A Must-Read: The Psychological and Historical Impact of Racialized Religious Imagery
As I delved into the complex issue of racialized religious imagery in my book Jesus is a Black Man: An Inconvenient Truth, one of the most striking revelations I encountered was the profound psychological impact it has had on black communities. The famous 1940s “#DollTest” by Drs. Kenneth and Mamie Clark demonstrated how black children, when given a choice between #BlackDolls and #WhiteDolls, overwhelmingly preferred the white dolls and associated them with positive traits. This internalized belief in white superiority is deeply troubling, and I see its influence extending into religion, where millions of black Christians worship an #ImageofJesus that does not resemble them. This raises a crucial question: How can black children develop self-love when the central figure of their faith has been historically presented in a way that excludes their identity, ignoring that they are made in the image and likeness of their Creator (Genesis 1:26)?
Genesis 1:26 declares: “Then God said, ’Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’” This verse affirms that all people, including black people, are divine reflections of God. Yet, centuries of racialized religious imagery have led many to see blackness as an afterthought rather than a purposeful part of God’s creation. If God is the source of all beauty and power, then black skin, black features, and black heritage are not mistakes-they are divine manifestations of His creative intention. #Melanin is not a curse; it is a gift, a mark of resilience, endurance, and divine artistry.
As I explored further, I came across compelling evidence of the historical #WhitewashingofJesus. Susannah Herschel’s #TheAryanJesus exposed how Nazi Germany attempted to erase Jesus’ Jewish heritage to align with an #Aryan narrative. Similarly, Aylmer von Fleischer’s #HowJesusChristBecameWhite attributes the modern white image of Jesus to #Renaissance artist #Michelangelo, who allegedly modeled Christ’s likeness after his cousin. This was not an accidental shift but a deliberate rebranding by #European powers to assert #religious, #cultural, and #political dominance.
The implications of these findings are profound. I believe it is imperative to challenge these #HistoricalDistortions, not out of #RacialBias but in pursuit of #truth. Recognizing Jesus’ true identity is not just about race; it is about breaking free from centuries of manipulation and ensuring that faith reflects historical and #SpiritualAuthenticity. Teaching black children that they are made in God’s image, just as they are, empowers them to embrace their identity with confidence. Faith should be a source of liberation, not a tool for oppression.
Say no to skin bleaching, mutilation, pigmentation, skin surgery, etc., in an attempt to look white or resemble your former oppressors. You were fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Embrace your identity with pride, knowing that you reflect the image of the Almighty. True beauty lies in self-acceptance, and the greatest freedom comes from rejecting the lies of history that sought to make you doubt your worth. Love yourself, love your skin, and walk in the truth of who you were created to be. #JesusLovesYou #BeOriginal #iPreachChristinTruth #JesusIsABlackMan @highlight
