Exploration of the Virgin Birth That Maybe Wasn’t

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In an enlightening conversation, Elaine Pagels, a distinguished professor of religion at Princeton University, engages with Nicholas Kristof about her upcoming book, *Miracles and Wonder*, which tackles the virgin birth of Jesus and its historical implications. Known for her expertise on early Christianity, Pagels offers a perspective that blends faith and academic inquiry, urging readers to reflect critically on traditional narratives while also appreciating their spiritual significance.

 

Kristof, acknowledging the sensitivity of the topic for devout believers, begins the conversation by emphasizing the importance of balancing historical research with respect for those who hold deep faith. Pagels responds with a thoughtful approach, explaining her love for the Gospel stories. “The skies opened up when I heard them,” she recalls, speaking of the profound emotional and spiritual impact these stories have. However, she also stresses that while these stories are deeply meaningful, they should be understood not merely as historical accounts but also as metaphors that convey deeper truths about human experience and divine mystery.

 

Pagels then turns to the topic of the virgin birth. Of the four Gospels, only two — Matthew and Luke — mention it, while Mark and John make no reference to it. Pagels points out that the Gospel of Mark, the earliest of the four, does not suggest a virgin birth. Instead, Mark refers to Jesus as “the son of Mary,” a striking anomaly in a patriarchal society where a child’s identity was typically linked to the father. This raises the question of whether Jesus was seen as fatherless by his community, a point that both Matthew and Luke address by introducing their own versions of the nativity story, with each adding a father figure in Joseph. These revisions, Pagels suggests, may have been an attempt to avoid the embarrassment of a questionable paternity.

 

The most provocative element of Pagels' book is her discussion of ancient rumors about Jesus being the son of a Roman soldier named Panthera. While these accounts come from early detractors of Jesus, the name “Panthera” may refer to a real individual, a Roman soldier stationed in Palestine during the first century. Pagels acknowledges the uncertainty of this claim but argues that there is enough circumstantial evidence to warrant consideration. She highlights a grave discovered in 1859 that belonged to a soldier named Tiberius Panthera, which adds some credence to these long-standing rumors.

 

Pagels also addresses the possibility that Mary may have been a victim of rape. She notes the brutal Roman occupation of Galilee during the time of Jesus' birth, where soldiers frequently committed acts of violence and sexual assault against the local population. Pagels suggests that if Panthera was indeed involved in Jesus’ conception, it may have been a case of rape, reflecting the harsh realities of Roman rule at the time.

 

Despite these historical investigations, Pagels does not dismiss the possibility of miracles but invites readers to consider how they are interpreted. She compares the concept of miracles to personal experiences that some might attribute to divine intervention, like a miraculous recovery from illness, while others might simply view them as strokes of luck. “Calling it a miracle interprets an event that others might see differently,” she explains.

 

In the latter part of the conversation, Pagels touches on the broader role of Christianity in modern society. While she may not align with all aspects of conservative Christianity, she acknowledges the profound humanitarian work done by faith-based organizations. Pagels emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating the positive impact of Christian faith, especially in charitable efforts around the world.

 

Reflecting on her own faith journey, Pagels speaks of her transition from an evangelical Christian to a scholar who questions the literal truth of certain biblical stories. Yet, despite her intellectual skepticism, she continues to find deep spiritual meaning in the Christian tradition. The experience of encountering Christianity, she says, remains transformative. “The Christian message, as I experienced it, was transformational. It encouraged me to treat other people well and opened up a world of imagination and wonder,” she shares.

 

In conclusion, Pagels calls for a respectful and open dialogue between faith and reason, urging both believers and skeptics to appreciate the rich tapestry of Christian tradition. For her, the virgin birth, like other miracles in the Gospels, can be seen as a story of profound spiritual significance, regardless of its historical accuracy. "Believe that a further shore / is reachable from here. / Believe in miracles,” she quotes, echoing the words of poet Seamus Heaney and encouraging us to embrace the mystery and wonder that faith can offer.

 

Based on a report by NYT 2024-12-23