People who believe that Jesus was black base their belief on a variety of factors, including interpretations of biblical passages, historical and archaeological evidence, and cultural and theological perspectives. Here's a breakdown of some common arguments:
* Genealogy and Ancestry: Some argue that Jesus was a descendant of people from the African continent. They point to Jesus' lineage through King David, who is believed to have had ancestors who were from Africa.
* Physical Appearance: Some interpret descriptions of Jesus in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 1:14-15) as suggesting dark skin and hair. The descriptions of "hair white like wool" and "feet like burnished bronze" are sometimes interpreted as referring to features associated with people of African descent.
* Geographic Location: Jesus lived in the Middle East, which is geographically close to Africa. Some argue that there was significant interaction and intermingling between people from these regions, making it plausible that Jesus could have had African ancestry or features.
* Cultural and Theological Significance: For some, the belief that Jesus was black is a way to reclaim and affirm the dignity and worth of black people, who have historically been marginalized and oppressed. It can be a source of empowerment and a rejection of Eurocentric representations of Jesus.
* Historical Context: Some scholars argue that the historical context of the Roman Empire and the social status of Jews at the time would have made it unlikely for Jesus to be depicted as white.
* Biblical Interpretations: Some point to passages in the Bible that describe people from Africa in a positive light, such as the story of the Queen of Sheba or the Ethiopian eunuch who was baptized by Philip (Acts 8:26-40). They see these passages as evidence of God's concern for and acceptance of people of African descent.
It's important to note that these interpretations are varied and not universally accepted. The belief in a black Jesus is often a complex mix of religious, cultural, and political factors.