Part I
Chapter 3 of A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Jesus is focused mainly on Jesus’ birth story. Matthew and Luke are compared quite a bit throughout this chapter because they both mention the birth story, but in two different ways. Norm finds himself in Bethlehem wondering if that is in fact where Jesus was brought into this earth. Mary’s virginity is also an issue in this chapter, and Norm corresponds with his professor trying to seek more information on the matter (80-84). In addition to discussing Jesus’ birth narrative, Norm adds in three Pagan birth narratives in attempt to show their similarities (85-87). Since Norm is a Christian himself, he struggles with the thought of Jesus being born from a normal conception and wonders how other Christians would take this question.
Part II
Chapter 3 contained mostly conversations with other scholars along with charts that compare the Gospels about the birth story. In an email from Guilder, he brings up many points about Jesus’ birth narrative. A major point that caught my attention the most is the legitimacy of Jesus. Guilder noted that Jesus’ birth could be illegitimate and that Mary could have been seduced or raped (82). This challenges Norm and would definitely challenge most Christians because a “normal” conception would go against what Christians have so long believed about Jesus’ birth (85). Mary being a virgin and having a son from the Holy Spirit is a major part of the Christian faith, and like Norm I wonder how perceptions of Jesus would be altered.
Chapter 3 of A Hitchhiker’s Guide to Jesus is focused mainly on Jesus’ birth story. Matthew and Luke are compared quite a bit throughout this chapter because they both mention the birth story, but in two different ways. Norm finds himself in Bethlehem wondering if that is in fact where Jesus was brought into this earth. Mary’s virginity is also an issue in this chapter, and Norm corresponds with his professor trying to seek more information on the matter (80-84). In addition to discussing Jesus’ birth narrative, Norm adds in three Pagan birth narratives in attempt to show their similarities (85-87). Since Norm is a Christian himself, he struggles with the thought of Jesus being born from a normal conception and wonders how other Christians would take this question.
Part II
Chapter 3 contained mostly conversations with other scholars along with charts that compare the Gospels about the birth story. In an email from Guilder, he brings up many points about Jesus’ birth narrative. A major point that caught my attention the most is the legitimacy of Jesus. Guilder noted that Jesus’ birth could be illegitimate and that Mary could have been seduced or raped (82). This challenges Norm and would definitely challenge most Christians because a “normal” conception would go against what Christians have so long believed about Jesus’ birth (85). Mary being a virgin and having a son from the Holy Spirit is a major part of the Christian faith, and like Norm I wonder how perceptions of Jesus would be altered.
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