202. Not Your Ordinary Christmas Pageant // Tripp Fuller
Dec 25, 2023
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Dr. Tripp Fuller discusses the differing accounts of Jesus' birth in the gospels, the understanding of virgin birth in Christian traditions, the significance of parables and genealogies in conveying identity, and the reimagining of the Christmas story through marginalized individuals and meaningful memories.
The true essence of Christmas lies in experiencing the love, peace, and hope that Jesus brings, rather than getting caught up in debates about the factual accuracy of the virgin birth.
By examining the cultural and historical context of the time, we can gain a richer appreciation for the messages being communicated through the narratives of the virgin birth in Matthew and Luke.
Seeking out alternative creative interpretations of the Christmas story can help expand our perspectives and dive deeper into the true meaning of the texts.
Deep dives
The Invitation to Encounter God in Christ
The focus should not be on whether the virgin birth literally happened, but rather on encountering the beauty and depth of the divine in Christ. The true essence of Christmas lies in experiencing the love, peace, and hope that Jesus brings, rather than getting caught up in debates about the factual accuracy of the virgin birth. The encounter with God in Christ is what truly matters, and how we tell the story of that encounter may vary.
Looking Beyond Fact or Fable
Instead of getting stuck on the fact or fable question, it is important to seek a deeper understanding of the narratives in the gospels. The stories of the virgin birth in Matthew and Luke serve as parabolic overtures that convey theological truths and affirm the identities of Jesus within their respective contexts. By examining the cultural and historical context of the time, we can gain a richer appreciation for the messages being communicated through these narratives.
Seeking Communities and Resources
Finding communities and resources that engage in critical wrestling with scripture is essential for deepening our understanding of the Christmas story. There are church communities and scholars who approach the text with a fresh lens and can provide insights that go beyond the traditional evangelical interpretations. Requesting and supporting these resources, or even seeking out alternative creative interpretations of the Christmas story, can help expand our perspectives and dive deeper into the true meaning of the texts.
Transitioning to a New Understanding
Many individuals who have found themselves questioning or leaving the traditional evangelical church are in a period of transition. Exploring new perspectives and ways of reading scripture can feel overwhelming, but it is also an exciting opportunity to discover the richness of the Christian tradition beyond evangelicalism. While it may be challenging to break away from the familiar evangelical lens we have been raised with, there is a growing community of individuals and resources available to support and guide this transition.
The importance of finding valid ways to contribute positively towards the world
It is crucial to find meaningful and manageable ways to contribute positively towards the world, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. While it may be easy to feel powerless and overwhelmed by the enormity of problems like social and economic injustice, ecological crises, and global inequality, taking small steps can make a real difference. Instead of seeking a perfect solution, it is important to focus on finding something manageable that aligns with our values and helps shape our desires towards bringing hope, joy, love, and peace into the world. By actively participating in positive actions, we can gradually make a difference and celebrate the progress we make.
Understanding the incarnation of Jesus as fully human and fully divine
The incarnation of Jesus is an affirmation that he was both fully human and fully divine. Contrary to the belief that Jesus was sinless and without normal human experiences, it is critical to recognize his full humanity, including growth, learning, and changes that come with it. The concept of sinlessness often separates Jesus from being truly human, whereas his faithfulness to God's call and his complete fusion of human will with the divine will exemplify the fullness of his humanity. The divine investment in humanity occurred through Jesus' continuous yes to God, rather than divine intervention or invasion. Understanding Jesus' humanity and divinity as complementary and not competitive allows for a deeper understanding of the power and love displayed in his life, challenging us to emulate his faithfulness and participate in shaping a different theological imagination.
In this rebroadcasted episode, Tim talks with Dr. Tripp Fuller about the differing accounts of Jesus' birth in the gospels, and what scholars and seminary students know that you should too! Dr. Fuller, discusses the virgin birth in Matthew and Luke's gospels, and how we can understand their narratives in light of the Jewish and Christian traditions they arose from.
