Monthly Archives: December 2016

Christmas Mythology V: Luke’s Christmas Story

Posted on December 21, 2016 by Arthur George

Yesterday’s post covered the mythological elements of the Christmas story unique to Matthew, so today I’m doing the same for Luke. The Story of the Shepherds and Jesus in the Manger In Luke’s story the adoration scene features shepherds rather … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Holidays, Mythology, Mythology of the Eden Story | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Christmas Mythology IV: Matthew’s Christmas Story

Posted on December 20, 2016 by Arthur George

Matthew 2’s Christmas story, no part of which is found elsewhere in the New Testament, contains some of our most dramatic and enduring Christmas images: the magi following a moving star to visit and venerate the young child and future king … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Holidays, Mythology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Christmas Mythology III: Jesus and the “Birth of the Hero” Mythological Motif

Posted on December 19, 2016 by Arthur George

Myths and legends feature countless hero figures, and even real history features many people whose lives have been mythologized, being elevated into larger-than-life figures. Scholars have long recognized that Jesus as portrayed in the New Testament and its apocrypha is … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Holidays, Mythology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Christmas Mythology II: What is History and What is Myth in the Nativity Stories?

Posted on December 18, 2016 by Arthur George

This post is the first of several leading up to this Christmas dealing with the mythology lurking behind our Christmas stories, rituals, and holiday celebrations, starting with the stories of Jesus’s birth and leading up to our modern day. It … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Holidays, Mythology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments