Jesus In African American Culture

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"Different communities have interpreted and understood Jesus in many different ways depending on their cultural needs and contexts" When considering religion everyone had a different idea as to what/who defines God. A vast majority believe in Jesus but even then, different communities with varying needs will picture him authentic. Black Jesus: When considering the African Americans back in the nineteen fifties and sixties the country of America was deeply segregated and white people oppressed the 'Black '. It wasn 't until the sixties when the African Americans started to rise. This is when they started to have a say and became more equal. A painting of black Jesus from the 60 's era, artist unknown. At this time a picture of 'Black Jesus ' appealed to the needs of this …show more content…

Mark 's Jesus: Jesus in the Gospel of Mark is very human like. The Gospel of Mark tells Jesus 's story in story form (beginning to end) and has meant teachings throughout it. Mark emphasised his human traits and emotions. He showed everyone that Jesus was a Jew, he was poor, gentile, loving and compassionate. He also showed Jesus 's anger and fear, all of these characteristics make him easy to relate to, and acts like a sign of comfort for many. Jesus was a loving person, one of the many times this emotion is displayed was when he said "love your neighbour as yourself"- Mark 12:31. (Explain quote) Jesus was a very compassionate person, this is shown in his day to day life, one example of this is "When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things"- Mark 6:34. This quote from the Gospel of Mark shows how Jesus was sympathetic and felt sorry for those without a leader. Jesus was also a very open minded person as well as empathetic this is shown when Jesus forgives the paralyzed Man of his sins, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are