Christian Story of Jesus's Birth Is a Myth Born of Politics | Belief | AlterNet

h/t David A.

Christian Story of Jesus's Birth Is a Myth Born of Politics | Belief | AlterNet:

The birth narratives that were eventually attached to Matthew's and Luke's Gospels, were stories that were created and circulated to counter the claim of the Caesars to be divine and worthy to be called Lord. Every claim of specialness for Caesar was countered by the claim that all his titles belonged to Jesus.

...Just as many children feel deceived when they find out Santa is not real, many Christians feel deceived when they conclude that Jesus was not born of a virgin and that a star did not travel through the sky and come to rest over a particular place in Bethlehem.

...As a Christian, I embrace the belief that a loving God is active in the affairs of the world. I believe that Jesus from Nazareth is Lord. I believe he is Son of God. I believe he is Bringer of Peace. I believe he is Savior of the World.

These are the messages so beautifully told in the birth narratives. It doesn't matter whether or not Jesus was born in Bethlehem. When the birth stories are put into their broader historic and religious context, they become masterpieces of truth-telling and a witness to the joyful life.