Reevaluating Christ’s Skin Color in Light of Historical Evidence and Christian Nationalism during Easter Celebrations

The debate over Jesus’ skin color has resurfaced during Easter celebrations, with some scholars arguing that historical evidence suggests Jesus was more likely brown or Middle Eastern than Nordic-looking. The traditional image of a white-skinned and flaxen-haired Christ is outdated for many Christians today who want to see someone who looks like them in religious icons. This issue has been heightened by the spread of Christian nationalism, with images of Jesus wearing MAGA hats circulating on social media feeds. Some argue that focusing too much on Jesus’ physicality hinders worship and distracts from his message; others say it matters because of history – white depictions have justified slavery, lynching, laws against interracial marriage, and hostility towards immigrants deemed not White enough. The writer Frederick Buechner once described the disciples encountering a “some new and terrible version” of Jesus after being crucified; whatever they saw is ultimately a matter of faith as no human category can contain him fully.