#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