Saxon going a little harder on the Iconic Art Jesus vibe, here.
Josh’s appearance, as you might’ve already picked up, is based on Richard Neave’s “typical male head from the right time/region/ethnic group” facial reconstruction. Which isn’t “What Jesus Actually Looked Like!” (in spite of the clickbaity headlines), so much as “what this guy whose skull we still have actually looked like.” But it’s bound to be closer than the sharp blue-eyed white guy in the Iconic Art.
…this is not necessarily my headcanon, but in the different-powers AU that is BICP, Josh is asexual. Which is a big part of why he’s oblivious to the issues here. (The “gotta stay pure because Destiny” line is just a socially-acceptable excuse.)
Josh: I think visiting other countries, talking to lots of people with completely different philosophies, helped me to appreciate our own history and texts even more deeply.
People sure are listening more when I talk about it! Nobody ever said “wow, teacher, that was so great — do you need a place to stay? How about my house?” before! Say, do you want to crash with us while you’re here?
María: And be the overnight guest of an unmarried man?
Josh: It doesn’t have to be like that, María . . .
The guys think of Saxon as just a traveling companion of mine. Show her, Saxon!
Saxon: Yes, Lord!
(TRANSFORM!)
Saxon: Ta-da!
Josh: So you’d be staying as the guest of two unmarried men!
María: . . . That doesn’t actually make it better.
But forget where I’m going to stay for a second, Josh! The important thing is — Did you make a person?
Josh: That depends on what you mean by “person” . . .
María: The being you’re calling “Saxon” is what I mean and you know it!!
I like the “Jesus totally had children and Church just censored that” version better, but even yours make more sense than meaning the “gotta stay pure because Destiny” seriously.