Jesus has become the Colonel Sanders of religious figures
I have recently started to dabble with new computer-generated imagery and art and it has given me a chance to explore what “Jesus” really is. What we now see in modern churches is a disconnect between what Jesus supposedly said (anti-rich, pro-poor) and what is presented to hungry believers. What they want to see and hear in church is “good job, you believe in Jesus. You are saved”.
What they are really pledging their souls to (quite often, but not always) is an IMAGE of Jesus. It is Jesus without the substance and without his humanity. A perfectly deified picture of a saviour that also acts as a genie (granting wishes) a guidance counsellor (providing advice) and as the supreme creator of Heaven and Earth. Lord of all.
Of course, this is scripturally incorrect. But I am not writing today to argue about the specifics of that, but rather discuss the problems and unique opportunities this worship of a manufactured Jesus present.
As a writer and an artist I have completed quite a few writing and visual series that have been based around Christian theology and beliefs. My latest project — Cyborg Jesus — is seeking to create Jesus iconography and mythology using computer-generated art.
Using a description I write myself, including the art style and specifics I want in the image, the program I use then generates 4 different images. For example, the image used at the top of this post was generated with “Jesus as Colonel Sanders”. The image below was generated using something along the lines of “Jesus fighting a giant spider with a sword” — it has almost 400 likes as well as numerous “Amens” commented on it.
Christians are often liking and sharing things simply because they mention Jesus or feature an image that reminds them of Jesus. Remember, the above image is computer generated, and it even includes made up accounts of Jesus defeating a giant spider:
The LORD did defeat the giant spider ridding the land of evil. All of the people gave praise to God and said “this man did defeat the giant spider”. Amen
People are then wholeheartedly typing “Amen” after that. A few “praise the lords” and other Christian phrases. Do they read the post? Do they simply see the computer generated image of “Jesus” and praise that? A machine’s idea of what Jesus looks like — based on what we all think Jesus looks like. Beard, robe, etc.
When I engage with my faith I like it to have a foundation of wisdom. So when I see iconography of any description I am appreciative of it (I really do love Christian art and iconography) but I am also distrustful of it. Are we worshipping the image or are we paying attention to the substance of the gospel?
In an age of social media I tend to think that yes, people worship images. We all do it, sometimes voluntarily (TV shows, Facebook and Twitter) and sometimes involuntarily with marketing. I am not working on this latest art series to offend Christians, it is to point out deep flaws in Christian worship and belief.
We cannot simply type “Amen” on posts and expect to get into heaven. Likewise we cannot just share images and stories of Jesus and expect that we are living as the Christian gospels say. Thankfully though, many of us live in a modern world and do not blindly type amen on anything “Christian” they see online.
Practice discernment. It should be a core part of your faith. Also, have a sense of humour, because I’m very sure that God has one too.
The figure and name of Jesus shouldn’t just be used as a marketing tool. The face of Jesus is starting to slowly resemble Colonel Sanders on the Kentucky Fried Chicken boxes! The truth being that all representations of Jesus as an image are false and not what an historical Jesus would have looked like.
I guess you don’t get as good a marketing message across showing the true (radical) ideas and teachings of Jesus. You also don’t get as many bums on seats. If you are in a Church for the performances, then you aren’t really there for your faith.
Thanks for reading, be sure to follow me here on Medium, or check out my long time writing and art website kjwriteleft.com
