The Birth of Jesus

We are excited to announce this newly released book of essays by Bishop John Shelby Spong on Luke's account of the birth of Jesus. While Luke's narrative, the most detailed account of the birth of Jesus, is lyrical and inspiring, in The Birth of Jesus, Spong persuasively demonstrates it is allegory. Layer by layer, Spong weighs every element of the New Testament stories against Old Testament legends building a convincing case. Spong's 16 original essays step backward and forward through the scriptures demonstrating why each element was chosen by the early CE writers to establish Jesus' lineage and divinity. It is a fascinating and persuasive journey and a remarkable illustration of Biblical scholarship. Bishop Spong's "Birth of Jesus" essay series* from his weekly newsletter- "A New Christianity for a New World," has generated more comments from our readers than any other series he has written. As one subscriber wrote, "It all starts with the birth story-get that wrong and we probably get it all wrong." No one does a better job of getting it right than Spong. And there is always the added bonus with Bishop Spong. He is the consummate teacher. He writes with the primary intention for readers, regardless of their training or background, to get it. Bishop Spong is a writer for every reader- from the scholar to the lay person. He is clear, concise, inspiring, and vibrant. He is a master at interpretation and elucidation. The Birth of Jesus is an exciting adventure that challenges dominant assumptions and interpretations and is sure to stimulate and liberate readers.