Tuesday, December 02, 2008
What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Birth
"The First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Birth" is a wonderful look into the story of Jesus by two of the world's best known Jesus scholars, John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg. This book came out last Christmas so many people have already read it, but I really enjoyed a recent interview with Dr. Crossan on Tripp Fuller's Homebrewed Christianity podcast. Tripp allowed me to submit a question for Dr. Crossan and I thought the answer was very interesting. Thanks for reading my question Tripp!
Whenever Christianity feels too goofy and I get to the point of giving up, I look to Crossan and Borg. They make Christianity make sense even when mainstream Christianity appears to be going insane.
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5 comments:
Two of my favorite authors. Gotta get this one.
Mike,
What was your question and the answer? I won't have time for awhile to listen to the whole interview - its finals week and I shouldn't even be here!
peace
chad,
My questions were....
Crossan has done a wonderful job illustrating how the mythical aspects of Jesus’ story set Jesus as a subversive figure in opposition of Caesar (the birth announcement, son of god title, and other elements added to later versions of the story). Is their any evidence that these stories were taken to be literal history by early followers or is that literal reading a more modern product? In what he knows of Roman Imperial theology, does he think the corresponding Caesar legends would have been understood as literal history during the first century?
His answer was detailed and revolved around the problem of people on this side of the enlightenment interacting with texts written on the other side. Living prior to the enlightenment doesn't make a person incapable of understanding symbolism. In fact, it might mean they had a more healthy interaction with metaphorical language than moderns. Crossan seems confident the symbolism was intentional and obvious and that most of the elements in the story were non-historical overture (parable). You should listen to the interview when you get a chance.
Crossan also presented a great answer about the incarnation. Good stuff!
thanks for sharing the question. i think Crossan said it was "the" question. emerge on.
Thanks, Mike. I'm downloading the interview and will listen asap.
Good question, btw.
peace
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