JESUS I AM THAT I AM on ROKU
Preface
This groundbreaking 16 week series unveils an AI-production that boldly portrays Jesus as a Black man. Using cutting-edge technology, this production resurrects the life and death aspects of the enigmatic figure's story, commencing with his birth - 1st episode slated for December 24, 2023 Christmas Eve—and culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection, airing as the pivotal finale on April 7, 2024 Easter Sunday.
Introduction
Let's embark on this thought-provoking journey by considering a fundamental question: What race was Jesus Christ? If the color of Jesus isn't significant, why was it altered? Have you ever seen in the Bible where it says "I am White," "Mexican," "Asian," or "Black"?
Most people would answer no or find the description unknown. However, a remarkable revelation about Jesus' family lineage and DNA lies hidden in the middle of the Bible.
In Song of Solomon 1:5 ESV, a verse boldly states, "I am Black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem." This verse challenges prevailing beliefs and presents a direct acknowledgment of blackness in the biblical narrative. It urges a reconsideration of established perceptions about Jesus' racial identity, emphasizing the significance of this scripture in portraying a different perspective.
Moreover, Jesus is directly linked to the lineage of David and Queen Sheba. This ancestral connection, nestled in the midst of the Bible, adds depth to the discussion of Jesus' heritage, indicating a diverse lineage beyond conventional representations.
So, when considering the altered depiction of Jesus, it's essential to examine these biblical elements that challenge preconceptions and invite a broader understanding of his heritage and identity.
Patrilineage of Jesus according to Matthew
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Challenging Conventions: A Biblical Revelation
Jesus Christ, an influential historical figure, was born in a region we now identify as Africa, which has since been recognized as part of the Middle East—a land steeped in cultural diversity. Historical and anthropological evidence strongly suggests that Jesus, if portrayed accurately, would have shared features with the diverse populations of these regions.
JESUS I AM THAT I AM on ROKU
This historical reality challenges the prevalent Eurocentric depictions that arose during the Renaissance period, offering a different perspective on his likely appearance.
History, woven with complexities and distortions, has often obscured the significant contributions and ancient power of the black race to humanity. Within the Bible, while silent on the racial or skin coloration of Jesus Christ, lie allegorical verses offering hints about his physical characteristics, diverging from the widely accepted portrayal
Exploring Biblical Clues: Jesus's Likely Appearance
Let's journey through biblical verses that offer clues about Jesus's likely appearance:
Revelation 1:15 ESV Describing Jesus's feet as burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, hints at a brown hue—darker than the common depiction of Middle Easterners, possibly indicative of a deeper skin tone, consistent with extended exposure to sunlight, characteristic of Negroid people.
Revelation 1:13-14 ESV Portraying Jesus's hair as white as wool suggests a textured, wool-like appearance, challenging the conventional image of long, flowing hair often attributed to him.
Isaiah 53:2 ESV Describing Jesus as having no form or majesty contradicts the typical depiction of a distinguished, attractive figure.
Daniel 10:5-6 ESV Depicting Jesus's arms and legs as gleaming burnished bronze reinforces the notion of a darker skin tone, contradicting the prevalent depiction of light complexions among ancient Hebrews.
Genesis 49:10-12 ESV Mentioning eyes darker than wine counters the notion of blue eyes associated with the misrepresented image of Jesus.
Daniel 7:9 ESV Describing the Ancient of Days with pure wool-like hair further suggests textured hair, aligning with features associated with individuals of African descent.
Song of Solomon 1:5 ESV The verse, "I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem," from the Song of Solomon challenges prevailing perceptions, presenting a direct acknowledgment of blackness.
Historical Reality and Renaissance Depictions
These biblical verses challenge the prevalent depiction of Jesus as a fair-skinned, blonde-haired figure. Instead, they provide allegorical evidence suggesting a different physical representation—potentially more aligned with features associated with black individuals.
Historically, during the Renaissance, biblical figures were commonly depicted as white, influencing ingrained misconceptions. However, ancient artifacts, like the Roman Emperor Justinian's coin portraying Jesus with woolly hair and "black" features, offer an alternative perspective.
The distortion of historical facts has influenced the prevalent image of Jesus, obscuring potential clues found in biblical allegory. By revisiting these hints, artifacts, and the direct acknowledgment of blackness in Song of Solomon, we unravel a narrative challenging misrepresentations and acknowledging the possibility of Jesus resembling individuals of African descent.
Scrutinizing historical depictions through the lens of biblical allegory fosters a more inclusive and accurate understanding of historical truths. These insights prompt deeper discussions, challenging conventional narratives, and biases ingrained over centuries, opening avenues for diverse cultural perceptions and understanding.
Initiatives for a New Representation
In this context, contemporary voices, such as filmmaker Eric Williams, the visionary behind "Jesus I Am That I Am" and the owner of ThizzTV, advocate for a reimagining of Jesus's depiction. This endeavor seeks to rectify past misrepresentations from the Renaissance period, presenting a portrayal rooted in biblical facts. "Jesus I Am That I Am" endeavors to capture a more authentic representation of Jesus—one that transcends the conventional, often inaccurately portrayed, white-Caucasian image.
Driven by a personal quest for understanding and historical truth after experiencing profound losses, Williams embarked on a spiritual journey. "The tragic loss of my two brothers to suicide and the passing of my father due to work-related asbestos poisoning shattered my world. Amidst this grief, I sought solace and answers," Williams shared.
This introspection led Williams to reevaluate the portrayal of Jesus. "The discrepancies between traditional depictions of Jesus and historical evidence became evident during my search for meaning. My journeys to Africa revealed a perspective that contradicted the white depiction ingrained in my upbringing," Williams revealed.
The emergence of such initiatives signals a paradigm shift—a call for a new generation to embrace historical truths and challenge outdated depictions. It prompts us to reconsider the narratives that have shaped our perceptions, advocating for a representation grounded in historical evidence rather than cultural constructs of the past.
Furthermore, amidst this discourse, the commercialization of Christmas has obscured its true essence—the celebration of Jesus's birth and the values he espoused. The commodification of the holiday, coupled with misconceptions about Jesus's appearance, has led to a divergence from the genuine spirit of Christmas.
Revisiting the life and teachings of Jesus, his crucifixion, and the historical context of his existence invites a deeper reflection. His messages of love, compassion, and unity remain timeless, transcending the boundaries of ethnicity and time.
In acknowledging initiatives like "Jesus I Am That I Am," we embrace the opportunity to recalibrate our understanding of Jesus's likely appearance, grounded in historical and biblical accuracies. It is a pivotal moment—a chance to dismantle old constructs, honoring the diversity of Jesus's origins, and fostering a more inclusive representation of his legacy.
Identity and Representation
The true identity is incredibly important to everyone, including Black individuals. The discussion around Jesus' race or ethnicity often touches on the broader issue of representation and inclusivity.
For many Black people, identity isn’t just a personal matter; it’s about representation, acknowledgment, and a sense of belonging in historical narratives and cultural depictions.
JESUS I AM THAT I AM on ROKU
Throughout history, Eurocentric perspectives have often dominated portrayals of significant figures, including Jesus Christ. These depictions often portrayed Jesus as white, which can feel exclusionary to those seeking to see themselves reflected in their cultural and religious heritage.
Seeing someone who looks like you in significant roles or representations is empowering. It affirms one's existence, history, and place in the world. Recognizing Jesus as a person of color, particularly as a figure central to Christianity, can provide a sense of validation and cultural affirmation for Black individuals.
Conclusion: Embracing Truth and Diversity
Moreover, the conversation about Jesus' race highlights the need for a more inclusive representation in historical and religious narratives. It's about acknowledging diversity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of race or ethnicity, feels seen and represented in stories that hold cultural and spiritual significance.
Ultimately, it's not about changing history but acknowledging the multifaceted nature of identity and embracing a more inclusive narrative that reflects the diversity of humanity.
As we approach Christmas, let us heed this call for a reclamation of truth, steering away from commercial distractions. Let us rediscover the profound values Jesus embodied—values that echo across generations, inspiring unity, compassion, and a genuine celebration of his legacy beyond the confines of misrepresented history.
Prepare to witness a groundbreaking 16-week streaming series, "Unveiling the Truth: Jesus I Am That I Am," "Unveiling the Truth: Jesus I Am That I Am," distributed by ThizzTV on Roku and thizz.tv online platforms.
Upcoming December 24, 2023
Episode 1: Birth of Jesus Title: "A Child is Born"