Episode 143: Picturing Christ (Daniel Becerra)

In this deeply reflective episode of 'Why Religion,' host John Hilton explores the profound significance of how we picture Jesus Christ, drawing on insights from Daniel Becerra's book *Picturing Christ: Understanding Depictions of Jesus in History and Art*. The discussion begins with personal stories and cultural reflections on the racial and ethnic depictions of Jesus in religious art, particularly within the Latter-day Saint tradition. Becerra shares how his Mexican heritage and experiences growing up in the U.S. church led him to question the predominantly white portrayals of Christ and sparked a mission to promote diverse, historically accurate representations. The episode traces the evolution of Christ's image from early Christian art—where he was symbolically depicted as a shepherd or Roman noble—to the medieval and Renaissance ideal of a regal, European-looking Jesus, shaped by cultural biases and theological agendas. It then examines how Latter-day Saint art has evolved, from early European-influenced depictions to modern efforts by the Church History Museum and international artists to reflect global diversity. The core message is that diverse portrayals of Christ foster belonging, challenge assumptions about holiness and race, and deepen our understanding of Jesus' humanity and divinity. The episode concludes with Becerra’s personal journey of faith, intellectual curiosity, and the integration of scholarship and testimony, emphasizing that true discipleship is not just about obedience, but about becoming more like Christ through love, humility, and spiritual growth. Key takeaways include: (1) Our mental image of Jesus shapes our spiritual connection and understanding of God; (2) Historical and archaeological evidence suggests Jesus was a Mediterranean man with olive skin, short hair, and a beard, not a white European; (3) Artistic depictions are cultural reflections that can either exclude or include people of different races and backgrounds; (4) Diverse portrayals of Christ—such as a homeless Jesus or a Black Last Supper—challenge assumptions about holiness and promote a Zion-like society; (5) Both high Christology (divine majesty) and low Christology (human vulnerability) are essential for a full understanding of Jesus; (6) Faith grows not in the absence of doubt, but in the space where questions and uncertainty coexist with trust in God; (7) The ultimate goal of discipleship is not just knowing or doing, but becoming like Christ; (8) The Holy Ghost is the source of love and belief, not just blessings or circumstances.