is the virgin birth a concept original to christians?

Question

in other words are there in other examples of stories that mention a virgin woman giving birth.

I know of one at least. The Egyptian virgin Isis giving birth to Horus.

are there any other?
And what does this imply about the gospel story?

they say I can't answer my own question. I say I can.

http://www.crosscircle.com/CH_2m.htm

Answer 1

Christianity borrowed EVERYTHING from older religions. There have been many gods--including Horus, Osiris, Mithra, Quetzalcoatl, and others--who were said to be born in a miraculous way. Some or all of the following elements can be found in ancient pagan religions: the savior coming to Earth as a baby, growing up with great wisdom, acquiring 12 followers (12 being an astrological number), being persecuted (often in his own hometown), then being killed on a pole, cross, or tree, appearing as a spirit or ghost to many people, and promising to return at a later date. There is nothing unique about Christianity--it's the same old bilge being recycled for a new audience.

Answer 2

There was only one virgin birth, that of Mary , giving birth to Gods son, Jesus. The Egyptians worship false gods, and did believe that Isis gave birth as a virgin , but this is a false religion that has led many people astray in the past and stilll many today.

Answer 3

It is not original to Christianity at all. Many Pagan Gods (Godmen) were born of virgins. Almost all of Zeus' children were born of virgins. Even Alexander the Great was once said to have been born of a god and a virgin woman. It's an old story, not unique to the Christian religion at all.

Answer 4

No, they borrowed the idea from earlier religions. Virgin birth was not believed by the earliest Christians, it was added later by the Romans who couldn't have a religion without virgins giving birth to god-men. It's cheap spaghetti theology.

Answer 5

As you already know, there are other religious stories about a virgin birth. But to answer your question about what it says about the gospel message, it says the same thing that the story of Gilgamesh says about the account of the flood that is also told in the Bible about Noah.

It tells us that truth has gotten distorted the further away from it's orignal source it has come. It also tells us that what the Bible teaches about Satan, that he seeks to rob God of the worship owed to Him and to be like God is true.

Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Answer 6

Greek: Venus sprang from the forehead of Zeus.

Many other religions have similar traditions re virgin birth.

Answer 7

Original to Christians!

Answer 8

islam believes in virgin birth of Mary (peace be upon her)

QURAN SPEAKS ABOUT THE BIRTH OF JESUS PBUH IN (Chapter 3: verse 45-47)

"Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.
"He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the righteous."
She said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?" He said: "Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is!"

Answer 9

the virgin birth or Jesus means that Jesus was not born of 'sin' so that means Jesus is pure and free of sin.I and all other humans where born of sin, and I have been sinning ever sense.Jesus was free of sin from the time He was conceived too the time He was crucified.

Answer 10

The Jews looked forward to it because it was prophesied to them