STOP RACISM

Easter is the highest, most holy day on the Christian church calendar. Christians everywhere prepare their most elaborate celebrations at this time. As Easter approaches, the news media have been carrying a story that a church in the northeastern part of the USA is putting on a passion play. On alternate nights, Jesus is played by a black actor. Several churches canceled their tickets because of this.

I don't know what kind of churches these were that cancelled their tickets, but I do know that they are NOT CHRISTIAN. They may think they are followers of Christ but somebody was not paying attention.

Jesus was not a white guy. Jesus was a Jew, a middle easterner; more than likely with dark skin, black beard, black hair. Hollywood portrayals of Christ as a blond hair blue eyed boy are not only historically wrong but fail to challenge racist attitudes which are held by some in our culture.

Throughout Jesus ministry there are numerous examples of Jesus getting in trouble with the Jew's because he refused to participate in the racist attitudes and behavior of his culture. Jesus and his disciples challenged the racism of the time, not only in their words but in their actions. Jesus associated with gentiles, Samaritans, and Romans. His disciples, starting with Peter and Paul, have carried his message to people of all races and lands. Racist attitudes go against everything Jesus taught.

Jesus Came from a Persecuted Minority

The jews have been the most persecuted, discriminated against, minority in the history of the world. The Egyptians enslaved them, the Babylonians captured them and destroyed their cities, the Romans conquered them, etc., etc., etc.

African Americans have been discriminated against since the 1700's, Native Americans have been abused and discriminated against since the 1600's but the Jews have been abused and discriminated against for at least 5000 years.

If you want to find an actor to portray Jesus now-a-days, you should pick someone from the most persecuted minority around. This is the appropriate context for understanding Jesus life and ministry.

Send comments to:

Steve Falkenberg

Steve.Falkenberg@eku.edu