The Fabrication of Jesus and the Strategic Formation of Christianity as an Instrument for European Hegemony and the Perpetuation of White Supremacy

34 Pages Posted: 11 Mar 2024 Last revised: 4 Apr 2024

Date Written: February 22, 2024

Abstract

This research paper delves into the provocative hypothesis that the Roman Catholic Church strategically constructed the figure of Jesus to fortify its dominion within the confines of the Roman Empire. It scrutinizes the utilization of Christianity as a pivotal tool in the perpetuation of racism white supremacy, employing an analytical framework that intersects historical and theological perspectives. The paper elucidates the psychological underpinnings of European imperialism, characterized by an oscillation between proclaimed superiority and an underlying inferiority complex, as evidenced by the relentless affirmation of dominance over other races. It critically assesses the contributions and atrocities of European expansionism, highlighting the paradox of technological and cultural advancements overshadowed by the grave injustices inflicted upon non-European societies. The investigation further exposes the deliberate distortion of global historical narratives by Eurocentric scholarship, aimed at minimizing the rich legacies of ancient civilizations outside of Europe. Moreover, the research addresses the colonization of knowledge and religious beliefs, particularly the strategic deployment of Christianity in crafting a narrative of divine European favoritism, thereby embedding racial hierarchies. The paper also explores the historical and ongoing resistance against such imposed narratives, spotlighting efforts by African and non-European intellectuals to reclaim authentic historical identities. Ultimately, this study calls for a critical re- evaluation of accepted “historical" accounts and advocates for heightened awareness of the deep-seated racism ingrained in Western historiography. Through this examination, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on the intersection of religion, power, and race, challenging the reader to reconsider the historical foundations of modern racial constructs.

Keywords: Racism, Christianity, Organized Religion, White Supremacy

Suggested Citation

Breckenridge, Jason, The Fabrication of Jesus and the Strategic Formation of Christianity as an Instrument for European Hegemony and the Perpetuation of White Supremacy (February 22, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4735915 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4735915

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