Written in 2009, the letter describes the historical context for the controversies surrounding The Word mural, including discussions following the Rodney King trial and riots in April of 1992 and formation of groups on Biola’s campus representing and supporting different minority groups and campus diversity. The letter defines the major contentions with the mural—Jesus being portrayed as white, Jesus as an imposing and authoritarian figure, and the alienation of non-Christians and those of minority ethnicities. It also outlines four suggestions for addressing these issues with the mural as a way to move forward.
The Institute for Cultural Engagement, an official program of Multnomah University and Biblical Seminary