Just a little research will show that it was a commonly-used religious/spiritual metaphor to describe awakening of consciousness (enlightenment) -- meaning, one becomes aware of their non-physical nature. It was used to describe both buddha's and jesus' enlightenment and has NOTHING to do with mothers, mary, or literal virgin births. With the simple research we can do, why is it still so misunderstood?
2007-02-19 04:27:30 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
While you may be correct..the gospels, especially Matthew, clearly states that Mary claimed she was an actual, physical virgin at the time of Jesus' birth. There is no room for metaphor.
2007-02-19 04:33:28 · answer #1 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually, Jesus being born to a virgin may have had more to do with Roman politics. Augustus was said to be born to a virgin, the son of Apollo. This was used as an argument for why he should be obeyed, among many other things. In fact, there are many records in which he is referred to as Augustus Son of God. Many historians believe that the Jesus virgin birth story was a criticism of the Roman empire.
One other thing to consider, is that Jesus was named Yeshua eban Marian, Jesus son of Mary. It is quite possible that the story was merely to explain why he was not Jesus son of Joseph, without accusing his mother of wrongdoing.
As for Siddhartha, this could also be the case. Maya was one of the wives of the king. Wives of kings at this time were numerous and are known to have had affairs, but this would not be permitted by the kings. Siddhartha's father (the king) wanted this son though, so either he or Maya could have come up with the story of a mystical birth to explain why she had the child, when he had not yet touched her.
Of course, nobody knows for certain.
2007-02-20 09:06:28 · answer #2 · answered by Geoffrey J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The irony is that even Christ's contemporaries would have understood this fact. Instead of recognizing metaphor when they see it, some have instead gone backwards and chosen to call myth reality. There is an unfortunate side effect - if you call one myth reality, you must call ALL myths reality. So hail Zeus!
2007-02-19 04:35:24 · answer #3 · answered by Huddy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who believe that Jesus was born of a virgin also believe that the Bible is literally true, at least generally speaking.
fireball, you might wanna google "Immaculate Conception." It doesn't mean what you seem to think it means.
2007-02-19 04:43:29 · answer #4 · answered by N 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many who choose not to understand the ways of metaphors.
2007-02-19 04:30:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a metaphor, buddy. It's a miracle. Where did you do your research?
2007-02-19 04:54:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The bible has undergone many translations. here's a new book on the subject, by a religious scholar.
2007-02-19 04:30:58 · answer #7 · answered by robert2020 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What?metaphors?Is this one of this godless scientists things?
2007-02-19 04:31:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We all fall short from the glory of God.
2007-02-19 04:36:22 · answer #9 · answered by SeeTheLight 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unique and the first and only Immaculate conception
2007-02-19 04:30:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋