Race, Politics and Religion….
Three of the most volatile topics in the world, and all addressed in this fascinating article by Jamie Reno in “The Daily Beast” with author Edward Blum’s thoughts on the impact of the various perceptions of Jesus’ race and appearance on the Presidential Campaigns. Blum is the co-author of the upcoming book “The Color of Christ”, which I just pre-ordered from Amazon.com.
This particular article on race, Mormonism and how Romney and President Obama view Jesus really is worthwhile reading. And I’ve spent enough time in Salt Lake City to know people really should take a hard look at the Mormon view on race. Among other things…..
This is just one topic the book addresses. I can’t wait to read the entire book on the bigger context of the perceived Color of Christ and it’s role in American history.
Here is a brief excerpt and a link to the full, fairly short article.
So what does Blum think Obama would say if he were asked if Jesus were black? And what does he think Romney would say if he were asked if Jesus were white?
“I think Obama would say that the United States is too diverse for any one color to be recognized as the color of Christ or God,” he says. “Obama has stressed that the Golden Rule is his main political lesson from Jesus. I rarely hear Romney mention the Golden Rule in his political positions.”
Blum believes Romney would have a harder time with the question of Jesus’ skin color. “The problem with this question would be intense for Romney because God has a body in Mormon theology, just as humans do,” Blum says. “God and his son Jesus are described as white by the Mormon prophets and in the paintings.”
via Was Jesus Lily-White? Author Edward Blum Discusses Race and the Mormon Religion – The Daily Beast.
Lost in the 21st Century 