The Nativity

August 27, 2007
Despite the cover's gold-stamped Old English script and stylized medieval Nativity scene, this book does not belong in a display of inspirational Christmas gifts for great-aunts, unless the aunties are willing to consider that Matthew and Luke often contradict each other; that Jesus was probably born in the spring; that “virgin” may simply have meant prepubescent; that the census that supposedly brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem never happened (and anyway, Jesus was more likely born in Nazareth); or that virgin births and guiding stars were quite common in classical literature of the time. As Vermes notes, “the truth ...belongs only very slightly to history and mostly derives from man's hopeful and creative religious imagination.” Vermes, perhaps the world's foremost authority on the Dead Sea Scrolls, writes as a scholar, not as an iconoclast. Dismayed that Christmas “has become the climax of a season of overspending, overeating and uncontrolled merrymaking,” he wants to set the record straight. Some readers, however—even those who value understanding the first-century historical and literary context—may not be satisfied with his conclusion that “the ultimate purpose of the Infancy Gospels seems to be the creation of a prologue, enveloping the newborn Jesus with an aura of marvel and enigma.”

November 15, 2007
Strongly disagreeing with Pope Benedict XVI's claim that he faithfully followed the procedures of historical criticism in his 2007 best seller, "Jesus of Nazareth" Vermes (Jewish studies, emeritus, Oxford; "The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls" responds by rigorously applying literary and historical critical analyses to the New Testament's Infancy Narratives (cf. Matthew 1:1-2:23 and Luke 1:5-2:52), examining, e.g., Jesus's biblical genealogies and the role of the Holy Spirit in his Immaculate Conception. He compares the biblical text to other ancient Israelite texts, rabbinic sources, and ancient Greek and Roman texts to determine possible background influences, and he shows through historical analysis that although the Infancy Narratives may indeed contain a kernel of historical truth, legendary accretions have made the text as is difficult to accept as literal historical truth. An epilog nicely summarizes his main points. This is a well-written book aimed at a broad general audience. However, despite its use of the most recent advances in literary and historical criticism, it does not contain footnotes. Further, occasional editorial opinions appear to denigrate those not sharing the author's enthusiasm for strict rigorous use of the historical critical method. Recommended with reservations.Charles Murray, Boston Univ. Sch. of Theology Lib.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2007
The Nativity storyfact or fiction? Perhaps, according to renowned biblical scholar Vermes (Complete Dead Sea Scrolls), a bit of both. By pointing out the fundamental historical and cultural inconsistencies inherent within a belief many Christians consider sacrosanct, he may upset Evangelicals and staunch traditionalists. Believers with more open minds, however, will probably not be shocked or angered when he calls into question the time of year and the town in which Jesus was born, the notion of virginity in the ancient world, the irreconcilable differences between the gospels of Luke and Matthew, the likelihood of the Star of Bethlehem, and the existence of the magi. Sure to inspire lively debate, this reworking of the Christmas story places the birth of Jesus firmly within historical context.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)