Reader comments
Modeling brings Jesus back into Utahn's life

Good Article | 1:43 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I enjoyed this article...Now, who is going to be the first to criticize it?

Sleuth | 5:07 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

How is Jesus ever going to be actually recognized by man in the after life (or presently), if man keeps presenting models representing His appearance? Manï¿½s proclivity has been to portray Jesus with features resembling the ethnic group in worship. We have the African Jesus, the Jewish Jesus, the White Anglo Saxon Jesus, etc. How are all of these diverse representations possible; or is His physical depiction meaningless in this regard?

Carole Knowles | 5:32 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

It would be a sorry soul indeed who would chose to criticize something like this. Thank you for writing it and for publishing it. The second thing I read today and it made my day.

Comments continue below

I agree | 6:10 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

This was a great article about something very positive, and inspiring as well. I hope no one comes along to criticize it because it can have a good impact on other readers.

John Hill | 6:44 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I am glad to see you recognize the talents of Liz Swindle. Her art work captures the emotions of the stories she is painting about.

Richard G. | 7:11 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Carole, the story made this "sorry soul" want to barf!

Sea | 7:45 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

What a great reminder that Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world-red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. We are but His hands....and I am grateful for Liz' and Kathy's. Thank you both!!

Joe | 8:14 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Richard G., I hope your stomach starts feeling better. Merry Christmas.

Michael B | 8:16 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Liz Swindle is obviously a very talented artist, but when I see the model in the photos in Africa, I wonder why we need a painting of the scene at all? Why don't we just have a photograph of "Jesus" holding a child wearing period clothing?

Darin M | 9:47 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I'm with Richard G. on this one. If this is what inspires people, I'm scared. Mr. Miner is entitled to his own personal journey, and I won't comment on that. But I can't let go of the piece about Africa. Of all the things we can do to help orphans in Africa, why do we need to go abroad and amuse and confuse them with a Westernized white Jesus? I, for one, don't find it cute at all that the children believed Mr. Miner to be the real Jesus. In my mind, this is in very bad taste, if not cruel. If this article had included mention of bringing medicine or books to the children, I might have found it inspiring - but the "Jesus Show" doesn't do it for me.

Rich | 10:09 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I'm sure Mr. Miner feels awed and inspired by the real Jesus and is honored that his likeness can be used to uplift others. What did the real Jesus look like? It really doesn't matter, but he was definitely Jewish and probably looked like many Jews in their early 30s. And if you've every seen a crowd of Jews together, you would realize that many of them look just like many non-Jewish Americans you might have known. So to use an American to portray Jesus might not be far from reality. What does Jesus look like today? Well, if the Bible is to be believed, he has been resurrected and looks so different than he did as a mortal that many of his friends didn't even recognize the resurrected Christ.

PH / Darin M | 10:18 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I believe the article did refer to the work that is being done there through the Mothers w/o Borders program. And, come on, if the thought of him being Christ-like lifted the spirits of those children for a day, wasn't it worth it? By the way, what are you doing for the African children?

Mike J. | 10:37 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Don't worry......everybody will know when Jesus comes. Everybody on earth will recognize him as the Savior of the world and Son of God.

suess | 10:45 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Just a comment, I think this is great work. If you personally choose not to invest in the painting so the money can go to a good cause, so be it. Comments to Sleuth, if you need to know if Jesus is African, Jewish, or white to be able to recognize him, maybe it's time to take inventory of your life. If I can't recognize Jesus by my own perspective, it's a sad commentary on my part. And to Darin who thinks it was cruel to pass Phillip off as Jesus to the kids, the article said he told them his name was Phillip and they had a hard time believing it. It didn't say he told them he was Jesus. It says alot about those kids that they were in awe of him, and he was white, not the African Jesus. Maybe says something about Phillips aura and how he behaves. Who of us could be mistaken for Jesus, not only by looks, but by our behavior? And so what if the kids thought he was. Those kids have absolutely nothing, so if this was a thrill for them, what does it hurt you? Something more to complain about.

russ | 10:47 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Interesting work. I am glad that they brought medical and other relief to the children and the area. Hurrah for them!! One major problem, however, is that no one knows what Jesus looked like. Natta. Frankly, I prefer a Jesus that has warts, moles, stringy hair, and skin that is black. He can even walk with a limp. After all, no one knows. Hmmmmmm.

Clare | 10:48 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Actually, a description of Jesus was sent to an official in Rome. I can't remember who. It might have been the Emperor. Anyway, if you're really curious, I'm sure you could find information on this on the internet.

contractors as Jesus? | 11:09 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Interesting that this Minor gent is a contractor. My neighbors are building a house in Cedar Hills and their builder looks more like Jesus than you could ever imagine (and I know his name's not Minor). Don't know if Mrs. Swindle is in the market for another Jesus look alike but this guy would certainly be a perfect fit. I have to double take every time I see the guy...and he builds a beautiful home too.

Gary | 11:12 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Richard G.
I suggest you get outside yourself, and go to africa with Mothers Without Boarders. spend two weeks with the children they are helping there and see the work they are doing. If you still feel like barfing after you do that then I will know you are truly sick.

Connor | 11:14 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I was on the trip in Zambia w/ Mothers Without Borders when Philip, Liz, and others came to do the shoot. It was an incredible experience, and the painting turned out to be amazing!

Thank you | 11:27 a.m. Dec. 27, 2007

This was an uplifting article. I doubt very much those children saw it as cruel. Especially since the proceeds go to help them, and he was totally forthright that he is not Jesus.

Carolyn | 12:07 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Lovely article. Lovely tribute to an accomplished artist and her subject in pose. Thank you.

Carl Youngblood | 12:24 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I think many people who are focused on Jesus' ethnicity are missing the point. The fact that each culture anthropomorphizes Jesus (in other words, gives to Jesus human qualities according to their understanding) shows that they are really getting the point. Who is Jesus? He is described as "God with us," or God taking human form, in order to show us what humans are truly capable of. What better way for people to relate to him and his triumph than in seeing him as a reflection of their best selves, or a person that they might be capable of emulating? Clement of Alexandria, a convert to the early Christian church, said, "the Logos of God had become man so that you might learn from a man how a man may become God." Let's stop getting caught up in the letter of how exactly the facts may have played out and be more interested in the real point. Much more important than whether a depiction is factual or not is how awe-inspiring, life-preserving and species-rearing it is. So-called "truth," if incapable of inspiring people to greatness, deserves nothing more than to be discarded on the scrapheap of history.

baby painting | 12:27 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

I'm looking for Liz's painting of a woman in a purple robe holding a baby over her shoulder. You can see the baby's face (and big dark eyes) and the back of the woman. Anyone know where I can find that painting?

russ | 1:04 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Jesus' physical body is important. Yes, he can be and has been culturized. He may or may not have been the handsome man depicted in European art that many believe was the Messiah. But based on the times and his location, he more likely than not was not tall, definitely dark skinned, and could have had cancers of the skin and unwash hair. Teeth could have been, well, crooked, and with a cavity or two. Hmmmm. Hard to worship that image, eh. Oh well. Interesting how we put ourselves at the center instead of taking a long rational view. We humans are a silly race. Forgive us, Lord.

ediddy | 2:54 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Carl Youngblood, as the saying goes, let those who have ears to hear, hear and those who have eyes to see, see. How pleasant it is to read an intelligent thought here for a change. Were that I was so clear.

James | 6:12 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

to me, focusing on Philip's similarity to Christ or Christ's physical features is like thinking about Santa Claus at Christmas. It is all nice and good...but you are missing the point.

As far as what any of the people of the mothers w/o borders are doing for the children of Africa, I would flip that question back to Darin...and just what have YOU done for the African children?

how is Christ westernized? I mean what is "west" about his life when he was born in Bethlehem and lived his whole life in the middle east? Why does is matter what race he is or what he looks like? The idea behind this was NEVER about providing the western culture to African children who ALREADY knew of Christ (they probably already knew what he looked like anyway, as Zambia is a Christian country)

Christ, his doctrine and his disciples are not limited to any one region, country or language...anytime we can uplift and bring happiness to others, where is the harm? Maybe YOU do not believe in Christ, but plenty of people do, you don't have to like it, but you do have to accept it as is.

Kathy Headlee Miner | 8:27 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Thank you to everyone for the insightful comments, I hope if you are interested in what we're doing in
Africa you'll visit MWB web site. You may be interested to know the reasons for the painting 1.The children we serve who have been orphaned as a result of AIDS know Christ, they sing of Him, they speak openly of Him..and they asked me if I thought He knew them? I wanted these children to have a piece of artwork that represented their Savior with them. Liz Lemon Swindle graciously agreed to create the painting and donate the proceeds to further our work, to provide shelter, food, medicine, education, job training, etc. 2. To raise funds and awareness for the children we are privileged to serve. Phillip and I returned to work in Zambia a few weeks ago where we are building a school, clinic, vocational training center and homes for widows caring for orphans. The people there were thrilled with the painting and we were able to hand out hundreds of prints. The most common comment we received was 'thank you for this picture of our Savior with our children'. Teaching me that Love transcends race, culture & religion.

Thanks! | 8:55 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Thanks Kathy (Miner) for the comments. I think what you are doing is wonderful.

Lynda Walters | 9:41 p.m. Dec. 27, 2007

Kathy, Phillip, and Liz, I love you for who you are and what you are doing. I am grateful be related to inspired individuals and support your efforts in helping the children in Africa physically and spititually.

Betsy | 2:26 a.m. Dec. 28, 2007

What a touching story...

god does not see color/race | 9:00 a.m. Dec. 28, 2007

this is why we human's have race issues...my goodness!

pam | 12:01 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

"Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace." In a world full of ugly, the message you carry to the children is beautiful. Thank you.

Candice | 2:03 p.m. Dec. 28, 2007

I am glad MWB is getting the media recognition it deserves. This orginization works miracles for young children. Kathy helps more lost and helpless people than anyone I know. Because of her countless hours of love, example, and PATIENCE, I am married to a worthy man and raising four beautiful children. My life would have definitely taken a different turn if not for her and her family. I find it beautiful that one of God's living angels has met a converted soul that looks like Christ.

Markus | 1:39 p.m. Dec. 29, 2007

I'm so glad that MWB is getting this kind of attention as well! Aunt Kathy, keep up the good work, God speed :)

as for the comments,Carl, i loved yours. i would have to agree. great Clement quote (wonderful individual) yes, we as humans are missing the point and true reality of what MWB is trying to do.

I must act as a witness to readers that I know what MWB is trying to do. i know Kathy quite well, and I trust that she knows what the best thing to do in Africa is exactly what she is currently doing. I have no doubt that Phillip is a good man, and is a flawless (in the human sense)resemblance of our Lord. This painting and experience brings about a certain spirit to us in the U.S, the children in Zambia, and individuals living in poverty all over the world, that cannot be seen in anything else I have witnessed yet in my life.

Thank you Aunt Kathy, Thank you Pillip, Thank you Liz. keep up the good work.

Thank You! | 10:52 p.m. Dec. 30, 2007

Liz, I can't begin to express the joy that I felt when I recieved your painting of Jesus in Africa for Christmas. My husband and I are involved with an organization that does humanitarian work in Africa as well. A few years ago we adopted a little African American boy, and he is the love of our lives. I wept when my son gave me the painting! The children in Africa are amazing and they have a special spirit about them. Our family will never be the same because of our experience in Africa helping those who have nothing. Thank you again for sharing your amazing talent with all of us and to MWB for all that you are doing to help those great children!

Carol Warnick | 4:28 p.m. Jan. 4, 2008

Who are we to question a little child's belief of the Savior and how he looks. They were with him only a short time ago. Have you ever noticed how a little child can see a picture of Christ and recognize him without ever being told who he is by their parents. They are drawn to his likeness like a magnet. And have you noticed that there is very little variation to his likeness in paintings and pictures? Could that be inspiration on the part of the artist? And where do you think that inspiration comes from?

Boyd | 5:16 p.m. Jan. 4, 2008

I wish that more people could understand the importance of the work that is being done to help these children and less time worrying about the the painting or why we as Americans feel a need to portray Christ in a way that is familiar to us.
I've known Philip for 35 years and I can tell you that if the children believed he was the real Christ, it had more to do with his Christlike love for them and the way he would have treated and respected them; than it did his appearance, costume and hairstyle. Phillip may not have always been active in the church he was raised in, but he has always been a wonderful example of how to love and serve his fellowman. Kathy, thank you for allowing him the oppotunity to work with you and your orginization, and thank you both for all you have done to help these children who would have little or nothing without your organization. God bless both of you. Liz, Thank you for the painting "Worth of a Soul", you portrayed the spirit and love felt between Phillip and Kennedy in a way that the photos could not.

Janice Hale | 11:14 a.m. Jan. 8, 2008

We have known Philip Miner since he was 2 years old-we were his neighbor-our children played together. We were totally thrilled when we read this story in the deseret news!Philip has had a very difficult life up until now-we are very grateful for what has happened npw. I don't know of anyone else who needed a break for the best in life as much as Philip did! As a parent, who knew his parents and family, I am very sure his parents are thrilled also! One never knows what is around the corner for them next. The trick is to live our lives at all times so we are worthy of recieving blessings. I am sure God knows who Philip is and was.Thank you from the bottom of our heart Liz Lemon Swindle! Kathy Headlee Miner you have got a good guy there! We wish you both a very happy life together!

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2 photos

Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret Morning News

Kathy, left, and Phillip Miner talk with artist Liz Lemon Swindle in Swindle's studio this month. Miner has posed as Jesus for Swindle as a volunteer.

Gallery (2 photos)