Jay Parini : Trailer for new TV show `` Black Jesus '' drawing ire of conservative Christian group . On and on , the image of Jesus and his band , which includes a fair number of women -- including Mary Magdalene , Joanna and Susanna ( see Luke 8:2-3 ) -- seems one of a merry-making group , not a pious and bedraggled or depressed conclave . It shows guy who lives in California , says he 's Jesus , is black , consorts with rough sorts . Parini : Criticism seems misplaced ; Jesus ' image as man-of-people runs through Bible . Comment: Jesus I know , love was something of a party animal . He can survive `` Black Jesus ''
Jay Parini : Trailer for new TV show `` Black Jesus '' drawing ire of conservative Christian group . It shows guy who lives in California , says he 's Jesus , is black , consorts with rough sorts . Parini : Criticism seems misplaced ; Jesus ' image as man-of-people runs through Bible . Comment: Jesus I know , love was something of a party animal . He can survive `` Black Jesus ''