Ghost Busters and Jesus

In the bustling city of Jerusalem, where the lines between the spiritual and the mundane often blurred, there arose a peculiar disturbance one cool evening. A figure clad in flowing robes, radiating an otherworldly aura, had been spotted by pedestrians wandering the streets. Whispers spread like wildfire, rumors of a ghost haunting the city’s alleys and boulevards.

Word of the spectral apparition reached the ears of the Ghostbusters, a specialized team renowned for their expertise in capturing restless spirits and otherworldly entities. Led by Dr. Ray Stantz, a physicist with a penchant for the paranormal, alongside his comrades Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore, the Ghostbusters wasted no time mobilizing their equipment and speeding towards the reported sighting.

In the Gospel of Luke (24:36-43), after his resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples who were gathered together in fear and disbelief. Initially, they were startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus then reassures them by showing his hands and feet, inviting them to touch him and see that he is not a ghost but flesh and bones. This is not the only time Jesus has been mistaken for a Ghost however, it also happens while walking on water and at the transfiguration.

This narrative serves as a metaphorical parallel to the broader issue of misperception and misrepresentation of Jesus throughout history. Just as the disciples initially mistook Jesus for a ghost, people throughout the ages have often misunderstood or misinterpreted his teachings, intentions, and true identity. This misunderstanding can manifest in various ways, including cultural appropriation, where Jesus is co-opted to serve agendas that distort or diverge from his original message of love, compassion, and redemption.

The concept of cultural appropriation in the context of Jesus involves the selective reinterpretation or manipulation of his image and teachings to serve particular cultural or political agendas. This phenomenon has been prevalent throughout history and continues to manifest in various forms today. Here are some of the ways cultural appropriation influences the perception of Jesus:

Political Ideologies: Jesus has been appropriated by political movements to legitimize their agendas. For example, in liberation theology, Jesus is often depicted as a revolutionary figure fighting against oppression and injustice, resonating with socialist or Marxist ideologies. Conversely, in some conservative circles, Jesus is portrayed as a champion of traditional values and hierarchical structures, aligning with right-wing political agendas.

Colonialism and Imperialism: During the era of European colonialism and imperialism, the figure of Jesus was used to justify the subjugation and exploitation of indigenous peoples. Missionaries often imposed Western interpretations of Christianity, portraying Jesus as a symbol of European cultural superiority and the divine mandate for colonization.

Racial and Ethnic Identity: Different racial and ethnic groups have appropriated Jesus to reflect their own cultural identity and experiences. For instance, in African American theology, Jesus is often depicted as a figure of liberation and solidarity with the marginalized, reflecting the struggles of Black Americans against systemic racism and oppression.

Consumer Culture and Media Representation: In consumer-driven societies, Jesus becomes a marketable commodity, stripped of his spiritual significance and reduced to a superficial image for mass consumption. He appears in advertisements, merchandise, and entertainment, reinforcing cultural stereotypes and reinforcing consumerist values.

Selective Interpretation of Teachings: Cultural appropriation of Jesus often involves cherry-picking his teachings to support specific cultural norms or biases while ignoring others. For example, passages emphasizing love, forgiveness, and compassion may be emphasized, while those challenging social hierarchies or economic injustices may be overlooked.

The image of Jesus being captured by the Ghostbusters’ streams in the artwork can be viewed through this lens of misunderstanding and misinterpretation. It symbolizes how cultural frameworks and societal biases can obscure the true essence of Jesus, reducing him to a caricature or a symbol that is misunderstood and misrepresented. By drawing parallels between Jesus being mistaken for a ghost in scripture and his portrayal in contemporary culture, the artwork prompts viewers to reflect on the complexities of interpreting religious symbols and the importance of approaching them with a willingness to engage in authentic dialogue and understanding.

This clever pop culture mashup allows us to step beyond our culturally embedded stereotypes and shakes us from view normally to sacred to question. if we can get past our shock at the potential blasphemy of playing with such and image we have the opportunity to confront the entrenched othering and exclusion we might otherwise not see.

Have a wonderful Easter, lets bust some Ghosts!