Part I
In the third chapter, Norm finally gets to go on his excursion to Bethlehem. Prior to his arrival in the town, he spent many hours researching the differences and parallels between Matthew and Luke with an obvious focus on the birth story. After an exchange with his former professor, he raises many questions about the Greek parallels to the Christian birth story, the possibility of Matthew and Luke altering their interpretations due to outside influences, as well as several others. Following his first day in Bethlehem, Norm spends the evening discussing these questions with two professors and two students from an American seminary who happened to be staying at the same place he was.
Part II
Throughout the chapter, Norm questions the historical accuracy and truth in the birth stories of Matthew and Luke. His research of the Gospels points out similarities and differences between the two birth narratives as well as the authenticity of a virgin birth. In response to his query, Guilder lays out four points in which he criticizes the thought of a virgin birth. While visiting the supposed spots of Jesus’ birth, Norm questions the authenticity of the locations in which all of these significant events took place; questions that have been asked since the 2nd and 3rd centuries (90-91). During his discussion with the American seminary students and professors, the thought that Jesus may have been portrayed with the story of Moses in mind is brought up. However, Prof. Modred had a point in that when we borrow information from the past, we attach its significance to the present. In doing so, we add more relevance to the present (98). It seems to me that Matthew added in these parallels in order to solidify the significance and holiness of Jesus.
In the third chapter, Norm finally gets to go on his excursion to Bethlehem. Prior to his arrival in the town, he spent many hours researching the differences and parallels between Matthew and Luke with an obvious focus on the birth story. After an exchange with his former professor, he raises many questions about the Greek parallels to the Christian birth story, the possibility of Matthew and Luke altering their interpretations due to outside influences, as well as several others. Following his first day in Bethlehem, Norm spends the evening discussing these questions with two professors and two students from an American seminary who happened to be staying at the same place he was.
Part II
Throughout the chapter, Norm questions the historical accuracy and truth in the birth stories of Matthew and Luke. His research of the Gospels points out similarities and differences between the two birth narratives as well as the authenticity of a virgin birth. In response to his query, Guilder lays out four points in which he criticizes the thought of a virgin birth. While visiting the supposed spots of Jesus’ birth, Norm questions the authenticity of the locations in which all of these significant events took place; questions that have been asked since the 2nd and 3rd centuries (90-91). During his discussion with the American seminary students and professors, the thought that Jesus may have been portrayed with the story of Moses in mind is brought up. However, Prof. Modred had a point in that when we borrow information from the past, we attach its significance to the present. In doing so, we add more relevance to the present (98). It seems to me that Matthew added in these parallels in order to solidify the significance and holiness of Jesus.
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