Dr. Ambs Aremuorin

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Jesus would have had the appearance of a typical Galilean Semite of his time—dark-skinned, with short, curly hair.

– Aremuorin

The casting of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus has ignited a firestorm of debate. Some call it groundbreaking, others decry it as blasphemous. But beyond the outrage lies a deeper question: Is the resistance truly about faith, or is it about the discomfort of seeing long-held norms disrupted?

Is the controversy theological, racial, gender-based—or is it simply the radical notion that God chooses whomever He pleases?

Reimagining the Face of Jesus

For centuries, Western art has depicted Jesus as a white man with flowing hair and piercing blue eyes. Yet, historical scholarship paints a different picture.

Dr. Joan Taylor, professor of Christian Origins, states in What Did Jesus Look Like?,

“Jesus would have had the appearance of a typical Galilean Semite of his time—dark-skinned, with short, curly hair.”

If Jesus’ image has already been reshaped for cultural comfort, then why is Erivo’s casting considered so radical?

Biblical Precedent for Unlikely Messengers

Throughout history, God has chosen unexpected figures for divine purposes.

• Moses was a fugitive with a speech impediment.

• Mary Magdalene was a woman dismissed by society—yet the first to witness the resurrection.

• David was overlooked even by his own family before becoming king.

As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us:

“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

If God’s selections defy human expectations, why should our casting choices be any different?

The Power of Representation in Faith and Art

Representation isn’t just about visibility—it’s about dismantling exclusionary narratives.

Dr. Patricia Hill Collins, in Black Feminist Thought, asserts:

“Representation is not just about who is seen. It is about who gets to be imagined as powerful, as divine, as worthy.”

Art has always been a vehicle for transformation. Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper reshaped how people visualized faith. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton revolutionized historical storytelling. Why should the image of Jesus remain static?

Art as a Catalyst for Change

Great art provokes thought. It challenges norms. It expands collective imagination.

Theologian Dr. James Cone famously argued:

“Jesus is Black not because of race, but because He stands in radical solidarity with the oppressed.”

By portraying Jesus as a Black woman, Erivo’s casting forces us to ask: Do we worship a construct, or do we embrace a living message?

Who Decides What is Sacred?

The real debate isn’t whether Cynthia Erivo should play Jesus. The real question is:

• Why does this challenge people’s perceptions so deeply?

• Is it about theological integrity—or about control?

• And most importantly, if Jesus represents all, why are we so afraid of reimagining Him beyond a narrow mold?

As Galatians 3:28 reminds us:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Maybe it’s time we start acting like it.

Final thought

If this upsets you Christian’s so much why don’t you use the same energy for the blasphemous image of white Jesus? – Aremuorin

📢 Join the Conversation

Do you think Erivo’s casting is an overdue step toward inclusivity—or do you believe some roles should never be reinterpreted? Drop a comment below.

#BreakingBarriers #CynthiaErivo #RepresentationMatters #FaithInArt #DivineDisruption #JesusInColor #InclusiveStorytelling

Aremuorin is a multi-award-winning art artist, writer, and humanitarian, known for his unique fusion of music, writing, and advocacy. With a focus on empowerment and social justice, his work aims to inspire, educate, and uplift communities worldwide. Aremuorin has been honored with numerous accolades, including awards in the UK, USA, and Africa, and holds two honorary doctorate degrees for his contributions to both the arts and humanitarian work. His artistry goes beyond entertainment, as he uses his platform to bring attention to issues of mental health, social change, and cultural pride

Written by Aremuorin / Contact / Mailing List / Linktree / Latest Post / WhatsApp – Let’s keep the conversation going !!!