Is the Archbishop of Canterbury Right To Say That The Nativity Story Is Just A 'Legend'?

Question

The Archbishop of Canterbury has stated that he believes the Christmas story is just a fairy tale:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article3076008.ece

Do you agree?

Answer 1

And he wonders why people are leaving the church in droves, everything the CofE can do to water down Christianity they do.

Answer 2

I think the Archbishop of Canterbury knows and appreciates the value of Christianity but is also aware that it is intertwined with legends and mythologies of many different beliefs and cultures. It is after all 2000 yrs old and has travelled through out the whole world and existed in a world where huge changes have occurred. Just because something is coached in symbolism it doesn't mean there is nothing worthwhile behind it. For example Bohr's model of the atom is a symbolic representation not the real appearance of the atom, most people would not deny the existence of the atom. I believe one million percent that this man we now call Jesus existed and much of what is claimed in the Bible happened, but even if one decided he didn't exist the teaching of brotherly love, forgiveness and turning the other cheek along with many other teachings are valuable in their own right and have served as a basis to create and inspire the laws that govern our land today. If you are living in the west you are enjoying the most freedom and greatest protection any country offers, and that is because of the foundation Christianity laid.

Answer 3

A legend can be said to be a story coming or being handed down from the past. On that note, I would agree with the Archbishop.

However, I do strongly disagree with the way you have worded the question in an attempt to cast doubt on the whole of the nativity story.

The Archbishop was specific about which aspect he wanted to discuss - namely proof that the three wise men were kings and visited the child bearing gifts as the story is often depicted.

The Archbishop had in no way cast doubts on the whole of the Nativity story, which in itself is the story of the birth of the baby Jesus and Christmas.

Answer 4

If you read the whole article, you would see this:
"Dr Williams was not saying anything that is not taught as a matter of course in even the most conservative theological colleges. His supporters would argue that it is a sign of a true man of faith that he can hold on to an orthodox faith while permitting honest intellectual scrutiny of fundamental biblical texts. "
If even conservative clerics can cope with this, it's a bit sad if the Christian congregations can't. If discounting the literal truth of three kings, virgin births etc destroys the central tenet of Christianity, it would really mean that Christianity was a pretty feeble sort of thing. Surely it's possible to be committed to the spiritual truth (if that's what you believe) without having to go with the literal truth of the fairy story that's accrued around it?

Answer 5

He has a right to say whatever he wants. Like everyone else, he has an opinion and is free to state it publicly. However, people also have the right to disagree, and some certainly will. His statements are nothing new in terms of modern and postmodern theology, and in fact, these things were being said centuries ago. The difference is that, with the media being what it is, more people are listening now.

Answer 6

I suppose it depends on what he means by the Christmas story.

The birth of Jesus, the Son of God is, I believe, exactly as we are told in the Gospels.

The problem comes with the date chosen, which was a bit random. Also, of course, the Apostles never mention that they kept the birthday of Jesus as a special day. Jesus never mentioned that they should in the Scriptures.

What Jesus did want all who believed in him to do was to remember him often in bread and wine, as a symbol his life sacrificed on the cross. That is not perhaps so popular as there is not all the hype about it. But there is nothing more significant to believers.

Answer 7

Well he has a problem. He is an educated and intelligent man and he realises as many of us do that the story of Jesus' birth is just that. A story that has illustrated what he thinks and that is that Jesus was divine but it is not necessarily a record of actual events. Now being also an honourable man he wishes to tell the truth so what is he expected to say. That the story is factually true and so tell lies or what he did say.

Answer 8

I heard this interview.

Rowan Williams didn't say he disbelieved anything that was in the bible. He used the term "legend" to describe the embellishments our society has added since.

He believes that it is literal truth that Jesus was born of a Virgin, in poor circumstances, and was visited by shepherds and wise men. If that's not the Nativity, I'm not sure what is.

Answer 9

The man is just saying that the Nativity Scene as depicted is not really backed up by biblical references. Just because it's shown on Christmas Cards and sung about in hymns doesn't mean it biblically correct.

Answer 10

This article is dangerous because it is full of half truths and it also reveals a dangerous ignorance of the Scriptures from a man who many consider to be a called by God.