Birth narratives AO2 essay plan

“The birth narratives are not reliable”
“The birth narratives provide an insight into the incarnation of Jesus”

LOA - The birth narratives are not reliable/do not provide an insight into the incarnation because we now have 21st century knowledge.

Argument - the immaculate conception is not real because Bultmann states ‘modern intellect kills the myth’. He calls for the demythologisatiom of the Bible, this is to sustain faith. He says we only need to believe that Jesus was born, preached and died, other beliefs are unnecessary. Scientifically minded modern readers should not be expected to believe something which can never be proven.

Counter - Wright would argue Bultmann has been influenced by the enlightenment worldview and to read the New Testament correctly we must read it with 1st century glasses. Jesus was born as the incarnation of God, to die for us. God sent his son to save use. Jesus is the prophesied messiah of the Old Testament.

Evaluation - it is more logical to follow Bultmann’s line of thinking. He agrees with th basic facts of Christianity which causes no controversy. He is also more appealing in the modern…