The race and ethnicity of Jesus are always in contention in Christian circles. In undergrad, there were white evangelicals who stormed out of class rooms when in one class, the professor discussed Tupac Shakur as a religious figure. Many people believe (wrongly) that the image of the Black Jesus started during the black power movement of the 1960s and 70s, but this is just not so. Historian Professor Edward J. Blum has a new book detailing the development of how religious people see Christ, and his image in regards to race. You can check out the press release here from San Diego State University Press.
Blum also has up an official website, Color of Christ.com with hundreds of images depicting Jesus. Thanks to the folks at Rhetoric, Religion, and Race for the heads up. If only I could find a way to get a review copy.
Also, check out this interview with Blum and scholar/writer Joanna Brooks:
