Beyond Western confines: Jesus as a Global Icon in Diverse Cultures

Expanding the Icon of Jesus: Beyond Western Boundaries

Despite the notable decline of Christianity within the West, this ancient religion continues to flourish and spread globally. This chapter seeks to dispel the misconception that Jesus is confined solely to Western religious and cultural contexts. His existence in history was rooted deeply within the Middle East, yet his influence transcs geographical boundaries and crosses into various religions worldwide.

The universal icon of Jesus exts beyond Christian theology. The Quran mentions Him favorably alongside prophets like Muhammad, highlighting His significance across different religious communities. In Hinduism and Buddhism, He is interpreted with respect as a symbol of virtues or spiritual enlightenment. Notably, in the secular Western world where Christianity's influence wanes, His image commands respect rather than derision.

The universality of Jesus' appeal can be seen through diverse artistic portrayals that capture his essence across centuries and continents. Russian icons depict Him with a transcent gaze, while medieval stned glass windows in Europe illustrate His divinity through intricate designs. The African continent presents an intriguing perspective on Jesus; the portrayal of black Christs is not merely about racial representation but also acknowledges His ity as a universal figure.

This icon has inspired myriad artistic expressions worldwide: from medieval illuminated manuscripts to contemporary art pieces, His figure stands as a symbol of compassion and transcence. This chapter emphasize Jesus' status as a global icon, whose influence exts beyond religious boundaries.

Key Terms:

Christianity, Culture, Icon, Jesus, Middle East

Subject Categories:

History of Religion

The Historical Jesus

Book Series:

Very Short Introductions

In , the universal appeal and significance of Jesus transc cultural barriers. This chapter invites us to recognize Him not merely as a Western religious figure but also as an icon with global implications.

Acknowledgments:

The authors express gratitude for the invaluable contributions from scholars and experts who have enriched our understanding of Jesus' diverse interpretations across different societies worldwide. Their insights were instrumental in shaping this comprehensive view of Jesus beyond his conventional Christian context.

References:

Bauckham, R. 2011. Jesus: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.

Citations:

The citations provided offer additional resources for those interested in exploring the themes discussed further, including specific references to studies on Jesus' representation across various cultures and religions.

About Oxford Academic:

This chapter is part of a larger collection offering insights into diverse academic fields from History of Religion to Arts and ities. The site provides access not only to books but also journals, showcasing the breadth of scholarly discussions within these disciplines.

Legal Information:

Oxford University Press ensures compliance with copyright laws worldwide, respecting authors' rights while making high-quality content accessible to readers globally. They provide resources for managing institutional subscriptions, purchasing options for individuals and libraries, as well as guidance on rights and permissions issues.

To access this chapter or any other content:

1. Sign in using your account credentials

2. Request assistance with access if needed

3. Explore the features like eml alerts and personalized search capabilities

4. Purchase books or subscribe to services through Oxford Academic

By engaging with this platform, you can discover a wealth of information across various academic fields, contributing to global scholarly communication.

For any inquiries:

• Contact your librarian for institutional support

• Use the provided contact form for customer service issues

• Explore news and updates on Oxford Languages' initiatives and projects
  This article is reproduced from: https://academic.oup.com/book/590/chapter/135313802

Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.vo00.com/Christian_Jesus/Global_Jesus_Icon.html