Influence of Black Imagery in Ancient Theology

Introduction

• Discussion on the portrayal of gods in ancient religions and cultures as having dark skin.
• The narrative challenges contemporary perceptions of beauty and divinity.

Black Imagery in Ancient Religions

Asia

• Ancient gods depicted with extremely dark skin.
• Hinduism: Gods described with black skin, matted hair, or dreadlocks.
• Buddhism: Buddha described in previous lives as a dark-skinned god or savior.
• Various Asian regions, including China, Japan, and the Philippines, have dark-skinned deities.

Africa

• African gods revered with dark skin, deep as the night sky.

Europe

• Romans worshipped African goddess Isis, who had dark skin.

Christianity

• Descriptions of the most high god with burnished skin and hair like pure wool.
• Suggestion that this imagery is often overlooked or treated as taboo.

Cultural Interpretation and Modern Perceptions

• Question of why the image of god has changed over time.
• Criticism of modern beauty standards that promote lighter skin tones.
• The idea that societal perceptions of darker skin as inferior may have been influenced by negative stereotypes.

Philosophical Reflection

• Concept that black resembles God's infinite nature, beauty, and ancient existence.
• Discussion on black being the mixture of all colors, symbolizing completeness and divinity.

Conclusion

• The portrayal of deities with black skin challenges modern perceptions and stereotypes about race and beauty.
• Encourages reevaluation of historical and cultural narratives regarding the divine and the beauty of dark skin.