Maybe the Nativity doesn't look quite like we think it does
The Bible never explicitly mentions Jesus’ birthdate. Despite this, the actual date of his birth can be discovered, but we have to piece together the biblical, historical, and astronomical evidence to get the correct picture.
The Cyrenius of the King James Version was a Roman official named Publius Sulpicius Quirinius.[1] His name is known to Christians because he is mentioned in the traditional “Christmas Story,” but we know much more about Quirinius from historical sources Read More …
In this episode Tim and Michael discuss the realization that the traditional nativity story is wholly inaccurate; the historical development of the traditional nativity story; and new insights into whether Jesus was really born in a stable. Since a manger Read More …
Many ancient western European churches in general, and churches in Britain in particular observed a Christian festival called “Michaelmas” (i.e., “Michael sent”), now known as “The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels.” The date of the festival, still recognized Read More …
We can trace the origins of many of the traditions found in nativity plays to what are known as the Infancy Gospels, pseudepigraphal works written much later than the canonical gospels, and falsely attributed to biblical authors, characters, or themes. Sadly, Read More …
In this episode, Tim discusses the chronological components in the Infancy Narratives in greater detail, in particular Schurer’s Folly–the miscalculation by eminent German theologian Emil Schurer placing the death of Herod the Great in 4 BCE instead of the accepted Read More …
Tim discusses the four fundamental premises that undergird God Save the King. 1) Jesus was not born on December 25. 2) Tradition is not evidence. 3) The traditional nativity story is rarely, if ever, told in its historical context. 4) Read More …
The real nativity story is more dangerous than we like to admit. The Slaughter of the Innocents is rarely a part of your local church’s Christmas pageant. “It will scare the children” will be the retort, but at what cost? Read More …
I’m flying solo this week. Michael will rejoin us soon. Today I discussed the origins of God Save the King (the first books I read that hypothesized that Jesus was not born on December 25), how we got the title Read More …
I just finished recording the first episode of God Save the King for Truth Be Told Radio Network. Excited to be a part of this world-wide network. Guest Michael Parker and I discuss the origins of God Save the King, Read More …