First he brought us Jesus Walks; then college dropout Kanye West courted controversy by appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine as Jesus Christ himself. Now he is apparently claiming that he should be a character in The Bible. Is Kanye making a valid point by portraying himself as a black Jesus?

Covered in blood, Kanye West is shown wearing a crown of thorns on his head in the deliberately provocative picture by photographer David LaChapelle. Amazingly, Kanye claims that his life is similar to Christ's, saying that he has had to fight for recognition and suffer for success. "If I was more complacent and started to let things slide, my life would be easier, but you all wouldn't be as entertained. My misery is your pleasure", he is quoted as saying. The Boston Globe sums up the views of many when it says: "The idea that West, a 27-year-old rapper who's a millionaire many times over, is somehow persecuted is preposterous. Rolling Stone is trying to sell a few more mags by posing Kanye West as Christ on the cover... Here's hoping it doesn't work." The Baltimore Sun says: "Perhaps he meant it as a symbol of personal suffering. Maybe he wanted to present young hip-hop heads with an updated image of the Son of God. Whatever his motives, Kanye West again has accomplished what he set out to do: Get people to talk." In his interview with Rolling Stone, Kanye confesses that he suffers from an addiction to porn. He remembers first seeing his father's Playboy magazine when he was five years old. "It was like, 'Houston, we have a problem.'"

Kanye West by David LaChapelle

Kanye West thinks he should be in The Bible. "I bring up historical subjects in a way that makes kids want to learn about them. I'm an inspirational speaker. I changed the sound of music more than one time… For all those reasons, I'd be a part of the Bible" claims Kanye. However, if you read Numbers 22:28-30 you'll see The Bible already has a talking ass — does it need another?

Kanye is not the first rapper to liken himself to Jesus. Jay-Z famously calls himself Jay-Hova, the savior of rap. In "Pain In Da Ass" he says: " Hello, it's Hova; that's right young'un the wait is over; The new millennium is upon us, the album is here." There have been others: Mase appears on an album cover as Jesus, and P Diddy appeared on the cross in the Nas "Hate Me Now" video. Even Michael Jackson has a picture of The Last Supper over his bed with Jackson sitting in Jesus' place.

Puff Daddy in "Hate Me Now"

	There is an increasing trend of portraying Jesus as a black man. How accurate is the traditional portrayal of Jesus? What color was the original Christ? It can almost certainly be said that Jesus would not have been white. His hair was also probably cut short, unlike the image shown in most western portraits. Jesus did have some African links — after all, as an infant he fled with his parents to Egypt where, presumably, his appearance did not make him stand out. The recent movie "Son of Man" casts Jesus as a black, street-bred South African, challenging Hollywood's depiction of a western-looking Jesus. In the film Christ wears jeans and a T-shirt, is born in a shanty-town shed, and his mother Mary is a feisty virgin who argues with angels. Another movie, "Color of the Cross," features a black actor portraying Christ. "It's more likely that Jesus was black than it was that Jesus was European" said one of the movie's producers.
Son of Man Movie Poster		Color of the Cross Movie Poster

I hope to impress upon young black children throughout the world that they are created in the image of Christ. — Jean-Claude LaMarre, director of Color of the Cross

Sneaker maker Pony used an image of a black Jesus in an advertising campaign to relaunch the brand as an 'athletic shoe with attitude'. The ad's art directors Fred and Farid defended the image by claiming "The black Jesus is the strongest statement we found for this hip-hop brand. It's saying: 'Why should God be always represented by a white guy?' In some ways, it's a very politically correct ad. More shocking than this picture is the fact that most of the churches around the world still have only a white man as the representation of God. It's also a reflection of the open-minded philosophy of the Pony brand. It's even fairer considering the fact that most of the sports athletes and hip-hop artists on the walls of teenagers' bedrooms are black." The Pony campaign, shot by 50 Cent's photographer Sacha Waldman, was chosen as one of the best print campaigns of the year, even though the ad was not run in the US.

Pony Black Jesus Ad Campaign

Blasphemous images are becoming increasingly common, but this startling picture of England soccer star Wayne Rooney isn't one of them. Advertisers do like controversy, and somebody has been found to say that Rooney's pose is a blasphemous parody of the Crucifiction.Come off it! Wayne is half Jack Nicholson, open-mouthed in The Shining, and half the monster in Alien — scary, but not blasphemous. There is quite a bit of blasphemy about these days. But there is no point complaining about it. God will not be mocked, and deliberate blasphemers will no doubt find their personal lake of fire sooner or later. — The Daily Telegraph

What do you think of Kanye West portraying himself as Jesus? What do you think of the portrayal of Jesus as a black man? Let me know what you think.

I almost wept when I read this article. I can't believe these rappers! That's why I'm in the fight using Holy Hip Hop as a tool to disinfect the poison these fools are talking. — Ya Boy Dubb

Some people are just too sensitive. Instead of trying to figure out what is what... start praying for people in Hollywood. Instead of insulting the rappers (because they're not hip hop), start complaining to the CEOs of these major labels. They are the ones who want these things to happen in music, not the artists. Most of the CEOs of the record companies are white, and they like commercial success because that's the big bucks. So if they want their artist to sell sex that's what they'll do, if they want the rappers to talk about girls and up in the club then they'll do that. It says in the bible that Jesus was not of any color of this world, He was a burnt brass color (which is dark) but he wasn't black. Everyone has their own belief, and I am feeling that G Craige Lewis has "itchy ears", and he doesn't understand a lot, and understanding comes from God. So instead of talking about all of this, start praying for this generation and Hollywood. You can't take every preacher's words to heart. You need to learn the bible for yourself. Start reading it... and ask God for understanding. — Cee

Let's think for a second; we all dream only of becoming people we admire, right? All these folks admire Jesus, would like to become like Him but are not willing to do what it takes. They content themselves with being represented like Him. They're cowards and lovers of money and fame and sin more than Christ. — Leo

Kanye West — you better start going east, because that's where the sun rises. No, you're not Jesus; be real with yourself; ask Jesus to reach out and touch you. — Jaleesa

What on earth has Kanye been smoking? You know, these celebrities are goin too far seeking attention. If only they knew not to cross some lines! If only they knew who Jesus was. — Pete

How on earth could any human being try and compare to Jesus? Our righteousness is filthy rags compared to Him. No one endured as much pain and suffering for our sinful selves. Can you imagine giving up your life for the world that doesn't give a "what" about you? Please stop Kanye and others who think they can compare to Jesus... it seems to me everybody is jus' lookin' for some promotional stunt! — Miss E

It's funny to me how people get so caught up in their self made reality. Kanye is comparable to a baby that can't get a toy at the local shopping center. Boo-hoo. Hopefully the population will someday see the hypocrisy of these Hollywood-type losers. Take a walk in my part of town Kanye; you'll see what real people think about you. — Ben

Kanye West cannot compare himself to Jesus Christ. — Baffour

Who does Kanye West think he is comparing himself to Jesus? I found it very disturbing to read what he said and see the picture. Nowadays these rappers are mocking Christ; they don't really believe in him and they just want to be him and feel as though they have the same power and authority. — Nadia

We are all children of God like Jesus but we cannot compare ourselves to him because we are sinners. Jesus was the only person that has entered the earth that hasn't sinned. Kanye can't compare himself to Jesus because he is a human just like everyone else. I think dat Kanye thinks too much of himself and he thinks he is better dan ever. We need to pray for the revival of Kanye 'n all the other artists! — Tracy

I don’t think Kanye should be comparing himself to God. I can’t believe that these artists are getting so out of hand! — Sara

Kanye, you’re not Jesus, can’t be Jesus, so get it in your head. You need some proper preaching! — Corinne

All I can see is that we are truly in the last days because the Bible teaches us that many will come in His name, so Kanye I think that your message is all wrong. — Sharon

None of us can be compared to Jesus because we ain't worthy. Celebrities like Kanye West should go sit down and read the Bible because they can't do half of what Christ did; are they trying to say they can die for people's sins? — Stella

What in the world! Mr Kanye get saved, delivered and be set free! — RAP

The fact that Kanye thinks it's alright to even pose like Jesus shows that he is mentally unstable. But, before we all succumb to the state of "shockocity", let's face it — he is doing just what his father (the devil) told him to do. Let's not be surprised. Those of us who read the Bible are seeing prophecy fulfilled in so many ways. It's not just the mark of the beast that we should be trying to be aware of, it's everything spoken in the Bible. Saints of God, let's pray. Those of you who are not saved and reading this, reconsider your position. Heaven has set dimensions, but hell is enlarging itself. Make sure that it is not making a nice hot spot for you! — Tala

There is a major problem with Kanye portraying himself as Jesus. What Jesus did no man could ever do. I'm only 15 and have more sense than to do something like he did. Jesus was without sin, Jesus loved people who hated him, Jesus hung naked and beaten on a cross without a positivity that mankind would accept it. Nobody can be compared to Jesus and somebody is a little too full of himself to think that he could be in the Bible. My God does not make mistakes. The Bible said He knew our names before our first day, it says that we all are called and if God wanted him in the Bible then He would have put him there. It doesn't matter what color Jesus was; the only thing that is important is that we know He died and rose again on the third day and that He is coming back for us and everyday of our life should be in preparation for that glorious day. — Kyerra

As much as I love Kanye, there are some things that you just shouldn't do. He is not and never will be a part of the bible but he can be a part of the kingdom. His statements only show his ignorance but God still loves him! — His Daughter

All I could do was shake my head in shame for him and the few others that portray Christ. There's not a living creature on this earth that can begin to take on the image of His life then, now and in the future. Yes, we are definitely in the last and evil times and prayer is much needed for the lost. As far as I have known, Jesus had His own color - perfect righteousness! No black, white or any other color of the rainbow He claimed. It gets to me every time I hear the conspiracies of His origins, His supposed race and birthplace. CAN IT! It's nonsense people! But those who know better know the Word and it shouldn't be challenged or compromised. Heck, none of us are even worthy of His grace and mercy, let alone His image. However, we can strive every day to be Christ-like and walk the faith, which makes us suitable to be God's own. Prayer changes things and people. — Angie

What the heck? Kanye u can't compare yourself to Jesus. Get saved. I'm only a 14 year old boy but I know a demon when I see one. Jesus created you. How dare you compare yourself to Him? You’re dirty, unclean rags compared to Him. Kanye go to church. — Demetri

Now I’m only 13 and Kanye is one of my favorite rapperz. When he did that it really didn’t shock me because he has that mentality. He wants to be known; in his song Jesus Walks he wants people in the club to scream Jesus Walks, knowing he made the song; the song was a way to get church folks to listen to his music. — FavOFlavGurl

What a bunch of crap. Don’t get me wrong, I love his song "touch the sky" but that was going too far. He’s not Jesus. And I hate the lyric in "Jesus Walks" when he says "we need to convert atheists into believers". I love being atheist! Why do they need to convert? Leave me alone. — Joey

It’s just a picture of an ad, it’s not like he’s saying forget your savior and pray to me Kanye your real God. Lighten up people. — London Wilson

Why are people going down hard on Kanye for that? How come they don't say anything to people who play parts of Jesus in movies and in plays? — Jovan

Like London said lighten up people, it's not like he is saying worship me, "I Am Your God". — Shaquita

What the.... First of all, Jesus was perfect in every way, so how Kanye compare himself to Christ. The man is addicted to porn. What is he smoking? — Trey

I am a man who is dead to my flesh! I only can lift Kanye up, and ask God to forgive him for he knows not. — Mr Watkins

Shaquita, Jovan, Wilson and the rest of u that don't believe that there's anything wrong with what Kanye is doing, u need help. Please, please just get a bible from anywhere and read the first chapter of Genesis, when u do that write back to me using this website. — Ruth

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Color of the Cross This powerful, epic film vividly portrays the last 48 hours of the life of Jesus Christ and challenges commonly held assumptions about him. With moving performances from Jean-Claude LaMarre (Malcolm X) and Debbi Morgan (Woman Thou Art Loosed), this stirring film is a triumph! Depicting Jesus as a black man, Color Of The Cross suggests that the crucifixion could have been racially motivated. A compelling script and astounding interpretations of the Bible make this daring masterpiece an achievement not to be missed. With its inspiring, unconventional approach to an emotionally volatile issue, Color of the Cross presents a fresh perspective on the history of Christianity and delivers as moving a portrait of his life as has ever been put to film! USA UK Canada

Jesus Is Dread — Black Theology and Black Culture in Britain: Robert Beckford In this book Robert Beckford argues that the black church must develop its own theology, based on the powerful, political urgency of modern black culture, if it is to provide authentic meaning for a new generation of black Christians. Jesus is Dread is a series of reflections on the symbols, icons and systems within both the black church and black expressive cultures in Britain. The author explores perceptions of resistance, sexuality, womanist theology, art, music and prayer. He identifies dread culture as a concept with radical implications for the black Christian’s understanding of Christ. He ends by calling for further reflection beyond the dread analogy to develop new ways of talking about Christ and the work of God in black communities. Jesus is Dread, and the accounts therein, will resonate with the experiences of many black Christians worshipping in Britain today. USA UK Canada

Noise and Spirit: The Religious and Spiritual Sensibilities of Rap Music Rap music is often seen as a Black secular response to pressing issues of our time. Yet rap has deep connections to African American religious traditions. Noise and Spirit explores the diverse religious dimensions of rap stemming from Islam (including the Nation of Islam and Five Percent Nation), Rastafarianism, and Humanism, as well as Christianity. The volume examines rap's dialogue with religious traditions, from the ways in which Islamic rap music is used as a method of religious and political instruction to the uses of both the blues and Black women's rap for considering the distinction between God and the Devil. The first section explores rap's association with more easily recognizable religious traditions and communities such as Christianity and Islam. The next presents discussions of rap and important spiritual considerations, including on the topic of death. The final wrestles with ways to theologize about the relationship between the sacred and the profane in rap. USA UK Canada

Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Superstar In Raising Kanye, Donda not only pays homage to her famous son but reflects on all the things she learned about being his mother along the way. Featuring never-before-seen photos and compelling personal anecdotes, Donda's powerful and inspiring memoir reveals everything from the difficulties she faced as a single mother in the African-American community to her later experiences as Kanye's manager as he rose to superstardom. Speaking frankly about her son's reputation as a "Mama's Boy," and his memorable public outbursts about gay rights and President George W. Bush, Donda supports her son without exception, and here she shares the invaluable wisdom she has taken away from each experience — passion, tolerance, patience, and above all, always telling the truth. Ultimately, she not only expresses what her famously talented son has meant to her but what he has meant to music and an entire generation. USA UK Canada

If, like me, you were surprised to see Pastor Mason Betha rapping with 50 Cent on his single Window Shopping, you might be wondering what's going on. Mase's conversion to Christianity in 1999 is well documented, not least in his autobiography. Has Ma$e exchanged Creflo Dollar for half a dollar?

You may have heard of a series of DVDs called The Truth Behind Hip Hop. These are produced by Elder G Craige Lewis of Ex Ministries, and are proving to be remarkably popular with young people. The Truth Behind Hip Hop Exposed

Gun violence seems to follow the rapper 50 Cent, who has himself been shot nine times, and always wears a bulletproof vest. Now it's claimed that 'Fiddy' makes a profit out of the misery of parents who are burying their children. Is 50 Cent Bulletproof?: Rap Music and Violence

Kanye West brought conflict diamonds to the attention of many with his video for Diamonds from Sierra Leone. Now, movie Bling: Consequences and Repercussions looks to further educate the hip hop generation about the murder and carnage caused by the world’s greed for diamonds. Bling: Consequences and Repercussions

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