Jesus' physical appearance plays a major role in christianit

[Avoice]

The image people have if Jesus plays a big part in their beliefs in him.

They believe he is handsome. That he wears a white robe and sandals. Has long slightly wavy hair. His hair is becoming more blonde these days. And blue eyes are popular now. His eyes used to be brown in paintings and hair was darker. No matter. What matters is that he is nice to look at.

There are thousands of statues of Jesus. Paintings- too many to number. But he is always pleasant to the eyes All depicting a handsome man.

How many statues would there be if he was hideous and disgusting looking? If he was repulsive to the eyes. How many Christians would have a picture of him hanging in their house? And how many would point to that picture and say he is my Lord and savior!!
How many racist white Christians would reject an image of Jesus if he looked like Saddam Hussein or Osama Bin Laden? In truth Jesus would have looked more like them than the one DaVinci painted of him in the famous 'Last Supper'

Before everyone starts replying with how real Christians aren't racists -stop. If they identify as Christians they are Christian.

Christianity is a religion whose relationship with God requires that he be someone they can relate to. Someone who thinks like them. Someone THEY approve of. They want a religion that lets them decide what is right or wrong. That lets them eat what they want. A religion that won't make them feel guilty. A religion that provides an excuse for their failings. They sin because they are born sinners doncha' know. No. We are sinners when we sin!

Christians want God to think and act like them. They want God to be the image of them. They want to look at him. They have created him in their image. 2000 years ago a group of people have the people what they wanted. They dragged God down to earth and gave him a name and made him just like us. Jesus is just the kind of god we would make if we could make one. We get everything we want, live forever and he suffers for our sins.

Want to see people get outraged? Enact a law that forbids images of Jesus. Statues or anything that is to represent him. They are idol worshippers. Take their images and statues and see. Unfortunately that won't happen. Buuuut....next time you see a Christian looking at an image of Jesus mention what a nice picture of Moses they are looking at.
It's Jesus!
No, it's Moses.

Christianity is not based on faith. Faith is believing in things you can't see. Like God
Faith is not needing to put a face on God.

Christians worship the God that exists in their minds. He has light brown hair and blue eyes. Wears a white robe and leather sandals. And holds his arms outstretched. That's god to them. When he returns (rolling my eyes) he better look exactly like that or they won't see him. In the meantime they have their images and statues to look at. So comforting. Oh and the Virgin Mary. They created her plasant to the eyes too. Oh and the manger scene...look there is God....creater of the world...laying in a pile of hay. Born even lower than us. In a barn! A perfect God. One who doesn't think he's better than us[/i][/quote]

[Jagella]

...Jesus told us many will call His name and tell Him they were among His followers but He will tell them He does not know them. Not everyone who yells Jesus, Jesus will enter into the kingdom.

It's tricky business, isn't it? A person can be convinced that she is heaven-bound and still be sent to hell by an indignant Jesus. You might be such a person.

Lots of people didn’t like the way He thought at all and told Him so. In fact, His teaching were actually contrary to the culture of the time.

Which culture are you referring to? The pagans of that time would be very familiar and comfortable with much of what Jesus said assuming we can trust the gospel writers.

So, for Christians something isn’t wrong just because the Church says its wrong, rather the Church as no choice to say something is wrong because it is wrong and she must uphold truth.

Jesus said nothing against adults having sex with kids. Maybe that's why there's been so much pedophilia in the church and the cover-up. Avoice was right: Jesus lets his followers decide right from wrong.

As a Catholic, I am not allowed to eat meat on Fridays during Lent, even though I would love to.

Where did Jesus command no meat-eating on Fridays during lent?

We are taught sinning is an offense against God and severs our relationship with Him – not something recommended.

Weren't church officials concerned that the sin of molesting boys would sever their relationship with God and is not something you recommend?

Oh gosh I hope not. He wouldn’t be much of a god then.

Almost all gods including the Christian god act like people do. My best guess is that God acting like we do is because we made him up.

Christianity is based on faith AND reason.

If you already have good reason, then what do you need faith for?

We worship the God that has revealed Himself to us through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, history, and sometimes personal revelation.

Maybe it's coincidental, but a made-up god can be "revealed" the same way.

I also sometimes see Him with no particular face, rather just loving arms that envelop me.

Do you feel unloved and want somebody to love you?

[Willum]

[Replying to post 31 by Jagella]

Weren't church officials concerned that the sin of molesting boys would sever their relationship with God and is not something you recommend?

Point of order, molesting boys is not a sin, in the Bible, or according to God.
Only imperfect men believe this is wrong.
Carry on.

[Willum]

[Replying to post 24 by OnceConvinced]

Another example I see where racism is applied is stories of Adam and Eve. Have you ever noticed that Adam and Eve are always depicted as white? They would have been brown skinned too.

I don't know, assuming that A&E were real, being created perfect might mean that the Sun was not as harsh, and they wouldn't need pigment/melanin. On the other hand it could mean that they were created with Sun resistance...
Without disease, did they have an immune system, or was their immune system so good, they didn't get disease?

Hmm... so many questions.

[1213]

...
If Jesus looked like that, would it make any difference to you as far as your Christian beliefs are concerned? Would you reject a homely Christ?

Reason why I have received Jesus is his teachings, not his face. I have not seen Jesus physically, all though I believe it is possible that the shroud of Turin depicts Jesus.

I think Jesus was wise and loving. Those attributes can be seen from person’s eyes. The image you gave, doesn’t show those qualities in my opinion. That is why I think the image is not correct. However, that doesn’t mean the person couldn’t have those attributes, the image just doesn’t show convincing facial expressions.

Interesting thing is also, which is more handsome, the image you gave, or the image Tcg has in post 22. Your image is more manly and Tcg’s image could be also a woman with beard.

[RightReason]

[Replying to post 31 by Jagella]

RightReason wrote:

...Jesus told us many will call His name and tell Him they were among His followers but He will tell them He does not know them. Not everyone who yells Jesus, Jesus will enter into the kingdom.


It's tricky business, isn't it? A person can be convinced that she is heaven-bound and still be sent to hell by an indignant Jesus. You might be such a person.

Wow. A bit of a personal attack when you missed the reason I posted that comment was to contradict Avoice’s comment that if one identifies as a Christian then he is a Christian, even though that’s not what Christianity teaches.

Quote:
So, for Christians something isn’t wrong just because the Church says its wrong, rather the Church as no choice to say something is wrong because it is wrong and she must uphold truth.


Jesus said nothing against adults having sex with kids. Maybe that's why there's been so much pedophilia in the church and the cover-up. Avoice was right: Jesus lets his followers decide right from wrong.

Again, this does nothing to address the actual comment pertaining to the topic that I made. You just wanted to get in your personal off topic attack. You can always tell when someone doesn’t know how to actually discuss the topic at hand, he goes right to . . . “yeah, well pedophile priests!� <sigh> You do know the majority of pedophilia is done by family members, right? And you do know that the pedophilia is more common in the public school system, right? Try not to let the facts get in your way.

Quote:
As a Catholic, I am not allowed to eat meat on Fridays during Lent, even though I would love to.


Where did Jesus command no meat-eating on Fridays during lent?

When He told Peter, “He who hears you, hears me.� “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven�. The church is the pillar and foundation of truth.

Quote:
We are taught sinning is an offense against God and severs our relationship with Him – not something recommended.


Weren't church officials concerned that the sin of molesting boys would sever their relationship with God and is not something you recommend?

Back to that so soon? That’s all ya got, huh?

Almost all gods including the Christian god act like people do. My best guess is that God acting like we do is because we made him up.

Awww that’s cute. You’re giving it your best guess now.

Quote:
I also sometimes see Him with no particular face, rather just loving arms that envelop me.


Do you feel unloved and want somebody to love you?

Aaaaaand another personal slight and by taking one segment of something I said to get in your personal jibe. Nothing to say about my point? No response to my actual argument? Just some comment that I must feel unloved? LOL! Sounds like a line from a bully in some cheesy movie because he can’t think of anything else to say.

Come on step it up! At least try to paritcipate in actual discussion/debate.

[Willum]

[Replying to post 35 by RightReason]

I see Jagellia's personal attacks, as you call them, just re-iterating what you said.
That's a point isn't it? When he simply agrees with you, and you can find it offensive?
Doesn't that get you thinking?

I read your posts, I don't see any point you made that needs refuting. on the contrariwise, however...
and as to child abuse, rape and other abhorrence promulgated by your scripture, even if it does not have to do with the topic, isn't that a significant gnat worth swatting?

Oh, you can't...because it is in Deuteronomy, Isaiah and Zechariah. Ugh, the word of God no less...

[RightReason]

[Replying to Willum]

I see Jagellia's personal attacks, as you call them, just re-iterating what you said.
That's a point isn't it? When he simply agrees with you, and you can find it offensive?
Doesn't that get you thinking?

Truly, I have no idea what you’re talking about.

I read your posts, I don't see any point you made that needs refuting.

Of course not. You won’t admit it, but like Jagella you have your mind made up. You aren’t really following the thread, just enjoy slamm’n it to the believers when you can.

and as to child abuse, rape and other abhorrence promulgated by your scripture

Nope. I’m afraid that’s all your take.

, even if it does not have to do with the topic, isn't that a significant gnat worth swatting?

Sure. Concerned about child abuse? Start a thread about it. And if you are concerned about facts, you might be disheartened to find out the Catholic Church is not child abuse’s biggest culprit. But I know how difficult that might be to hear for those more concerned about bashing the Church than about abuse victims.

Actually, thank you Willum. Your post has reminded me of what non believers are really about. It is rarely about true conversation or acknowledging facts. It really is typically about name calling and I admit, I’m getting bored.

I will continue to pray for everyone on the forum, but I think I’m outa here. I can only take so much spouted garbage. Time to move on. I wish you well. I think many of you are so lost and confused and truly hope you get it soon. Peace. And I mean that.

[Willum]

[Replying to post 37 by RightReason]

RightReason wrote:

...Jesus told us many will call His name and tell Him they were among His followers but He will tell them He does not know them. Not everyone who yells Jesus, Jesus will enter into the kingdom.

Jagellia said: A person can be convinced that she is heaven-bound and still be sent to hell by an indignant Jesus. You might be such a person.

He just said what you said, in different words... You may be calling Jesus name, and he turns a deaf ear... how will you know till Judgement Day? Faith? "Jesus told us many will call His name and tell Him they were among His followers..."

You shouldn't be upset at Jag, but Jesus for not providing you clear direction.

Next:
If neither of us see what you've said that needs refuting, instead of repeating the meaningless part about us not getting it, restate your point. Otherwise we might think you have a different topic in mind and got mixed up.

MY TAKE ON RAPE?!
YOUR DEITY'S take on it:

Isaiah 13:15-16
15 Whoever is captured will be thrust through; all who are caught will fall by the sword.
16 Their infants will be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses will be looted and their wives violated.

Zechariah 14:2
2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city.

Deuteronomy 22:28-29
If a man happens to meet a woman who is not pledged to be married and rapes her and they are discovered, he shall pay her father fifty shekels[a] of silver. He must marry the young woman, for he has violated her. He can never divorce her as long as he lives.

I KNOW, RIGHT?

Actually, thank you Willum. Your post has reminded me of what non believers are really about.

paying attention to the disgusting details of scripture, that theists only cherry-pick to their own sensibilities.

Leaving after declaring a stalemate a victory? That is what a theist will usually do, however, if the proposition is nothing, then the stalemate means nothing.

[Zzyzx]

.

I will continue to pray for everyone on the forum, but I think I’m outa here. I can only take so much spouted garbage. Time to move on. I wish you well. I think many of you are so lost and confused and truly hope you get it soon. Peace. And I mean that.

The ‘lost and confused’ often depart when it becomes obvious that their ‘spouted garbage’ isn’t going over well and they cannot defend claims and stories.

It is not uncommon for those who do not fare well in debate to make blanket condemnations of those who do not agree with their theistic opinions, and take ‘parting shots’ to make their exit appear to be caused by others (rather than their own inability to present compelling debate).

If you (generic term) have the right answers, why can you only prevail when opposition voices are restricted or disallowed? Is the Forum’s level playing field (no preferential treatment granted) a disadvantage to those who cannot provide verifiable information to support their claims of knowledge?

Back to the OP: Perhaps church ‘officials’ in western nations recognize that Jesus would be less appealing to their ‘sheep’ if he was depicted in appearance as Middle Eastern. It is worthy of note that depictions of Jesus from Asia give him Asian features, and those from Africa give him black skin color.

[Jagella]

A person can be convinced that she is heaven-bound and still be sent to hell by an indignant Jesus. You might be such a person.

Wow. A bit of a personal attack...

I don't see how what I said is a personal attack. You belong to a religion whose supposed founder preached that even those who call on Christ's name and are otherwise convinced that Christ will grant them heaven can be in for a rude awakening. Despite their great faith, they may be missing some requirement for salvation and end up in hell. One of them might therefore be you. I'm just making a logical deduction.

...when you missed the reason I posted that comment was to contradict Avoice’s comment that if one identifies as a Christian then he is a Christian, even though that’s not what Christianity teaches.

It may come as a complete surprise to you, but I don't necessarily go by what Christian dogmas claim. Many Christians define "Christian" in some way that assumes that God exists. For example, they might describe a Christian as a "person filled by the Holy Ghost." I cannot sensibly accept that definition because I don't believe in ghosts, Holy or otherwise.

So to cut out all the doctrinal disputes, I understand a Christian as a person who sincerely says that she is a Christian.

You just wanted to get in your personal off topic attack.

What I posted about the Catholic church covering up pedophilia among its priests is a fact that relates to what you posted. You claimed that the Catholic church "must uphold truth." The facts demonstrate that the Catholic church does not always champion the truth but will hide the truth.

You do know the majority of pedophilia is done by family members, right? And you do know that the pedophilia is more common in the public school system, right?

I'm not sure how common pedophilia is among family members and in public schools, but I think you may be right that that those places may be some of the most common places in which pedophilia takes place. I don't see how such a fact frees the Catholic church from blame, though. Are you arguing that if pedophilia takes place in other institutions, then the Catholic Church is not guilty of covering up child abuse?

By the way, I was abused by Catholics when I was a child and even as a young adult. Some of that abuse was sexual abuse.

Where did Jesus command no meat-eating on Fridays during lent?

When He told Peter, “He who hears you, hears me.� “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven�.

OK, then were did Peter command that Christians abstain from meat on Fridays?

Weren't church officials concerned that the sin of molesting boys would sever their relationship with God and is not something you recommend?

Back to that so soon? That’s all ya got, huh?

Please answer my question. You posted that sin severs our relationship with God. If you are correct, then the Catholic Church has severed its relationship with God because it lied to cover up child abuse among some of its highest clergy.

Awww that’s cute. You’re giving it your best guess now.

RR, you've obviously run out of any sensible arguments.

Nothing to say about my point? No response to my actual argument?

I didn't see you post any argument. You just said that you see Christ as somebody to envelop you with his loving arms. I just asked if you want somebody to love you.

Sounds like a line from a bully in some cheesy movie because he can’t think of anything else to say.

Do you see me as a bully who is shaking up your religious faith by asking you questions you don't wish to answer?

Come on step it up! At least try to paritcipate in actual discussion/debate.

Yes, and the first step involves answering my questions. I promise to answer your questions the best way I can. Is it a deal?