
About this episode
Almost anyone who knows anything about Christianity knows that Jesus was born of a virgin. But was he?
This miraculous event is found in only two passages of the entire New Testament (in Matthew and Luke). Did the other New Testament authors know about it? If so, why didn't they mention it? If not, how could they not? And where did the idea of a virgin birth even come from?
If it is not a major concern for the twenty-five other books of the New Testament, why did it come to be so important in the Christian tradition -- so much so that many people today assume that anyone who does not believe in it cannot be a Christian?
In this episode we deal with these and other intriguing issues highly relevant to the Christmas season.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

Did Jesus Actually Believe in Hell?
Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

Is the Rapture Really in the Bible – or Was It Invented Later?
Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

The One Verse That Made Bart Question Everything
Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

Why Christians Keep the 10 Commandments (But Ignore the Rest of the Old Testamen...
Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman