The History and Archaeology of Christmas (Part 2) - Chris McKinny and Kyle Keimer
Dec 22, 2022
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Chris McKinny, an expert in religious origins, and Kyle Keimer, a specialist in biblical contexts, dive deep into the historical and archaeological significance of Christmas. They explore the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and discuss the impact of ancient Assyrian and Babylonian conquests on the nativity narrative. Delving into the parallels of pagan deities and early Christian beliefs, they challenge traditional interpretations of Jesus' birth, emphasizing how understanding these contexts enriches the biblical stories we know today.
The archaeological analysis of the Church of the Nativity reveals a longstanding tradition of reverence and historical significance for Jesus' birthplace in Bethlehem.
Understanding nativity narratives requires a careful consideration of cultural and historical contexts, challenging popular interpretations that may overlook familial accommodations.
The roles of the Magi underscore the themes of authority and recognition in ancient cultures, portraying Jesus' birth as significant for both Israel and the broader world.
Deep dives
The Archaeology of Bethlehem
The archaeological significance of Bethlehem is highlighted through the examination of the Church of the Nativity, built over an ancient site believed to be where Jesus was born. This site contains remnants from various historical periods, including Iron Age, Roman, and Byzantine structures, indicating a long-standing tradition of reverence for this location. Notably, Jerome's writings suggest that after the destruction during the Bar Kokhba revolt, this area became a Christian pilgrimage site, signifying early Christian awareness of its importance. The church itself may rest on an earlier site acknowledged by early Christians, which adds to its historical credibility and the significance attributed to the nativity story.
Interpretations of the Nativity Story
The podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding biblical texts within their cultural and historical context, particularly regarding nativity narratives. It critiques common nativity depictions that often include elements, such as an innkeeper or a stable, which do not appear in the biblical accounts. Instead, it suggests that Mary and Joseph's experience likely took place in the context of familial accommodation, with deeper connections to Jewish customs and home life in Bethlehem. This reevaluation calls for a reconsideration of the assumptions made about the nativity, encouraging listeners to look beyond traditional interpretations.
Prophetic Connections to the Nativity
The discussion explores how prophecies from the Old Testament, particularly the works of Isaiah and Micah, relate to the birth of Jesus and inform the understanding of his role as the Messiah. The podcast details how Isaiah's prophecies concerning the coming ruler resonate with the nativity narrative and draw parallels between historical moments and the expectations of a savior figure. Additional oral traditions and customs from the time are explored to reveal how early Christians and Jewish followers would have perceived these events as fulfillment of longstanding prophecies. Through this lens, the significance of Jesus’ birth is not merely anecdotal but is interwoven with the narrative of Israel's history and redemption.
Cultural Context of the Magi
The roles and identities of the Magi, or wise men, are examined as they travel to pay homage to the newborn king of the Jews, revealing the cultural perceptions of authority and kingship in ancient times. Their journey to Jerusalem represents a challenge to Herod's rule and highlights the dichotomy between legitimate authority and tyrannical governance. The Magi's quest is framed against the backdrop of existing Jewish expectations about a coming king, creating a rich layer of intertextuality within the narrative. Their gifts also symbolize recognition from outside Israel, further broadening the implications of Jesus' significance, not just for the Jewish community but for all nations.
Critique of Modern Interpretations
The podcast critiques modern interpretations of biblical events, particularly the story surrounding the Migdal Edder and its connection to the nativity. Claims that this site was a significant location for the raising of sacrificial lambs are dispelled as the podcasters emphasize the importance of thorough historical and archaeological investigation. The erroneous notion that swaddling the lambs at Migdal Edder influences the nativity narrative is challenged, suggesting a need for greater caution in accepting widespread but unverified traditions. This concern goes hand-in-hand with a call for critical thinking when interpreting biblical texts, advocating a more nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these narratives.
Episode: In part 2 of this series, Kyle and Chris discuss additional historical and archaeological aspects associated with the origin stories of Jesus as seen in Matthew and Luke. They discuss the archaeological background and traditions associated with the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. They also explain a number of other historical background elements connected with Matthew’s use of the Old Testament focusing – in particular – on the impact of the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian conquests of Israel and Judah in prophetic literature and how that context still matters for how one reads the origin narrative of Jesus in Matthew. (This is a re-broadcast of a previously published episode)
