ATSS: Warren Trenchard, “The Common Core Tradition of the Nativity Stories”
26 December 2024 |
The New Testament contains only two accounts of the birth of Jesus, both dating to the 80s of the 1st century of the Christian Era.
The first is in Matthew (1:18–2:23). the second in Luke (1:45a, 36–38; 2:1–40). Although these accounts are very different, for most of Christian history, including today, they are typically blended into one Christmas story which, in that form, is not found anywhere in the Bible. The conflated story typically includes Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, an overcrowded inn, Jesus’ birth and placement in a manger, a moving star, pagan magi from the East with gifts, angels appearing to shepherds who visit the newborn, Herod’s execution decree, and the family traveling to Egypt and later returning and settling in Nazareth.
The presentation will identify the likely common core tradition behind these stories, and examine how each storyteller enhances the tradition by creatively adding exclusive episodes, uniquely interpreting elements of the tradition, and consistently featuring particular themes.
I propose that these stories in Matthew and Luke not only function to introduce Jesus of Nazareth, but serve as windows into and prefaces of the contents and themes of these individual gospels.
Teacher:
Dr. Trenchard served as a member of the faculty and a senior administrator at what is what is now Burman University in Alberta, Canada, and at La Sierra University, for over thirty-five years. In retirement, he is professor of New Testament and early Christian literature. His principal teaching and research interests include New Testament Greek language; history, backgrounds, and interpretation of the New Testament and its individual documents; and history and literature of Early Christianity.
Moderator:
How to join:
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The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
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We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Marko Lukic
- Jeffrey Gang
- Reinder Bruinsma
- Kärt Lazik
- Tom Dybdahl
