New Perspectives on the Nativity

New Perspectives on the Nativity PDF Author: Jeremy Corley
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0567613798
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
The infancy narratives represent some of the most beautiful and intriguing passages in the Gospels. The stories they relate are also arguably the most well-known in the Christian tradition, from the child in the manger to the Magi paying homage to the infant Jesus. However there have been relatively few attempts to consider the stories of the Nativity from modern academic perspectives, examining them from feminist perspectives, poltical standpoints, in cinematic representations as well as more standard but up-to-date academic approaches. New Perspectives on the Nativity attempts to redress this providing a fresh insights on these crucial Christian texts from a cast of distinguished contributors. At the outset, Henry Wansbrough surveys scholarship on the infancy narratives since Raymond Brown's landmark study, The Birth of the Messiah (2nd edition, 1993). Thereafter, four chapters deal with Luke's infancy story. Ian Boxall demonstrates how the narrative offers subtle foreshadowings of the passion and resurrection. Barbara Reid surveys Luke's portrayal of three female prophets (Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna), who prepare for the later presentation of Jesus as a prophet. Leonard Maluf suggests a new understanding of Zechariah's canticle (the Benedictus), by situating it firmly in its Jewish background. Finally, Nicholas King indicates how the "inn" of the nativity prefigures the later journey of the gospel message. The next four contributions are concerned with Matthew's narrative. Warren Carter shows how the conflict between the infant Jesus and the ruling powers is repeated more dramatically in the life and death of the adult Christ. Benedict Viviano proposes that the three stages in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus belong within a grand scheme of seven ages of salvation history. Bernard Robinson investigates Matthew's nativity story within the context of biblical and Greco-Roman history-writing. Christopher Fuller highlights the carnivalesque approach to the Magi story in Pasolini's classic film, The Gospel According to St Matthew. Three final essays focus on the religious value of the infancy stories. Ann Loades reflects on late-20th-century poems dealing with the nativity. John Kaltner explores the references to Jesus' birth found in Islamic tradition. Finally, Thomas O'Loughlin argues that contemporary preoccupations with historical investigation can blind us to the mystery presented in the nativity stories.

New Perspectives on the Nativity

New Perspectives on the Nativity PDF Author: Jeremy Corley
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 0567613798
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 228

Get Book

Book Description
The infancy narratives represent some of the most beautiful and intriguing passages in the Gospels. The stories they relate are also arguably the most well-known in the Christian tradition, from the child in the manger to the Magi paying homage to the infant Jesus. However there have been relatively few attempts to consider the stories of the Nativity from modern academic perspectives, examining them from feminist perspectives, poltical standpoints, in cinematic representations as well as more standard but up-to-date academic approaches. New Perspectives on the Nativity attempts to redress this providing a fresh insights on these crucial Christian texts from a cast of distinguished contributors. At the outset, Henry Wansbrough surveys scholarship on the infancy narratives since Raymond Brown's landmark study, The Birth of the Messiah (2nd edition, 1993). Thereafter, four chapters deal with Luke's infancy story. Ian Boxall demonstrates how the narrative offers subtle foreshadowings of the passion and resurrection. Barbara Reid surveys Luke's portrayal of three female prophets (Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna), who prepare for the later presentation of Jesus as a prophet. Leonard Maluf suggests a new understanding of Zechariah's canticle (the Benedictus), by situating it firmly in its Jewish background. Finally, Nicholas King indicates how the "inn" of the nativity prefigures the later journey of the gospel message. The next four contributions are concerned with Matthew's narrative. Warren Carter shows how the conflict between the infant Jesus and the ruling powers is repeated more dramatically in the life and death of the adult Christ. Benedict Viviano proposes that the three stages in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus belong within a grand scheme of seven ages of salvation history. Bernard Robinson investigates Matthew's nativity story within the context of biblical and Greco-Roman history-writing. Christopher Fuller highlights the carnivalesque approach to the Magi story in Pasolini's classic film, The Gospel According to St Matthew. Three final essays focus on the religious value of the infancy stories. Ann Loades reflects on late-20th-century poems dealing with the nativity. John Kaltner explores the references to Jesus' birth found in Islamic tradition. Finally, Thomas O'Loughlin argues that contemporary preoccupations with historical investigation can blind us to the mystery presented in the nativity stories.

We Were There

We Were There PDF Author: Eve Bunting
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 0547533195
Category : Juvenile Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 32

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Book Description
On a winter night long ago, a baby boy was born in a stable with only the animals to witness his arrival. But it wasn’t just the cows and donkeys and soft little lambs who were present. Smaller, less loved creatures were there, too: the snake, the scorpion, the cockroach, and others. Lyrically written by Eve Bunting and luminously illustrated by Wendell Minor, this beautiful book offers a unique and moving perspective on the Christmas story. It reminds us that all God’s creatures, both great and small, celebrated the arrival of the Christ child.

God Called Me

God Called Me PDF Author: Martyn Starkey
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781717987884
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 107

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Book Description
You will have heard, read and seen The Nativity many times before. This is different. It tells the story from different characters' points of view as they might have perceived it.The book shows the links between Old Testament prophecy and what happened at the beginning of the New Testament. It also looks at historical and geographical evidence that touches on the political situation at the time.The stories cover social and emotional aspects such as family values and what is important in life.It shows that God chooses ordinary, everyday people like you and me to do his will if we allow Him to guide us irrespective of our upbringing or belief in ourselves. We all have a destiny and this might inspire you to follow yours."References to the Old Testament with words from the prophets will help people see the New Testament as a fulfilment of the Old Testament rather than a completely separate book.This is a valuable resource for schools and churches here. Of course everyone loves a traditional nativity story with the 'aaaaw' factor but these stories would give teachers a real opportunity to bring the characters alive and make them more human rather just enacting an historical drama. And, after all, we're trying to tell part of the greatest love story ever told and us human beings are part of it too!" - Reverend Linda Macluskie, St John's Church, Heysham, Lancs

Corpus Christologicum

Corpus Christologicum PDF Author: Gregory Lanier
Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers
ISBN: 1683071808
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 737

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Book Description
"A compendium of approximately three hundred texts-in Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin, Ethiopic, Syriac, Coptic, and other languages-that are important for the study of Jewish messianism and early Christology, with a critical apparatus and translation for each text, thematic tagging that enables textual cross-referencing, and bibliography"--

At the Manger

At the Manger PDF Author: Peter Vance Orullian
Publisher: Descant
ISBN: 9780971290907
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
"Who were those who stood at the manger the night Jesus was born? What are their stories? What of the carpenter who built the manger? Or the midwife who helped Mary deliver the child? What is the origin of the swaddling clothes that wrapped the babe? At the The Stories of Those Who Were There is a collection of inspirational tales which poses possible answers to these questions. Residents of Bethlehem and travelers from Rome alike, stand as witnesses in the stillness of the night to the profound, humble birth. Through their own trials, those blessed to be present at the Nativity are woven into a fabric of mutual dependence and ultimate redemption. And through great personal sacrifice, gifts are laid at the foot of the crib while the reciprocal treasures of liberation, peace, and love blossom in the hearts of the givers. Experience the joy of Christmas by taking a journey back in time and partaking of the lives of those first to greet the newborn babe. At the Manger shares the gentle reminder that giving is an act of love, and ennobles us most when it is a gift of self."--

Nativity: the Christmas Story, Which You Have Never Heard Before

Nativity: the Christmas Story, Which You Have Never Heard Before PDF Author: Richard R. Racy
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1467859389
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 376

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Book Description
Sometimes reading like a historical novel, or a forensics detective story, a melodrama, or a scientific adventure, Nativity takes the reader on a fast, awesome ride of discovery into the real history and real people behind the birth of Christ. Nativity is the ideal reference for pastors, students, and laymen, combining scholarly depth and reliability in a popular writing style easily accessible to all with references for independent study. New elements of meaning and relevance to the Nativity Scientific evidence virgin births occur as often as identical twins but Jesus was one of a kind The life and death drama behind Joseph and Mary rarely told The real events of Bethlehem and Nazareth Herod amazing genius whose architecture excelled Rome, and kept his murdered wife in a jar of honey! Was Jesus incarnated from the time of the Fall? Is the Christmas tree a pagan idol or a biblical image of the Tree of Life? While vigorously defending the traditional faith, Richard Racy gives new insights and new theological perspectives guaranteed to inform and provoke while entertaining in a major new work on the birth of Jesus Christ. A revealing and thought-provoking new book that truly tells us the Christmas story, which we have never heard before!

Martin Luther's Christmas Book

Martin Luther's Christmas Book PDF Author: Martin Luther
Publisher: Augsburg Books
ISBN: 9781451414257
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 84

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Book Description
Martin Luther's conception of the Nativity found expression in sermon, song, and art. This beautiful gift edition of a classic collection combines all three.

The First Christmas

The First Christmas PDF Author: Stephen Mitchell
Publisher: St. Martin's Essentials
ISBN: 1250790700
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 141

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Book Description
“I love The First Christmas. What a charming way Stephen Mitchell has found to tell my favorite story of all, the Nativity, character by character (I love the donkey and the ox), with wise and thrilling interludes about God, reality, truth.” –Anne Lamott In The First Christmas, Stephen Mitchell brings the Nativity story to vivid life as never before. A narrative that is only sketched out in two Gospels becomes fully realized here with nuanced characters and a setting that reflects the culture of the time. Mitchell has suffused the birth of Jesus with a sense of beauty that will delight and astonish readers. In this version, we see the world through the eyes of a Whitmanesque ox and a visionary donkey, starry-eyed shepherds and Zen-like wise men, each of them providing a unique perspective on a scene that is, in Western culture, the central symbol for good tidings of great joy. Rather than superimposing later Christian concepts onto the Annunciation and Nativity scenes, he imagines Mary and Joseph experiencing the angelic message as a young Jewish woman and man living in the year 4 bce might have experienced it, with terror, dismay, and ultimate acceptance. In this context, their yes becomes an act of great moral courage. Readers of every background will be enchanted by this startlingly beautiful reimagining of the Christmas tale.

Away in a Manger

Away in a Manger PDF Author: David B. Biebel
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781548923969
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 72

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Book Description
Once upon a time, a lamb and his mommy were selected to participate in a live Nativity Scene sponsored by a local church in Colorado. The Christmas story is retold, replete with full-color original artwork, through the very inquisitive lamb's questions and his mother's replies. Pertinent biblical passages are shared by a narrating pastor. You will find this mini-novel to be a new and refreshing perspective on Christmas, designed for Christian parents to read and discuss with their children during the Christmas season. What people are saying: We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It has a permanent spot on our bookcase and the kids love to pull it out and read it whenever they need a book to read. Hearing the nativity from a different viewpoint has opened our eyes and hearts to the meaning and story behind Christmas. It has helped us to know how to be more Christian and how to show love and acceptance of others. Review: The Old Schoolhouse(R) Magazine Away in the Manger: The Christmas Story from a Nativity Scene Lamb's Point of View This is no ordinary Christmas story book, for it tells the Christmas story in an entirely new and fresh way that will capture the hearts of both children and adults. The book is filled with beautiful life-like illustrations and rich content that will educate children and surprise adults, enriching the typical way the story has grown to be told with fascinating Christian history and solid theology. Using God's creation, in this case a lamb, to tell the Christmas story, brings a compelling picture of the true meaning of Christmas. The child-like perspective of Ransom, the inquisitive Lamb, draws you in as he asks the same profound questions a child might ask if he or she had been there. The story naturally flows into a salvation invitation and prayer. Anyone who has children in their life should first read this book and then give it as a gift with a personal inscription to each and every child they can think of this Christmas. For the greatest gift of all is the Christmas story. --Monte Swan is a research/exploration geologist and author of Romancing Your Child's Heart, its Vision & Strategy Manual, and The Secret of Singing Springs (a family novel).

Barth's Interpretation of the Virgin Birth

Barth's Interpretation of the Virgin Birth PDF Author: Dustin Resch
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317176111
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
The doctrine of the virgin birth is intricately woven within the texture of the liturgy, theology and piety of all branches of the Christian Church. In spite of its enduring influence, the doctrine has been dogged by criticism, particularly in the modern era. By the 20th century, the teaching of the virgin birth was rejected by the majority of Protestant theologians in Europe. Rejecting the conclusion of many of his contemporaries-including that of his own father-the Swiss theologian, Karl Barth (1886-1968), argued vehemently that, understood aright, the doctrine of the virgin birth plays a crucial role in Christian thought. Barth's legacy in this regard is widely regarded as providing the most influential rehabilitation of the doctrine among Protestants. This book offers a comprehensive account and analysis of Barth's interpretation of the doctrine of the virgin birth. Setting the doctrine in the context of the western Christian tradition, Resch examines it in relation to Barth's discussions in the Church Dogmatics of Christology, pneumatology and the interpretation of Scripture. The importance of this study lies in the way that it reveals Barth's continuity and discontinuity with both the classical Augustinian tradition of interpreting the virgin birth and the criticisms of the modern era, but especially in the way in which attention to Barth's doctrine of the virgin birth reveals his assumptions about the nature of history, humanity and the identity of Jesus Christ. As a 'fitting' sign of the mystery of the incarnation, Barth argued that the virgin birth expressed the dialectic of God's 'No' to sin and 'Yes' to humanity in his free act of revelation and reconciliation. As such, the doctrine of the virgin birth functioned for Barth as a paradigm through which to understand the fashion of God's work upon human beings and the suitable posture of the human being before God.