Christmas, The Original Story by Margaret Barker (PDF)

Description

In Christmas the Original Story Margaret Barker explores the nature of the Christmas stories and the nature and use of Old Testament prophecy. Beginning with John’s account, it then goes on to include Luke and Matthew, the apocryphal gospels, and the traditions of the Coptic Church, to throw light upon wise men and their gifts, the character of Herod, Matthew’s use of prophecy, the holy family in Egypt. This book also discusses the stories we get from the Infancy Gospel of Jesus and the development of the Orthodox Christmas icon, as well as the Christmas story and the Mary material in the Koran.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐If you like reading well-written and well-researched critical Biblical studies, this book is for you. CHRISTMAS, THE ORIGINAL STORY delves into the Christmas story not only with the well-known Biblical texts of Luke and Matthew, but also looks beyond them, to sources as diverse as the Qumran and Dead Sea Scrolls, the Apocryphia, texts from Old Church Slavonic used by the Eastern Orthodox Church, sources in ancient Greek manuscripts, and even the Christmas story as told in the Qur’an. I found it a much meatier read than I had expected, and really enjoyed it. I felt that I was being taken on an archaeological tour of the text by an expert guide, who knew all the deeper meanings of the text, and could explain them easily, with copious footnotes, so I could check the sources for myself, if I wanted to.Recommended for anyone who is serious about biblical studies, this book is perfect for very bright teens on up to students of religious studies in university and in life. (Younger children would be baffled, I think, by the vocabulary and the references.) Highly recommended for your Biblical or interfaith reading group.

⭐I have been a fan of Margaret Barker’s scholarship and interpretation for years but this may be my favorite volume of her’s yet; in large part due to the fact that she includes large sections from the Infancy Gospel of James and selections from the Quran. She lingers on and revisits the subject of virgin birth; what that means and how it could have been accomplished, which is still yet a frequent topic of conversations. Next to Temple Theology, this is most accessible volume I have read from Margaret Barker to understand the first temple underpinnings of the New Testament.

⭐Margaret is perhaps the most broadly knowledgeable and broadly minded scholar I have read. She reminds me of the profound religious thought of Mircea Eliade, but with a focus on Christianity. Her worldview puts Christianity within the shadow of the temple, and broadens the reading the Gospels by demonstrating how they allude to temple theology, and the prophecies regarding the restoration of Abrahamic temple ordinances . She does this with this analysis of the Christmas Story, as well. In fact, after reading this book I feel like I never actually read the real Christmas Story before. God bless you Margaret you made my Christmas season a beautiful one.

⭐Many know nothing about Margaret Baker. Her scholarship is amazing. Her book will appeal particularly to Temple attending Mormons. We read her book and wonder if she has listened in on what we do in the Temple. There are amazing connections. How did Joseph Smith know all this stuff? There is just such a rich feasting on Temple and Temple connections to be able to list them all. I think this will appeal to a narrow audience, but to those with whom she will resonate, it will be a never ending feast. Get the book and read it if one has any interest at all in the Temple and the Old and New Testament. I know I am rambling, get the book and enjoy it! Then click on her other books on Amazon and get them too.

⭐Very engrossing book that approaches the Christmas story from many angles. I enjoy when Ms. Barker connects concepts and teachings with early Temple worship and practices. She includes the important information about Lady Wisdom from Temple Theology studies. The most satisfying aspect of reading this book is never having to feel guilty about celebrating Christmas again! Merry Christmas!

⭐Great scholarly insights into the big picture from many scripture sources.

⭐Well researched and well written. There is so much to consider here. It deepened my Christmas celebration and broadened my view of Christianity.

⭐Provides context and other insights around the birth of Jesus Christ that are not typically discussed during Christmas…but should be.

⭐Margaret Barker presents a mine of information, so you have to be alert to follow her closely on the paths down which she leads us.She has found a definite seam of gold in her explorations of ‘Temple Theology’.You expect some special insight at any moment. She reveals enough tantalising ideas to keep your attention along the way.The book seemed to go up several gears when discussing the Jewishness of Matthew’s Gospel and by the time I was reading aboutthe Magi I couldn’t put the book down till I had finished it.Margaret Barker’s discussion of the Star was for me the highlight of a book full of telling details.The presentation of the Infancy Gospel of James and the verses in the Qur’an about Mary and Jesus were a fine way to end.As regards understanding the Biblical Accounts of Jesus’ Birth ‘Christmas The Original Story’ is essential reading. Don’t miss it!

⭐Lots of interesting information and things to think about. This is more like a theological textbook with plentiful footnotes etcetera than for a more generally interested reader perhaps.

⭐as previous books of this author – seems well researched, a bit heavy read for an amateur like me but intriguing! I finished it , and looking for more on the subject

⭐We have all read the story of the nativity so many times we all think we know it well. Margaret opens the doors of explanation and takes us to a whole new level of appreciation of this marvelous event. Readable and scholarly at the same time.

⭐Very well written, scholarly and needs time to read with understanding.

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