quote:
Originally posted by Nobluedog:
Christian Story of Jesus's (sic) Birth Is a Myth Born of Politics.
Beautiful as it is, the story of the birth of Jesus is a myth born of the political needs of early Christians.
The Advent season is a fun time. For many Christians, it is the happiest season of the year. The joy comes from the anticipation: "Joy to the world, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her king."
I do not desire to dim the lights of Christmas, but it might be helpful to some to hear what the stories of Jesus birth are really about.
There are four versions of the life of Jesus. We call them the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Only two of the versions say anything about the birth of Jesus.
Mark, the first of the Gospels, begins the Jesus story with Jesus as an adult. John, the last Gospel written, likewise says nothing about the birth of Jesus. Matthew tells the birth story in only a few short paragraphs. Luke's version of the beginnings of Jesus is four times as long as that of Matthew.
http://www.alternet.org/story/...yth_born_of_politics
Hi Dog,
Who should we believe about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ -- a secular internet news web site or the Word of God, the Bible? You may choose to follow your secular news if you like; I will follow the Good News written by God thousands of years ago.
Your article uses the fact that there are four Gospels written in the Bible about Jesus Christ -- as proof that the story of His birth is false. And, although all four agree on most facts, they were written from different perspectives. Matthew was written from a purely Jewish perspective and give us the genealogy of Jesus Christ in the manner of the Jewish culture. It begins with Abraham and goes forward through Joseph, the husband of Mary; as was the Jewish custom of that day.
The genealogy found in Luke is from an historical Gentile perspective since was the only Gentile writer in the Bible. Luke, a physician and a historian, wrote of Jesus' lineage starting from Jesus HImself and proceeding to trace His genealogy back through HIs ancestors, just as we do today.
While Matthew's Gospel was written with the theme "Behold your KIng!" And, the genealogy of a King is always recorded. On the other hand, the Gospel of Mark has the theme of Jesus as the "Servant Son" -- and, in those days, no one recorded the genealogy of a servant.
Luke was written to present the "Perfect Man" -- and would therefore show His genealogy. John was written to proclaim the deity of Jesus Christ -- and God has no genealogy for He has always existed.
Your article claims that because the four Gospels are written from differing perspectives; this proves that Jesus Christ is a myth, a political myth?
If that were true, then Abraham Lincoln is also a myth -- for I have a number of books written on the life of Abraham Lincoln -- and they all differ in their time perspective. Some depict his early life as the log splitter and rafter, the store clerk. Another, written by his early law partner, concentrates on his career as a circuit lawyer. Others begin with his presidency and the Civil War. No two begin the same; therefore Abraham Lincoln is a myth -- according to the logic of your secular web site.
Sorry, my Friend, but the stories of the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ are true. And, it is true that He came to die in my place, in your place, as a substitutionary, atoning victim for all mankind. His birth brought God's promise of redemption to mankind; His death purchased that redemption. His resurrection assured the eternal resurrection of all mankind. And, His ascension into heaven has given all Christian believers a full time, 24/7/365, defense attorney with a very close relationship with the Judge. Yes, He is interceding for all believers, all the time.
That is the promise of His birth. And, our great hope is knowing that He is going to return one day to establish His kingdom on earth, the Millennium Kingdom, where He will rule the earth in perfect peace for one thousand years. And, then He will take all believers into eternity to spend eternity with God.
But, you might ask,
"Then what happens to those who do not believe in Him?" Well, God has provided a place for them also. Their landlord will be Satan.
So, my suggestion for all who are still holding out, still denying God and Jesus Christ -- get right with Him while there is still time.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill