was so common, that pretty much meant using someone from their own ethnic background.
2. Presenting Jesus to people as one of their own ethnic group is often seen as a way to reinforce the idea of God actually becoming one of us. By this reasoning, race is irrelevant and a distraction, so if you want to reach people, make Jesus one of their own. Whether this is really such a great idea could be debated, but the people doing this mean well.
2007-10-27 19:20:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous Lutheran 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These depictions are just paintings or drawings. Jesus was from the Middle East but we don't know exactly what he looked like. When I think about it, I guess it doesn't really matter what He looked like. It isn't His looks that are the most important thing.
2007-10-27 19:06:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well there were the "three white men who came to Jesus by night from the east" at the time of his birth.
2007-10-27 19:10:40 · answer #5 · answered by Prof Fruitcake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Because it was this RACE which shoved it's faith (Catholicism and Christianity) down peoples throats. Literally. Believe or DIE.
2. No. Little known is that Jesus along with his parents were of the blood of ancestry to the Egyptians. Galilee and it's inhabitants were considered "gentiles" by the Jews, but then not too many find out this one FACT. Though connections are made to linking Jesus to Jewish blood, his TEACHINGS tell the TRUTH.
2007-10-27 19:10:22 · answer #6 · answered by Theban 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no they were never white and I think it is all due to certain paintings done way back or the fact that white is seen as being pure but I agree it is wrong and worse when you see such pics in country's where people are naturally darker skinned. we should see Jesus as one of us. for light skinned people that may be white but for dark skinned it should be black I have seem posters of a black Jesus and must admit I found them odd but I know he was not really very fair skinned
2007-10-27 19:07:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. They where/are middle eastern. Which is closely related to caucasian.
Christianity has only REALLY Prospered in Europe. and the part about God making man in his own image.... Yeah.
Also america..... which for the longest time was dominated in population by..... I'll give you 3 guesses.
2007-10-27 19:10:32 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was most likely brown, thats why they created a church for Elvis, so they could have a white God!
2007-10-27 19:08:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know why. But, I would say He is of dark skin and most likely brown eyes.
He loves His chosen people the Jewish Nation of Israel and says, "Do not touch my anointed ones, the apple of My eye or you will suffer My wrath."
2007-10-27 19:12:06 · answer #10 · answered by NJ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋