Art and imagery have always been powerful tools for shaping perceptions, and nowhere is this more evident than in the depiction of religious figures like Jesus and his family. Across much of Western art and media, they are often portrayed as white, with blond hair and blue eyes—features far removed from their historical and geographical origins.

This depiction raises important questions: Why has this imagery persisted? What does it say about cultural power dynamics? And how does it shape our understanding of spirituality and history? Let’s dive into this complex and often controversial topic.

The Historical Jesus

Jesus of Nazareth was born in the Middle East, specifically in what is now modern-day Palestine. Historically and geographically, he and his family would have likely had brown skin, dark hair, and features common to the region at the time. Despite this, Western depictions often show them as European, reflecting the biases and cultural norms of the societies creating the art.

Cultural Influence and Eurocentrism

The portrayal of Jesus and his family as white is deeply tied to Eurocentrism. During the Renaissance and other periods of Western dominance, religious art often reflected the artists’ own communities and ideals. By depicting Jesus as white, they aligned his image with their cultural values, reinforcing their own societal norms and, often, colonial ideologies.

This Eurocentric lens reshaped global perceptions of Christianity, creating a visual narrative that erased the true diversity of its origins.

The Impact of These Depictions

1. Reinforcing Racial Hierarchies: Depicting Jesus and his family as white can perpetuate the idea of whiteness as divine or superior, marginalizing other racial and cultural groups. My first thought when I noticed how entrenched most people are on depicting an inaccurate image of a middle eastern family was that those that do, refuse to accept divinity from brown faces.
2. Alienating Non-European Believers: For many people of color, seeing Jesus depicted in ways that don’t resemble their communities can create a sense of exclusion or disconnection from their faith. This reinforces the bias of the environment and it chips away at their sense of worth.
3. Distorting Historical Accuracy: These depictions often overshadow the reality of Jesus’ life and context, focusing more on cultural ideals than historical truth. Doing this rewrites history to fit into the warped ideal of Eurocentrism.

A Shift Toward The Truth

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to challenge these traditional depictions and embrace more diverse and historically accurate representations of Jesus and his family. From art to film, creators are reimagining these figures in ways that reflect their Middle Eastern heritage and resonate with a broader range of believers.

This shift is not just about historical accuracy—it’s about telling the truth, justice, and reclaiming narratives that have been co-opted by dominant cultures.

Why This Conversation Matters

Representation in religious imagery shapes not only how we see the divine but also how we see ourselves and others. Challenging these outdated depictions isn’t about rewriting history—it’s about honoring it.

It’s also an opportunity to reflect on how cultural power shapes narratives and how we can work to create a more inclusive and truthful understanding of the past.

What are your thoughts on this topic? How do you feel about traditional depictions of Jesus and his family? Let’s discuss in the comments!