Review of Biblical Literature
"A thought-provoking and welcome study of the critical and theological issues surrounding the virgin birth of Jesus. . . . One hopes that Lincoln's findings will make their way into seminary classrooms and from there into the church."
Edward Adams
-- King's College London
"A thorough and far-reaching investigation of the topic of Jesus' conception. Andrew Lincoln, one of the finest New Testament exegetes of our time, challenges the view that the New Testament offers a single perspective on Jesus' birth, and he makes a strong case for disentangling the doctrine of the incarnation from the tradition of the 'virgin birth.' This book offers the most important contribution to the subject of Jesus' earthly origins in many years."
James McGrath
-- Butler University
"Certain topics are such a focus of controversy and attention that eventually we come to feel that all has been said that can or should be said. Then along comes a groundbreaking book that arrives like a breath of fresh air and allows us to see the familiar with new eyes. Andrew Lincoln's volume on the virginal conception is such a work. Not only does it offer insightful explanation of what the infancy stories in Matthew and Luke say, but it also identifies and explores the contrasting perspectives on the topic from other New Testament authors. . . . Lincoln's excellent, clear, and comprehensive treatment is sure to be considered the volume to turn to on this topic for many years to come."
Helen Bond
-- University of Edinburgh
"With an engaging blend of sensitivity and erudition, Lincoln charts the rise to dominance of the 'virgin birth' -- despite other New Testament accounts of Jesus' origins -- and shows how recent biblical scholarship, biology, and worldviews demand a reappraisal of the tradition for the modern church. This masterly study is essential reading for confessing Christians who struggle with accepting the historicity of the virginal conception. I cannot recommend it highly enough."
Robert Morgan
-- Linacre College, Oxford
"Lincoln's masterly literary and historical analyses of the traditions relating to Jesus' birth in the New Testament and beyond offer theological and hermeneutical reflection at its best and a model for maintaining a responsible conversation between opposing views. On a subject where some think there is little more to say, this book provides a theological education in miniature."
The Bible Today
"In this thoughtful and serious study, Lincoln provides a thorough examination of the diverse biblical traditions about the conception and birth of Jesus as well as its interpretation in subsequent church teachings about the Incarnation. . . . Lincoln's treatment of this issue is most respectful of the church's tradition, even as he attempts to make a case for understanding the doctrine of the virginal conception in a non-literal way."
New Horizons
"In this volume, seasoned New Testament scholar Andrew Lincoln is sympathetic to Christian creedal tradition, but reevaluates the traditional view of the virgin birth of Jesus. His approach leads him to conclude that Jesus is the physical son of Mary and Joseph, and that to focus on the means of the Incarnation is to miss the glory of the Incarnation."
Regent's Reviews
"Lincoln's final chapter is masterly in its exploration of this issue, making the key point that it is the whole life and work of Jesus that makes him savior, not just a miraculous conception (and, virginal or not, the incarnation is still miraculous). Everyone in ministry should try to read at least the first and last chapters of this book. It is reverent and respectful of the tradition while challenging the centuries-old view that Mary was a virgin when she conceived. The Jesus who emerges is, in my view, even more worthy of our worship and even more evidently the Son of God."
Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"A fine example of the application of biblical scholarship and theological hermeneutics to a part of tradition too often sentimentalized or passed over with averted eyes. If tradition is not to become fossilized and thereby to deserve the ridicule it garners from skeptics, it needs, and is worthy of, critical examination and the application of interpretive lenses that will make it glow with truth for our time. Congratulations to Andrew Lincoln for having done just that."
Religious Studies Review
"Persons who want a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer to questions about the historicity of the virgin birth should not read this book, but persons who want to think in a careful and nuanced fashion about the traditions and doctrinal developments surrounding the virgin birth definitely should. . . . The volume has far more to offer than a simple pro and con analysis of the historical realities behind Jesus's birth; it offers an excellent model of engaging in Biblical theology in the modern world."
Born of a Virgin?: Reconceiving Jesus in the Bible, Tradition, and Theology
Paperback
|English
|0802869254
|
9780802869258
Born of a Virgin?: Reconceiving Jesus in the Bible, Tradition, and Theology
Paperback
|English
|0802869254
|
9780802869258
Overview
This book will appeal to those many Christians who struggle with the concept of the virgin birth. Andrew Lincoln's Born of a Virgin? begins by discussing why the virgin birth is such a difficult and divisive topic for Christians. The book then deals with a whole range of literary, historical, and hermeneutical issues from a perspective that takes seriously creedal confessions and theological concerns.As part of his exegetical investigation of the New Testament texts, Lincoln considers the literary genre and distinctive characteristics of the birth narratives as ancient biography. Further, he delineates how changes in our views of history and biology decisively affect any traditional understanding of the significance of an actual virgin birth, and he explores what that means for the authority of Scripture and creed, along with implications for Christology and for preaching and teaching from the birth narratives.
ISBN: 0802869254
ISBN13: 9780802869258
Author: Andrew Lincoln
Publisher: Eerdmans
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2013-11-30
Language: English
PageCount: 334
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.83 x 9.0
inches
Weight:
12.16 ounces
Description
This book will appeal to those many Christians who struggle with the concept of the virgin birth. Andrew Lincoln's Born of a Virgin? begins by discussing why the virgin birth is such a difficult and divisive topic for Christians. The book then deals with a whole range of literary, historical, and hermeneutical issues from a perspective that takes seriously creedal confessions and theological concerns.
As part of his exegetical investigation of the New Testament texts, Lincoln considers the literary genre and distinctive characteristics of the birth narratives as ancient biography. Further, he delineates how changes in our views of history and biology decisively affect any traditional understanding of the significance of an actual virgin birth, and he explores what that means for the authority of Scripture and creed, along with implications for Christology and for preaching and teaching from the birth narratives.
As part of his exegetical investigation of the New Testament texts, Lincoln considers the literary genre and distinctive characteristics of the birth narratives as ancient biography. Further, he delineates how changes in our views of history and biology decisively affect any traditional understanding of the significance of an actual virgin birth, and he explores what that means for the authority of Scripture and creed, along with implications for Christology and for preaching and teaching from the birth narratives.
Editorial Reviews
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- Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.
Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.
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If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.).
If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.
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You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Additional non-returnable items:
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.
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Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
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Overview
This book will appeal to those many Christians who struggle with the concept of the virgin birth. Andrew Lincoln's Born of a Virgin? begins by discussing why the virgin birth is such a difficult and divisive topic for Christians. The book then deals with a whole range of literary, historical, and hermeneutical issues from a perspective that takes seriously creedal confessions and theological concerns.As part of his exegetical investigation of the New Testament texts, Lincoln considers the literary genre and distinctive characteristics of the birth narratives as ancient biography. Further, he delineates how changes in our views of history and biology decisively affect any traditional understanding of the significance of an actual virgin birth, and he explores what that means for the authority of Scripture and creed, along with implications for Christology and for preaching and teaching from the birth narratives.
ISBN: 0802869254
ISBN13: 9780802869258
Author: Andrew Lincoln
Publisher: Eerdmans
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2013-11-30
Language: English
PageCount: 334
Dimensions: 6.0 x 0.83 x 9.0
inches
Weight:
12.16 ounces
Description
This book will appeal to those many Christians who struggle with the concept of the virgin birth. Andrew Lincoln's Born of a Virgin? begins by discussing why the virgin birth is such a difficult and divisive topic for Christians. The book then deals with a whole range of literary, historical, and hermeneutical issues from a perspective that takes seriously creedal confessions and theological concerns.
As part of his exegetical investigation of the New Testament texts, Lincoln considers the literary genre and distinctive characteristics of the birth narratives as ancient biography. Further, he delineates how changes in our views of history and biology decisively affect any traditional understanding of the significance of an actual virgin birth, and he explores what that means for the authority of Scripture and creed, along with implications for Christology and for preaching and teaching from the birth narratives.
As part of his exegetical investigation of the New Testament texts, Lincoln considers the literary genre and distinctive characteristics of the birth narratives as ancient biography. Further, he delineates how changes in our views of history and biology decisively affect any traditional understanding of the significance of an actual virgin birth, and he explores what that means for the authority of Scripture and creed, along with implications for Christology and for preaching and teaching from the birth narratives.
Editorial Reviews
Review of Biblical Literature
"A thought-provoking and welcome study of the critical and theological issues surrounding the virgin birth of Jesus. . . . One hopes that Lincoln's findings will make their way into seminary classrooms and from there into the church."
Edward Adams
-- King's College London
"A thorough and far-reaching investigation of the topic of Jesus' conception. Andrew Lincoln, one of the finest New Testament exegetes of our time, challenges the view that the New Testament offers a single perspective on Jesus' birth, and he makes a strong case for disentangling the doctrine of the incarnation from the tradition of the 'virgin birth.' This book offers the most important contribution to the subject of Jesus' earthly origins in many years."
James McGrath
-- Butler University
"Certain topics are such a focus of controversy and attention that eventually we come to feel that all has been said that can or should be said. Then along comes a groundbreaking book that arrives like a breath of fresh air and allows us to see the familiar with new eyes. Andrew Lincoln's volume on the virginal conception is such a work. Not only does it offer insightful explanation of what the infancy stories in Matthew and Luke say, but it also identifies and explores the contrasting perspectives on the topic from other New Testament authors. . . . Lincoln's excellent, clear, and comprehensive treatment is sure to be considered the volume to turn to on this topic for many years to come."
Helen Bond
-- University of Edinburgh
"With an engaging blend of sensitivity and erudition, Lincoln charts the rise to dominance of the 'virgin birth' -- despite other New Testament accounts of Jesus' origins -- and shows how recent biblical scholarship, biology, and worldviews demand a reappraisal of the tradition for the modern church. This masterly study is essential reading for confessing Christians who struggle with accepting the historicity of the virginal conception. I cannot recommend it highly enough."
Robert Morgan
-- Linacre College, Oxford
"Lincoln's masterly literary and historical analyses of the traditions relating to Jesus' birth in the New Testament and beyond offer theological and hermeneutical reflection at its best and a model for maintaining a responsible conversation between opposing views. On a subject where some think there is little more to say, this book provides a theological education in miniature."
The Bible Today
"In this thoughtful and serious study, Lincoln provides a thorough examination of the diverse biblical traditions about the conception and birth of Jesus as well as its interpretation in subsequent church teachings about the Incarnation. . . . Lincoln's treatment of this issue is most respectful of the church's tradition, even as he attempts to make a case for understanding the doctrine of the virginal conception in a non-literal way."
New Horizons
"In this volume, seasoned New Testament scholar Andrew Lincoln is sympathetic to Christian creedal tradition, but reevaluates the traditional view of the virgin birth of Jesus. His approach leads him to conclude that Jesus is the physical son of Mary and Joseph, and that to focus on the means of the Incarnation is to miss the glory of the Incarnation."
Regent's Reviews
"Lincoln's final chapter is masterly in its exploration of this issue, making the key point that it is the whole life and work of Jesus that makes him savior, not just a miraculous conception (and, virginal or not, the incarnation is still miraculous). Everyone in ministry should try to read at least the first and last chapters of this book. It is reverent and respectful of the tradition while challenging the centuries-old view that Mary was a virgin when she conceived. The Jesus who emerges is, in my view, even more worthy of our worship and even more evidently the Son of God."
Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"A fine example of the application of biblical scholarship and theological hermeneutics to a part of tradition too often sentimentalized or passed over with averted eyes. If tradition is not to become fossilized and thereby to deserve the ridicule it garners from skeptics, it needs, and is worthy of, critical examination and the application of interpretive lenses that will make it glow with truth for our time. Congratulations to Andrew Lincoln for having done just that."
Religious Studies Review
"Persons who want a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer to questions about the historicity of the virgin birth should not read this book, but persons who want to think in a careful and nuanced fashion about the traditions and doctrinal developments surrounding the virgin birth definitely should. . . . The volume has far more to offer than a simple pro and con analysis of the historical realities behind Jesus's birth; it offers an excellent model of engaging in Biblical theology in the modern world."
"A thought-provoking and welcome study of the critical and theological issues surrounding the virgin birth of Jesus. . . . One hopes that Lincoln's findings will make their way into seminary classrooms and from there into the church."
Edward Adams
-- King's College London
"A thorough and far-reaching investigation of the topic of Jesus' conception. Andrew Lincoln, one of the finest New Testament exegetes of our time, challenges the view that the New Testament offers a single perspective on Jesus' birth, and he makes a strong case for disentangling the doctrine of the incarnation from the tradition of the 'virgin birth.' This book offers the most important contribution to the subject of Jesus' earthly origins in many years."
James McGrath
-- Butler University
"Certain topics are such a focus of controversy and attention that eventually we come to feel that all has been said that can or should be said. Then along comes a groundbreaking book that arrives like a breath of fresh air and allows us to see the familiar with new eyes. Andrew Lincoln's volume on the virginal conception is such a work. Not only does it offer insightful explanation of what the infancy stories in Matthew and Luke say, but it also identifies and explores the contrasting perspectives on the topic from other New Testament authors. . . . Lincoln's excellent, clear, and comprehensive treatment is sure to be considered the volume to turn to on this topic for many years to come."
Helen Bond
-- University of Edinburgh
"With an engaging blend of sensitivity and erudition, Lincoln charts the rise to dominance of the 'virgin birth' -- despite other New Testament accounts of Jesus' origins -- and shows how recent biblical scholarship, biology, and worldviews demand a reappraisal of the tradition for the modern church. This masterly study is essential reading for confessing Christians who struggle with accepting the historicity of the virginal conception. I cannot recommend it highly enough."
Robert Morgan
-- Linacre College, Oxford
"Lincoln's masterly literary and historical analyses of the traditions relating to Jesus' birth in the New Testament and beyond offer theological and hermeneutical reflection at its best and a model for maintaining a responsible conversation between opposing views. On a subject where some think there is little more to say, this book provides a theological education in miniature."
The Bible Today
"In this thoughtful and serious study, Lincoln provides a thorough examination of the diverse biblical traditions about the conception and birth of Jesus as well as its interpretation in subsequent church teachings about the Incarnation. . . . Lincoln's treatment of this issue is most respectful of the church's tradition, even as he attempts to make a case for understanding the doctrine of the virginal conception in a non-literal way."
New Horizons
"In this volume, seasoned New Testament scholar Andrew Lincoln is sympathetic to Christian creedal tradition, but reevaluates the traditional view of the virgin birth of Jesus. His approach leads him to conclude that Jesus is the physical son of Mary and Joseph, and that to focus on the means of the Incarnation is to miss the glory of the Incarnation."
Regent's Reviews
"Lincoln's final chapter is masterly in its exploration of this issue, making the key point that it is the whole life and work of Jesus that makes him savior, not just a miraculous conception (and, virginal or not, the incarnation is still miraculous). Everyone in ministry should try to read at least the first and last chapters of this book. It is reverent and respectful of the tradition while challenging the centuries-old view that Mary was a virgin when she conceived. The Jesus who emerges is, in my view, even more worthy of our worship and even more evidently the Son of God."
Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"A fine example of the application of biblical scholarship and theological hermeneutics to a part of tradition too often sentimentalized or passed over with averted eyes. If tradition is not to become fossilized and thereby to deserve the ridicule it garners from skeptics, it needs, and is worthy of, critical examination and the application of interpretive lenses that will make it glow with truth for our time. Congratulations to Andrew Lincoln for having done just that."
Religious Studies Review
"Persons who want a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer to questions about the historicity of the virgin birth should not read this book, but persons who want to think in a careful and nuanced fashion about the traditions and doctrinal developments surrounding the virgin birth definitely should. . . . The volume has far more to offer than a simple pro and con analysis of the historical realities behind Jesus's birth; it offers an excellent model of engaging in Biblical theology in the modern world."
Condition Guidelines
Books - New and Used
The following guidelines apply to books:
- New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
- Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
- Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.
Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Fees
- Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
- Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
- No additional fees and charges.
Delivery Times
The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.
Estimated delivery times:
- Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
- Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days
Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.
Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times.
Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.).
If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.
Returns & Refunds
You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Additional non-returnable items:
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.
Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.
If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:
- Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
- Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
- Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.
Shipping Cost
We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
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