Possibly the images of Christ change significantly over the centuries. And perhaps for similar reasons. The earliest images they say, picture Jesus as a happy shepherd, saving one of his sheep, over his shoulder (borrowed from images of Bacchus). But when many Christians did not find the promised prosperity, but instead pain and suffering, and “martydom,” death, the positive promise of earthly rewards was de-emphasized. Along with the positive image of Jesus. Eventually, Jesus was thought to stand for the opposite of earthly prosperity; he became the suffering servant; painfully crucified. To reflect his followers, getting pain and death in exchange for following him.

Here, the prosperity gospel of Judaism, was supplanted by the Christian image of a godly suffering. God now encouraging us, not with material rewards. But they say, helping us get through privation and suffering. (Partially though, by promises of future prosperity?).

While in the meantime, though, even glamorizing privation?

Here though, some might find ethical issues, in the glamorization of pain and suffering.