This podcast episode investigates the surprising origin of the widely recognized image of Jesus Christ. The hosts discuss how Warner Salmon's 1940 painting, "Head of Christ," became the dominant visual representation of Jesus globally, influenced by its realistic style mimicking contemporary studio photography and its mass distribution during WWII. The episode explores how this image, initially intended to project a "manly" image of Christ, inadvertently shaped cultural perceptions of Jesus's appearance, particularly his race, and its impact on both white and non-white Christian communities. The podcast highlights the role of mass production and distribution in shaping cultural imagery and the subsequent efforts to diversify representations of Jesus within Black churches. The episode concludes by emphasizing the impact of specific human decisions on the creation and dissemination of cultural symbols.
