Science backs up the bible.
P. Polar 17/01/05
Published as: Christ’s skin colour irrelevant. Trinidad Express 18/01/05
The Editor: I was recently reminded of the diversity of Trinidad and Tobago when I saw a picture in a newspaper of the Bobo Shanti Rastafarians celebrating Christmas Day on the 7th of January. They believe that Christ was dark skinned. I found ironic as I had just viewed a BBC documentary entitled “ Jesus: The Complete Story Vol III” which, based on forensic evidence, suggested that the people in that region at that time were most likely Afro-Asiatic and as such dark skinned.
The documentary also suggested that the current depictions of Jesus with more Caucasian features became popular around the time of the Renaissance, in an attempt to make Jesus more palatable to a European audience. The earliest paintings of Jesus, about 200 years after his death, however, support the biblical description, and depict him as darker skinned with short curly hair and beard.
I have read many letters in newspapers debating the accuracy of the fine details of Jesus’ life yet we are blissfully unaware, or chose to ignore such a major detail as Jesus’ physical appearance.
The intent of this article is not to cause any religious controversy. My point is that none of us were there in Jesus’ time, so we should be humble and accept that we would never know or never agree on all the details. Perhaps we should consider that the message is more important that the messenger.
Author's note: I was inspired to write this article when I read an article last year in the Express on " Black man's bible". It depicted this Rastafarian priest who had pictures form an old bible where Jesus was depicted as "black". It think generally people scoffed at the idea. Knowing what I know, I considered contacting him but hesitated. I think it is about time people know the truth. Would it be interesting to see the look on the faces of the KKK and other white supremacy advocates if they ever found out?