Turning Jesus into Santa Claus

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” – Jesus Christ

This is the Jesus I grew-up with as a kid. Caucasian, flowing brown hair and a neat, trimmed beard. He is contemplative, gentle, clean, and oh so fresh. Now you and I know this image isn’t even remotely close to what Jesus looked like. But somewhere along the line this middle-eastern man became what is pictured above. His transformation reminds me a lot of the evolution of Santa Claus. Do you remember seeing pictures of old Chris Cringle from the 1800’s and then how Macy’s or Coca-Cola crafted him? Same magic we have been working on Jesus for the last 2,000 years.

Experts believe this is probably what the man Evangelical Christians have staked their eternal soul on really looks like;

I would suspect this guy would have a tough time getting through airport security, or hailing a cab in Dallas, Texas and certainly he would have the pew to himself at any number of First Baptist Churches spread out across this country. Why? Because he looks more like Barack Obama than Franklin Graham. This isn’t the image of the Evangelical Jesus. This is the new Jesus for white America in Trump world;

This is bad-ass Jesus. Don’t take no-shit Jesus. My way or the highway Jesus. Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth Jesus. This, ladies and gentleman is Trump’s Jesus which stands to reason is the new Evangelical Christian Jesus as well. He is tough, buff, and kicking-ass and taking names. He is making a list, and checking it twice….. No wait wrong legend or is it?