5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly, Provocative, and Informative

D.J.G. · August 7, 2006

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } John Shelby Spong's 1992 book is subtitled "A Bishop rethinks the birth of Jesus" and in it he hopes to concentrate exclusively on the birth of Jesus. Needless to say the good bishop manages to devote only about 50% of the book to the issue of Jesus' birth, but don't let that detract from the value of the book. Spong's discussion of the gospels in general and the resurrection in particular only add to the value of the book.The book is divided into 5 basic parts. Chapters 1 and 2 are general in nature and discuss biblical scholarship. Chapters 3 to 5 discuss the Pauline and pre Gospel traditions. Chapters 6 to 10 are devoted to Matthew and Luke. Chapter 11 deals with Mark and John, and the remaining chapters discuss the two Marys. The notes are limited, as is the bibliography.Throughout the book Spong continues to hammer his point that the gospels are neither history nor biography, and must be understood within their theological and symbolic contexts. Spong is right in this regard, although his own context is relatively narrow and he rarely discusses the broader issues (e.g., the astronomical background to much of the gospel texts, the influence of mystery religions, the roman/jewish interface, etc.). He can rarely be faulted for what he does say, although one might have wished that he perused some areas in more detail.The section on Matthew covers several issues:- On the four (sinful, foreign) women, Spong believes that "irregular sexual activity initiated by the action of the Spirit [that] enabled the promise of Israel to move forward" is what unites these women's stories and links them to Mary.- He believes that Matthew's midrash tradition of prophesy was mistaken by later Christians to be literalized.- The story of the star and the magi is thoroughly researched by Spong, who identifies the Old Testament as well as contemporary events that contributed to these passages.Luke's section begins with an excellent discussion about who "Luke" was and presents sound arguments for the fact that the same writers did not pen Luke and Acts. It's a minority position, but one I subscribe to as well. He also points out that Luke's gospel is presented in the format of a play, and other authors have theorized that Luke's gospel was drawn from a pre-existing early Christian play. Spong then proceeds to block out the gospel in play form, and this is an amazing exercise that is truly instructive.Some of the interesting elements from Spong's discussion of Luke include:- John the Baptist's father's name is Zechariah, the name of the next to last of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. Zechariah preceded Malaci (the messanger), possibly a clue to the naming. John's mother's name, Elizabeth, is only found in the Old Testament in Aaron's wife (Aaron was the brother of Moses), and Aaron's sister's name was Mary. Hence Elizabeth and Mary were related and their children would have been cousins. Intriguing stuff!- Spong raises the interesting question of why Mary says "I have no husband " (Luke 1:34) when in fact, by Jewish law and customs, as a betrothed woman Joseph was her husband.In his brief section on Mark and John, and in his discussion of the likelihood that Jesus and Mary were married, Spong continues his ability to critically examine the gospel texts. Some of the interesting findings here are:- Angels appeared and Mary said she was crying because "they have taken away my Lord..." These words were spoken before anyone knew that Jesus had risen, and hence he was still merely a dead prophet, not the risen Lord. Yet Mary called him "lord", a term commonly used by first Century Jewish women to speak about their husbands.- When the gardener appears, Mary claims the body ("I will take him away"), an act only the nearest of kin could perform.- Mary addresses Jesus as "Rabboni" (an affectionate term) and then tries to embrace him. Jesus cautions: "Do not touch me..." Yet in First Century Jewish society, only a wife (or mother) was permitted to touch a man.The final two chapters discuss Mary Magdalene and the continuing image of Jesus' mother Mary. Although not directly involved in the birth issues, both these chapters are excellent supplements.This is not a perfect book. Spong makes several errors. For example:- He claims in Luke 3 that "John the Baptist was engaged in a conversation with his Jewish detractors on the meaning of one's origins (p. 126)" when in fact the comments are made to the people he is baptizing, not his distractors.- He claims Luke's authorship when in fact, many parts of the Gopspel of Luke are simply copies from other people's works (e.g., Josephus, Judges, 1 Samuel, etc).- He makes the common error of concluding that Mark 3:20 refers to Jesus' relatives wanting to seize him and thinking he is mad (the original reference is to the disciples, not the family).- He claims that Jesus reference in the Gospel of John to the adulteress (8:10) and his mother by the same name "woman" (2:4, 9:26) is significant. However, Jesus also addresses the Samaritan by the well as "woman" (4:21), a fact not mentioned by Sprong, which substantially lessens the significance of the usage he identifies.These errors are few and far in between. Bottom line, this is a provocative, informative, scholarly account of Jesus' birth, and probably the best single source on the subject available. It will appeal to beginning students as well as the most advanced scholars.

5.0 out of 5 stars If you ever thought the Bible was dull or illogical

A.C. · December 30, 2014

I really like/love anything by this author. Only one of his books would rate 2-3 stars, and that is his most recent work. I think he went too far down the rabbit hole with that one, but it was still an interesting read and worth my time.Born of a Woman re-examines the birth narratives in scripture. Rather than debunking them as inconsistent or trying to explain how the different stories can be reconciled as literally true, he takes a different track. What deep truth made these images and symbols appropriate to express them? What were the writers using as their source or inspiration if not the historical facts? Rather than seeing prophecies fulfilled in the literal way that is often assumed, he looks at the fulfillment in a different way: Early Christians were Jews and used their own culture and history to interpret the Christ experience. How else would they process something so overwhelming and life changing?If you are a litteralist who fears having your safe and familiar world shaken up, it's not for you. If you have been a litteralist and your world is already shaken, then this may be a place to find something to hold on to... a way to see the scriptures through new eyes, and still value them as true in a way you never considered.If you are not a litteralist but want to find real meaning in the scriptures and are not always sure how they could be seen as real or relevant then his work is for you. He goes into depth on details I never noticed, and does so in an interesting and readable way.His work is for Christians who do not always feel comfortable with Church, and wish there was a place where they wouldn't feel that their thoughts are not within Church 'doctrine'( and might not be welcome to express out loud). His work may also be a starting point for people who describe themselves as 'spiritual' but are not sure how such an ancient book can be read as honest and meaningful in the modern world.If you ever thought the Bible was dull or illogical, or if you are an atheist and want to understand how any rational modern person could take something like the Bible seriously, this is for you.Many readers would like this, some would hate it. By this time you probably know if you would hate it. If you are not in that group, then you might like it even more than you expect. That was my first experience with Spong; I wouldn't have paid (ANY) money for a "religious" book but it was at the library and had a catchy title. I was hooked!

5.0 out of 5 stars A logical argument against sexism in Christianity

D.S. · October 11, 2024

J. S. Spong offers o clear view of how the use of the virgin Mary as part of the life of Jesus Christ degrades the power of women themselves. This is a clearly written text with a very strong argument of how the assumption of the virginity in Matthew and Luke requires the female to never be on an equal level as the male in Christian society.

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting perspective

n. · June 18, 2020

Hard read but enjoyed the perspective.

5.0 out of 5 stars Challenging Your Traditional Perspectives

E.B. · February 27, 2012

John Shelby Spong looks at both the infancy narratives as well as the role of women in the church in this masterfully written book. Spong challenges the theological importance and the historicity of the virgin birth - discussing the role that it played in both contemporary and modern theology.Examining both the infancy narratives of Luke and Matthew, as well as discussing the comparative virgin birth traditions as they would have been understood by someone hearing the gospels in the 2nd century CE, Spong makes a case that the virgin birth is far more allegorical and symbolic than historical - and that if it isn't historical, it does not change the fundamental message of Christianity.Following past that discussion, Spong examines the role of women in the church - both early and modern. The elements of Elisabeth and Mary, as well as Anna and the historical Jewish women in the geneologies are examined for their symbolic meaning to someone intimately familiar with the scriptures.All in all, a fascinating read by a fascinating author.

4.0 out of 5 stars but over-all a good read.

K.C. · April 14, 2018

It's a little out there, but some interesting points to consider. Some was factual, some was conjecture, but over-all a good read.

Wonderful comprehension

M.I.A.S. · November 25, 2018

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } This book gave me a new insight into how the gospels developed. I will read the book over again to get more insight into what he is saying. It has really enchanted my view of the gospels and made them more significant without the literalism I have been so affected with in the past. Thank you for your book. I am now reading more of his books.

Doesnt clear out much religious brainwashing

A. · March 4, 2018

Bought this book seeking to shine light on so much mental religious manipulation poured into me as a child, when u just feel all this teaching is damaging u but u cannot point your finger to it. Book starts off well, pointing out mary couldnt have been virgin, jesus was probably illegitimate child, mary was portraited in an image unachievable for a normal woman thus guilt-tripping women and so. First 20 pages are a joy to read, a bishop confirming that above all, u have to use your brain and common sense, it was a relief. However, the rest of a book is just endless talking about scriptures with no eye-opening point at all

Not for me

a. · August 6, 2014

How to call yourself a Christian (and even a Bishop) when you don't actually believe any of it! But who would want to in those circumstances?