#135 Christmas Isn't What You Think - John Nelson
John Nelson earned a PhD in New Testament and Christian Origins from the University of Edinburgh in 2023. He writes for the Substack Behind the Gospels.
His thesis is the first book-length study of Jesus' physical appearance in the Gospels. He runs a weekly Substack called "Behind the Gospels" which aims to make Biblical studies accessible to all.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Was Jesus Really Born on Christmas Day?
2:51 - Are the Birth Narratives Attempts at History?
6:34 - Where Was Jesus Actually Born?
16:19 - Were the Birth Narratives Added Later?
20:53 - Was Mary Really a Virgin?
32:57 - Why Does Nobody Else Mention the Virgin Birth?
37:39 - Was Jesus a Product of Adultery?
42:22 - Was Jesus Born in a Manger?
48:07 - Who Are the Magi?
54:04 - Was the Star Really a Star?
01:00:03 - Did Herod Really Order a Slaughter of Infants?
01:05:09 - Is the Christmas Story Anti-Imperial?
01:09:04 - How Would Jewish Readers Interpret the Christmas Narratives?
01:13:13 - Are Christmas Trees a Pagan Idol?
01:16:12 - John’s Book and the Upcoming Tour
More description
John Nelson earned a PhD in New Testament and Christian Origins from the University of Edinburgh in 2023. He writes for the Substack Behind the Gospels.
His thesis is the first book-length study of Jesus' physical appearance in the Gospels. He runs a weekly Substack called "Behind the Gospels" which aims to make Biblical studies accessible to all.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Was Jesus Really Born on Christmas Day?
2:51 - Are the Birth Narratives Attempts at History?
6:34 - Where Was Jesus Actually Born?
16:19 - Were the Birth Narratives Added Later?
20:53 - Was Mary Really a Virgin?
32:57 - Why Does Nobody Else Mention the Virgin Birth?
37:39 - Was Jesus a Product of Adultery?
42:22 - Was Jesus Born in a Manger?
48:07 - Who Are the Magi?
54:04 - Was the Star Really a Star?
01:00:03 - Did Herod Really Order a Slaughter of Infants?
01:05:09 - Is the Christmas Story Anti-Imperial?
01:09:04 - How Would Jewish Readers Interpret the Christmas Narratives?
01:13:13 - Are Christmas Trees a Pagan Idol?
01:16:12 - John’s Book and the Upcoming Tour
Listen elsewhere
Available Results
Generated results are saved to your library for reuse and search.