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The Brown Noser

Man, There Sure Is a Lot of Christ Imagery in the Bible

Published Monday, February 25th, 2008

Several weeks ago I was assigned to read various sections from the New Testament in a Religious Studies course. There is usually a good amount of reading, but this didn't seem too daunting. I was rather looking forward to the assignment, anyway. I had glanced over the Bible several times in the past, but I had never had the opportunity to truly examine it. Overall, I found it to be quite interesting. However, I was surprised by all the Christ imagery in the text. It was almost an obnoxious amount, in fact.

The next week I brought it up in section. I thought that my comment would have sparked some lively, interesting discussion, perhaps even some controversy. Instead, I was returned with blank stares. I elaborated on my point further. I used concrete examples and highlighted certain parallels, but the other students still looked uninterested, some confused even. It was obvious that they simply didn't understand. I wondered if perhaps they didn't do the reading, or had just skimmed it. How could one read it and not notice the Christ imagery?

It's just so blatant. After a while, it seems as if the Author is simply beating the reader over the head with it. A little Christ imagery never hurt anyone. If it is a valid parallel to make - and, I admit, in this case it is - then make it. However, it's also important not to overdo it. Otherwise, the audience is annoyed and alienated, as I was with the Bible. At one point I was like, "Okay, enough already. I get it. This Jesus guy is like Christ." There was simply so much Christ imagery. It seemed redundant and superfluous.

Firstly, Jesus is born of a virgin. Second, he performs his ministry with twelve disciples. Twelve? I mean, come on. That can't possibly be a coincidence. Then there are all the miracles, like the walking across water and the loaves and fish. If that's not obvious, then I simply don't know the correct definition of the word. It's already over the top at this point. However, there is still the crucifixion scene to follow. When the Author introduced the image of the cross, I finally became fed up. I mean, really? What, did this Guy simply copy Christ's story verbatim? There is a point when Christ imagery crosses into plagiarism. Needless to say, the Bible crosses this line.

So it strikes me as rather odd that none of the other students picked up on it. I can't understand how it could have escaped them. Most of them are by no means stupid. It seems as if they would need footnotes pointing out the Christ imagery for them to see it, though. Even then, it would be uncertain whether they would. Oh well. Some are just not as perceptive as others, I
guess.

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