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

<p>John Nelson earned a PhD in New Testament and Christian Origins from the University of Edinburgh in 2023. He writes for the Substack <a href="https://www.behindthegospels.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Behind the Gospels</em></a>.</p><p>His <a href="https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/jesus-physical-appearance-9780567723208/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thesis</a> is the first book-length study of Jesus' physical appearance in the Gospels. He runs a weekly Substack called &quot;Behind the Gospels&quot; which aims to make Biblical studies accessible to all.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong></p><p>0:00 - Was Jesus Really Born on Christmas Day?</p><p>2:51 - Are the Birth Narratives Attempts at History?</p><p>6:34 - Where Was Jesus Actually Born?</p><p>16:19 - Were the Birth Narratives Added Later?</p><p>20:53 - Was Mary Really a Virgin?</p><p>32:57 - Why Does Nobody Else Mention the Virgin Birth?</p><p>37:39 - Was Jesus a Product of Adultery? </p><p>42:22 - Was Jesus Born in a Manger?</p><p>48:07 - Who Are the Magi?</p><p>54:04 - Was the Star Really a Star?</p><p>01:00:03 - Did Herod Really Order a Slaughter of Infants?</p><p>01:05:09 - Is the Christmas Story Anti-Imperial?</p><p>01:09:04 - How Would Jewish Readers Interpret the Christmas Narratives?</p><p>01:13:13 - Are Christmas Trees a Pagan Idol?</p><p>01:16:12 - John’s Book and the Upcoming Tour</p>