#135 Christmas Isn't What You Think - John Nelson

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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?

(22:21) Was Mary Really a Virgin?

(34:24) Why Does Nobody Else Mention the Virgin Birth?

(39:06) Was Jesus a Product of Adultery?

(43:49) Was Jesus Born in a Manger?

(49:34) Who Are the Magi?

(55:32) Was the Star Really a Star?

(1:01:30) Did Herod Really Order a Slaughter of Infants?

(1:07:54) Is the Christmas Story Anti-Imperial?

(1:14:40) Are Christmas Trees a Pagan Idol?

(1:17:39) John’s Book and the Upcoming Tour

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