Cultural depictions of Jesus

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Jesus Christ (Jesus of Nazareth) has often appeared in many elements of the popular culture of Western nations., often in a substantially different manner than the portrayal in the Bible. This includes, but is not limited to, fiction, television, music, and art.

Contents

[edit] In Artwork

Main article: Images of Jesus

There has been a long tradition of featuring Jesus in paintings and sculpture over the last 2,000 years, ranging from ancient icons to medieval altarpieces to modern acrylics. Entire websites are devoted to such artwork. Icons of Jesus are prevalent in modern Mexico.[1] Jesus is likewise commonly featured in contemporary Mexican religious folk art.[2] A related tradition has been sustained in New Mexico in the United States. Examples include Luis Tapia's "Santa Verónica" (with the face of Christ on Veronica's famous cloth), made in 1980.[3] Eastern Orthodox Christianity has long featured many icons of Jesus.[4]A common theme in many of these icons has been the portrayal of Jesus as a child.[5] In modern times, the Holy Infant of Prague has become extremely popular among Catholics.[6]Many contemporary artists continue to emphasize the subject. Example - "Le baptême du Christ" (The Baptism of the Christ) painted in 2001 by Corinne Vonaesch.

[edit] In Music

See also: Contemporary Christian music

Gospel music has remained a strong pop element in the music of religious America, of which Jesus is a frequent topic.

There have been significant (and successful) attempts to incorporate Jesus in current popular music trends, from rock to hip-hop. This incorporation happens on three different levels:

  • Bands or artists who focus almost entirely on Jesus/Christianity. Most of these bands are in support of it, and their music will almost always deal with spiritual themes. A few detractors (possibly Satanic and/or "shock rockers") may constantly critique, attack, or ridicule Christianity and Jesus.
  • Songs that deal with Jesus/Christianity. Bands or artists may not be religious at all, but they will still produce a song (or songs) in reference to Jesus. The songs may deal with Jesus/Christianity in a positive light (e.g., "Have A Talk With God" by Stevie Wonder), a negative light (e.g., "Heresy" by nine inch nails or "My God" by Jethro Tull), or just as a tool to help provide commentary on modern society (e.g., "Jesusland" by Ben Folds).
  • A simple reference to Jesus in a song. Many artists/bands will use a line in a song to show that they are Christian, but the song will have nothing to do with religion. Hip-hop artists will often give a "shout-out" to "the Lord", "Jesus", and other aspects of Christianity as well.

During the 1970s, the "Jesus Movement" produced many songs on the theme, and there have been many bands since then, both Christian and secular, which have done likewise.

Examples of Songs that reference Jesus:

  • "Cry Out To Jesus" is a song by "Third Day" on their album of the same title. Other songs concerning Jesus by the same group include "King of Glory".
  • "Father, Spirit, Jesus" is a song by "Casting Crowns" from their album "Lifesong" (Released in 2005 by "Reunion Records").
  • "I Believe / Jesus Is The Answer" by the group "Building 429" is a song on their album "Rise" (released in 2006

on the "Word Records" label). The song "Searching for a Savior" on the same album deals with the same subject.

  • "Jesus Christ Pose" by Soundgarden is one of several of their songs mentioning Jesus, such as "4th of July".
  • "Jesus He Knows Me" by the band "Genesis", is found on their "Platinum Collection" album (released in 2005 by "Rhino Atlantic"
  • "Jesus, I Lift My Eyes" by the group "Jars of Clay" is included in their album "Redemption Songs" (Released in 2005 on the Brentwood Music label).
  • "Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name" is a song performed by Shirley Caesar on the album "Her Very Best" (Released in 1987 on the label: Word Entertainment)
  • In the song, "Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains, "Jesus Christ" is repeated many times.
  • "Jesus Lord Of Heaven" is a song by "Kutless" on their 2005 album "Strong Tower".
  • "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" is a song by The Vaselines, popularized by Nirvana's cover during MTV's Nirvana Unplugged.
  • "Jesus Take the Wheel" is a song performed by Carrie Underwood.
  • "Love Them Like Jesus" by "Casting Crowns" is an example of a song by this group concerning Christ, along with others such as "Beautiful Savior".
  • "Me and Jesus" is a song by "Stellar Kart" from their album "We Can't Stand Sitting Down" (released in 2006 on the label: Word Records).
  • "Never Gonna Be as Big as Jesus" is a song by Audio A.
  • "Plastic Jesus" is an American folk song.
  • "Something About The Name Jesus" is a song by the group "Kirk Franklin and the Family" on their album "The Nu Nation Project" (released in 1998 on the Gospo Centric label). The song "If You've Been Delivered" on the same album deals with a similar theme.
  • "Thank You Jesus" is a song by the group "Virtue!" on their album "Testimony" (released in 2006 on the labels: Darkchild Gospel/Integrity Gospel/Columbia). Jesus is also the subject of the song "Follow Me" on the same album.
  • "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" by Terry MacAlmon is a song on the album "You're My Glory".
  • In the end of the chorus of their song "Possum Kingdom" from the album "Rubberneck", American rock band Toadies sing the line "So help me Jesus".
  • The Modest Mouse album The Lonesome Crowded West features a song entitled "Jesus Christ was an Only Child".
  • The lead single off The Killers sophomore album Sam's Town, "When You Were Young" features a line stating "He doesn't look a thing like Jesus" in the chorus.
  • "Suzanne" by Leonard Cohen devotes its second verse to a depiction of Jesus.
  • "Jesus of Surburbia" is a song by Green Day off their album American Idiot

[edit] Films

Further information: Dramatic portrayals of Jesus
Buddy Christ in Dogma.
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Buddy Christ in Dogma.
Date Title Country Notes IMDB
1973 Jesus Christ Superstar USA film based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's opera [2]
1979 Monty Python's Life of Brian UK The story of Jesus is parodied in this movie [3]
1986 Platoon USA features character immitating Christ's stance on the cross (arms outstretched above his head) [4]
1994 The Shawshank Redemption USA features character immitating Christ's stance on the cross (arms outstretched above his head) [5]
1997 Orgazmo USA Jesus is seen cheering the lead character on at the end of the film [6]
1999 South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut USA Jesus can be seen as part of the American army marching in front of Kyle's house [7]
1999 Dogma USA Buddy Christ is created as an icon to help revitalize the Catholic Church. [8]
2004 The Passion of the Christ USA directed by Mel Gibson, portrays the final days in the life of Jesus. [9]
2006 World Trade Center USA Jesus is seen in the vision of a New York City firefighter in the film [10]
2006 The Da Vinci Code USA Jesus was supposedly married to Mary Magdalene, who is portrayed as a pagan goddess and the true Holy Grail. [11]

[edit] Miscellaneous

[edit] References

  1. ^ A site documenting the subject via photographs
  2. ^ An example - Nicholas Hererra's paintings
  3. ^ [1]
  4. ^ A site with photos of historical Orthodox icons
  5. ^ A collection of such images
  6. ^ An example

[edit] See also

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