Using modern technology, scientists have created a more “plausible” version of Jesus’ face.
In Western Christian cultural texts, Jesus is often depicted as a white man with long, straight, and perfect hair.
However, forensic scientists at the University of Manchester (UK) recently created a different version of Jesus based on data regarding the time, location, and facial features of men from that era. This image is considered a more “plausible” depiction of Jesus’ face, even if it is not 100% accurate.
Reconstructing Jesus’ Features
The scientists had to consider several factors to create this reconstruction. First, most scholars agree that Jesus was a Jew from the Galilee region (Northern Israel). Therefore, they analyzed typical skulls
of first-century Jews to determine his facial structure.
Skin Tone and Hair
Next, they addressed skin color. Western culture often portrays Jesus as a white man, but this is geographically illogical given the regional climate and the complexion of men from that period. Based on historical drawings of Jews, the scientists believe Jesus’ skin tone would have been olive-brown.
Finally, they considered his hair. People commonly assume Jesus’ hair was long and perfectly straight. However, the apostle Paul, in his Christian text I Corinthians, wrote: “If a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him.”
The issue is that Paul had met Jesus before writing this. Would he have written that sentence if Jesus had long hair? Therefore, the scientists conclude that Jesus’ hair was curly and short.
