Tag Archives: virgin birth

It’s Not Rape If He’s a God — Or Thinks He Is

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Stories like the Virgin Birth lack freely given female consent. Why don’t they bother us more? Powerful gods and demi-gods impregnating human women—it’s a common theme in the history of religion, and it’s more than a little rapey. Zeus comes to Danae … Continue reading

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The Sex-Negative Message in the Virgin Birth—It’s Worth a Family Conversation

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The birth story of baby Jesus celebrates the promise of new life, but for girls it also sends a harmful message. How can we acknowledge this without spoiling the rest? Most Americans, even many who are not very religious, look forward … Continue reading

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The Not-So-Virgin Birth of the Christmas Story

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Celestial messengers, natural wonders and a virgin birth establish the baby Jesus as someone special. Why does the rest of the New Testament ignore these auspicious beginnings? Sometime toward the end of the first century, the writer of Luke told … Continue reading

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Ancient Mythic Origins of the Christmas Story

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Valerie Tarico interviews Dr. Tony Nugent, scholar of world religions. Dr. Nugent is a symbologist, an expert in ancient symbols. He taught at Seattle University for fifteen years in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies and is an ordained … Continue reading

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