Introduction
Many paintings and movies depict Jesus Christ as a blue-eyed, blonde-haired white European man. However, this widely accepted image is actually a portrayal of Cesare Borgia, the son of Pope Alexander VI. This narrative was crafted during the Renaissance to maintain power and control. This breakdown explores the true origins of Jesus’ depiction and the implications of this historical deception.
1. The Origins of the Deceptive Image
Key Points:
- Cesare Borgia: An Italian mobster and captain in the papal military, Cesare Borgia’s image was used to represent Jesus.
- Pope Alexander VI: Borgia’s father, who commissioned artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo to create this false image to oppress Black people and sustain Roman power.
Why It Matters:
- Manipulation of Religion: The intentional creation of a false image to control perceptions and maintain power.
- Historical Injustice: Recognizing how these actions contributed to the oppression of Black people.
2. The Role of Renaissance Artists
Key Points:
- Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo: These renowned artists were tasked with painting Cesare Borgia as Jesus.
- Competition: A rivalry between the two artists to impress the Pope by creating the most convincing image.
Why It Matters:
- Influence of Art: Understanding the significant impact of art in shaping religious and cultural perceptions.
- Cultural Deception: The deliberate creation of a misleading image that has persisted for centuries.
3. The Discovery of True Christian Texts
Key Points:
- Coptic Christians in Egypt: Rebelled against the destruction of original texts and buried manuscripts in Nag Hammadi.
- Nag Hammadi Texts: Discovered in 1945, these texts reveal a different Christianity and the existence of a powerful spiritual master who taught alongside Jesus.
Why It Matters:
- Lost Teachings: The suppression and rediscovery of these texts provide a fuller understanding of early Christianity.
- Historical Revision: Reexamining accepted narratives in light of new evidence.
4. Biblical Description of Jesus
Key Points:
- Revelation 1:14-15: Describes Jesus with white woolly hair, eyes like flames of fire, and a complexion like burned brass.
- Contradiction to Popular Image: The biblical description starkly contrasts the European depiction.
Why It Matters:
- True Representation: Correcting historical inaccuracies to honor the true image of Jesus.
- Cultural Identity: The importance of accurate representation for cultural and spiritual identity.
5. The Impact of Deception
Key Points:
- Psychological Effects: The false depiction has contributed to a sense of exclusion and inferiority among Black people.
- Idolatry: The worship of a man-made image, condemned in the Bible, leading to widespread idolatry.
Why It Matters:
- Cultural Erasure: The erasure of the true appearance and heritage of biblical figures.
- Religious Integrity: Restoring the true image of Jesus to uphold religious and historical integrity.
6. Efforts to Suppress the Truth
Key Points:
- Removal of Apocrypha: The Catholic Church removed 14 books from the King James Bible to prevent people from discovering the truth.
- Wisdom of Solomon: This book warned of the creation of false idols, leading to its exclusion from the canon.
Why It Matters:
- Suppressed Knowledge: The deliberate omission of critical texts to control religious narratives.
- Call for Reexamination: Encouraging a reexamination of religious texts and historical records.
Conclusion
The widely accepted image of Jesus as a white European is a historical deception crafted for control and oppression. By understanding the true origins of this image and reexamining biblical descriptions, we can correct historical inaccuracies and honor the true cultural and spiritual heritage of Jesus. This knowledge challenges us to question accepted narratives and seek a deeper understanding of history and faith.
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