If the Bible says Jesus was a normal person conceived and born in the normal fashion, then he has nothing in common with the theological Jesus inherited from the Greek Fathers. That should be fairly obvious.

The religious establishment in Jerusalem in 30AD found Jesus not to their liking and in fact were contemptuous of him. They proved their point by having him executed.

The Greeks and others subsequently who adopted the NT also found Jesus not to their liking, and accordingly changed him into something he was not – third part of the Trinity, virginally conceived etc.

The Jerusalem establishment’s crucifixion of Jesus was direct. The “Christian” churchess stand in much the same position as their Jerusalem counterparts, even though their opposition to the real Jesus is concealed by the image they have wrapped him in.

(The real test is what would happen to Jesus today if he were to appear in similar type circumstances to his first appearance.)

I know what I have said is blunt, but I hope at least it has the virtue of answering your question as to why I “think it is important to deny the virgin birth.”

Here’s an experience with the E-word. Many years ago, when I was a new Christian, I was part of an evangelism team that went door to door. After almost an hour, someone let us in. She was more than open and listened to our whole presentation before praying the sinner’s prayer. At that point my partner and I didn’t know what to do. Our personal background had not prepared us. No one had talked about what to do if someone actually prayed with us. So we left, telling her to come to church.

I cringe every time I think of it. Evangelism should be love-based, and the writer of your book emphasized prayer. Prayer generates true compassion and love. Sounds like a great book.

I am a cook. I know, not a job people would line up for. I’ve been snubbed and overlooked plenty of times if I state, “I am a cook”.

But. If I say I feed people. I suddenly become more interesting. How fascinating it is to meet an articulate chef! Here’s the thing. I love it. Most days. And I really DO FEED people. Not just with mass prepared entrees and desserts, but spiritually.

The best evangelism I have ever seen in myself are the days I just master my day and take care of those around me. It’s obvious to others I’m God’s girl, I don’t have to beat anyone with a Bible and you know what? They come to me.

Granted I didn’t read this in a book. I don’t do it on purpose. It’s natural for me. But I really do believe that vocation is the best evangelism technique there is. Living life like you love it… and here’s the kicker… really loving it!

I meet all kinds in my trade, and it seems to draw its fair share of Type A’s that aren’t afraid to tell you what they think. One day I was feeling a little bad that I’ve never brought anyone TO church….
then, that very day, one of the other ‘culinary professionals’ who is consistantly grouchy, yells everything, including ‘hello’… says to me, “I may not believe in your God. But I can tell He loves you.”

It about knocked me over! (He is really crabby) It occurred to me. He does believe. and he sees it… in someone like me! Luckily I don’t have the job of filling pews, but Man! Do I love feeding people!

There’s also a strong overlap between science and history – especially since scientific process are used to study and verify/disprove recorded events.

In terms of the Bible, when one decides it is all truth, they intentionally two-step around the contradictions – thus I (like you) don’t understand the “must make a choice” concept.

More importantly, I enjoy reading your posts when I get a chance, as well as many of the comments. I’m no theologian by any imagination, but I am faithful and willing to learn – so thanks for helping.