The idea of a Black Jesus touches on history, culture, religion, and identity, and means different things to different people. Here’s a breakdown of what people mean when they refer to the Black Jesus:
1. Historical Jesus as a Man of Color
Many scholars and theologians agree that Jesus was not white as he is often depicted in Western art. He was a Middle Eastern Jew, born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth — modern-day Palestine/Israel. Historically and geographically, he likely had:
Brown skin
Dark eyes
Woolly or coarse hair
This description aligns more closely with what today might be called a “Black” or “Brown” man than the blue-eyed, fair-skinned depictions of European paintings.
2. Black Liberation Theology
In the 1960s and 70s, Black theologians like James Cone argued that Jesus is Black — not necessarily in a literal sense, but symbolically:
He identified with the oppressed, just like Black people in America and across the world.
He was a revolutionary figure who stood against political and religious corruption.
In this theology, Jesus stands in solidarity with Black suffering and offers freedom and justice.
3. Cultural Reclamation
For many Black people, calling Jesus “Black” is about taking back control of the image of God. For centuries, colonizers pushed a white Jesus to enforce white supremacy and slavery. Recognizing a Black Jesus is a way of:
Reclaiming dignity
Finding personal connection in faith
Teaching that God looks like all of us, not just Europeans
4. Depictions in Art and Media
From Rastafarian beliefs to portrayals in shows like Black Jesus (the satirical TV series), the image of Jesus as Black shows up in:
African-American churches
Rastafari culture (where Haile Selassie is sometimes seen as the Black Messiah)
Hip hop and poetry
Murals, books, and Black Bibles
Final Thought:
The question of who is the Black Jesus is both literal and symbolic. It’s about truth in historical identity and power in cultural representation. It’s a reminder that Jesus wasn’t a European and that God is not exclusive to one race, culture, or image.
Would you like to explore how the Bible itself describes Jesus’ appearance or connect this to your work on kings, Israelites, and identity?
