The Nativity Story - Fact or Fiction?

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Registered: 04-22-2003
The Nativity Story - Fact or Fiction?
46
Sat, 12-02-2006 - 5:50pm

There's been a lot of buzz about the movie "The Nativity" which has pulled in a C+ from the critics.  Have you seen or are you going to see it?


What do you think about the story?  Believe it happened that way? Or is it fabricated for effect?


** Remember, this is just for lively discussion and everyone is entitled to their opinion, whether or not you agree with it!


Bink


Not really into Siggees...
 
Not all who wander are lost.
(J.R.R. Tolkien)


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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-29-2006
Sun, 12-03-2006 - 11:17pm

Hi Bink -- I'm new to this board and I just noticed your post. I haven't seen the movie yet but after reading your post I took a look at a number of reviews. They really seem to love the movie in Chicago. A couple of online review sites also gave good reviews. There were also some reviewers that really didn't like the movie, they admitted that they were looking for cinema more than a simple, honest telling of a familiar tale. Over all the reviews I read make me want to go see the movie. It sounds like an opportunity to peek into a good historical portrayal of the events surrounding Jesus birth.

Yes, I do believe the account in the Bible is true. I'm glad someone has put out a sincere film of the story without fear of doing it.

Peanuts

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
Mon, 12-04-2006 - 11:59am

I think the Christmas story is a great tradition, and there are occasional historical references aside from the biblical narratives to back up some of the events.


iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Mon, 12-04-2006 - 3:20pm

There are some obvious factual problems with the biblical accounts in the New Testament. I think most can be attributed to the fact that most weren't written until Jesus had been dead 100 years...and then were written by followers of his followers (and sometimes of his followers--adding layers to an oral history).


Here's an interesting opinion:
"The fact of the matter that Augustus Ceasar could NOT have ordered a census in Judah until 6 C.E... because that is the year that Judah was made part of the providence of Syria. That is mutually exclusive to the account in Matthew, where Herod the King allegedly gathered up baby boys and had them killed (of which there is no record of this).
I am sure that Luke meant the census in 6 c.e., and that is an historical event. However, the story about how mary and joesheph were in bethleham is very fanciful, and the reason is not based on history.. " -- ramoss

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~MissApril
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-28-2006
Tue, 12-05-2006 - 10:18am

I'm new and I was interested in your post. I find it interesting that othere historical documents are written several hundred years after the fact- and are based on verbal tradidtion and most people find this historically sound.

I have read both sides of the evidence and some scholars believe that the gospels were written within 70 years of Jesus' earthly life. Interestingly Luke was a physician, an educated man. He spoke with early believers and consulted existing early documents and texts to present a researched account. Luke was a companion of Mark and and later the apostle Paul. It is possible that he spoke with the Virgin Mary.

The gospels are told from different viewpoints or vantage points with a main emphasis or theme and a specific audience in mind. For example, Luke organized his material according to certain features and themes. He followed chronology in a general way but put events together that seemed to relate in order that his friend Theophilus could better understand it. But he does follow a logical progression. Luke wrote so that a reader could make an intelligent informed decision based on the material. How accurate was Luke? He also wrote the book of Acts.Ramsey a 19th century historian and archaeologist set out to disprove Luke's gospel accont. He wanted to prove that it was filled with errors. After a lifetime of study, Sir William Ramsey had this to say:"Luke's history is unsurpassed in respect of its trustworthiness."

In fact, many of Luke's facts become more (not less) valid as historical discoveries continue to be made.

But in the end, it is not just a history debate or a science experiment. Did a historical Jesus exist. Yes! Was He God Incarnate? Only you can decide that for you. Either you believe or you don't. It is a matter of faith.

What i find ironic is that I have friends who will be dedicated to astrology or a belief in ghosts or tarot cards or whatever. And they see this as logical. But they stumble over the idea of a loving God reaching out to us.

I believe the story is fact. But I think you are confused. I haven't ever read that the origianl Christmas was in winter. December 25 was the date that was chosen to celebrate; we don't know the real day and month. (and our current calendar didn't exist then anyways). I guess if you love Someone, you just want to remember Him and even remember His birthday.

People have added lots of fancy- drummer boys, talking animals, singing angels, the wisemen (brought 3 gifts, no number of wisemen mentionned) appearing shortly after shepherds (Jesus was probably 2-3 year old child when they arrived). I think that the Movie tries to show the bared down story.

Tina

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-20-2001
Tue, 12-05-2006 - 1:14pm

I haven't seen the movie, but I did read one review that painted the movie as just about awful...

I guess for me, I'm not really sure if it's fact or fiction. It's a sweet, touching story in a certain way...but the whole Virgin Birth sounds a little far-fetched to me...

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Tue, 12-05-2006 - 3:12pm

Hi, I'm April. I was raised a Southern Baptist. My dad converted to Judaism when I was young (started at 9 and completed when I was 11 or 12). Both of my grandfathers are deacons. One thing I can say for SBs is that they know the Bible and teach it to their children.

~MissApril
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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 7:56am
I enjoyed the review & think it'll be good. The movie's sometimes hard to watch whether watching from the surface or reading from the heart. Therefore, I must not be ready to see it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 11:23am

The trailers gave me the impression it would be an inspirational type movie, especially coming out at this holiday season.

I am Wiccan, so I don't believe in the Nativity story. Nor do I believe there is any historical proof to it. It's a religious myth, such as all religions have, regarding their gods and origins. It's a matter of faith rather than scientific or historic proof. This is the Christian story, and one most are very familiar with, whether they believe in it or not. I enjoy watching most movies about this kind of thing, just as general interest.

I will wait until the dvd comes out, though, as I need closed captioning, and it's cheaper. And there are no rude people in my living room, LOL! :P

Gypsy
)O(



Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 12:47pm

This is the Christian story, and one most are very familiar with, whether they believe in it or not.


Good point.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 12-06-2006 - 4:00pm

I will wait until the dvd comes out, though, as I need closed captioning, and it's cheaper. And there are no rude people in my living room, LOL! :P


And there's a pause button for when you need to run to the potty or want a snack!

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