#79 Amy Orr-Ewing: Is there any evidence for a virgin birth?
Nov 21, 2023
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Dr Amy Orr-Ewing discusses the evidence for a virgin birth, why it's significant, how we can trust Mary's witness, and the nature of Jesus as fully God and fully man.
Joseph's initial reaction to Mary's pregnancy implies a natural reason for the pregnancy, indicating that the text does not assume a supernatural explanation from the start.
The concept of the incarnation can be understood through analogies like the author entering his own story and a cube appearing as a square in a two-dimensional world, with the resurrection of Jesus serving as a verifiable event supporting the truth of the incarnation.
Deep dives
Evidence for the Virgin Birth
The podcast discusses the evidence for the virgin birth. It highlights how Joseph's initial reaction to Mary's pregnancy implies a natural reason for the pregnancy, indicating that the text does not assume a supernatural explanation from the start. Additionally, the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth, who was unable to conceive in the normal sense, serves as a publicly verifiable miracle. Elizabeth's prophetic word about Mary being pregnant with the Lord further adds to the evidence. The podcast argues that approaching the text with an openness to the possibility of the supernatural allows for a rational consideration of the evidence.
Explaining the Incarnation
The podcast explores the concept of the incarnation and attempts to explain how Jesus being fully God and fully man is not a logical contradiction. It offers analogies such as the author entering his own story and a cube appearing as a square in a two-dimensional world to help understand the idea. Moreover, the podcast mentions the resurrection of Jesus as a verifiable event that supports the truth of the incarnation. The podcast emphasizes the profound and life-changing impact of this belief, inviting listeners to recapture the wonder of the Christian faith.
The Testimony of Mary and the Mystery of the Virgin Birth
The podcast delves into the issue of trusting Mary's testimony about the virgin birth. It highlights Luke's credibility and meticulous investigation as a doctor and author of the Gospel. The podcast also acknowledges the cultural practice of oral tradition, which enhanced people's memory skills and enabled accurate transmission of information. Moreover, the statistical evidence from the Gospels, analyzed by Richard Bauckham, supports the accuracy of direct speeches and events described. Ultimately, the podcast suggests that trusting Mary's testimony is based on credible historical and cultural factors.
In the final part of their discussion, Dr Amy Orr-Ewing discusses whether we can believe in a virgin birth, why this birth is significant and how we can trust the witness of Mary. Plus, why is justice important to the Christmas story? And, how can Jesus be both fully God and fully man?
For Amy's book: https://www.amyorr-ewing.com/books
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