Andrew T. Lincoln is Portland Professor of New Testament at the University of Gloucestershire, England. His previous books include Truth on Trial and commentaries on Colossians and John.
Review of Biblical Literature
"A thought-provoking and welcome study of the critical and
theological issues surrounding the virgin birth of Jesus. . . . One
hopes that Lincoln's findings will make their way into seminary
classrooms and from there into the church." Edward Adams
-- King's College London
"A thorough and far-reaching investigation of the topic of Jesus'
conception. Andrew Lincoln, one of the finest New Testament
exegetes of our time, challenges the view that the New Testament
offers a single perspective on Jesus' birth, and he makes a strong
case for disentangling the doctrine of the incarnation from the
tradition of the 'virgin birth.' This book offers the most
important contribution to the subject of Jesus' earthly origins in
many years." James McGrath
-- Butler University
"Certain topics are such a focus of controversy and attention that
eventually we come to feel that all has been said that can or
should be said. Then along comes a groundbreaking book that arrives
like a breath of fresh air and allows us to see the familiar with
new eyes. Andrew Lincoln's volume on the virginal conception is
such a work. Not only does it offer insightful explanation of what
the infancy stories in Matthew and Luke say, but it also identifies
and explores the contrasting perspectives on the topic from other
New Testament authors. . . . Lincoln's excellent, clear, and
comprehensive treatment is sure to be considered the volume to turn
to on this topic for many years to come." Helen Bond
-- University of Edinburgh
"With an engaging blend of sensitivity and erudition, Lincoln
charts the rise to dominance of the 'virgin birth' -- despite other
New Testament accounts of Jesus' origins -- and shows how recent
biblical scholarship, biology, and worldviews demand a reappraisal
of the tradition for the modern church. This masterly study is
essential reading for confessing Christians who struggle with
accepting the historicity of the virginal conception. I cannot
recommend it highly enough." Robert Morgan
-- Linacre College, Oxford
"Lincoln's masterly literary and historical analyses of the
traditions relating to Jesus' birth in the New Testament and beyond
offer theological and hermeneutical reflection at its best and a
model for maintaining a responsible conversation between opposing
views. On a subject where some think there is little more to say,
this book provides a theological education in miniature." The Bible
Today
"In this thoughtful and serious study, Lincoln provides a thorough
examination of the diverse biblical traditions about the conception
and birth of Jesus as well as its interpretation in subsequent
church teachings about the Incarnation. . . . Lincoln's treatment
of this issue is most respectful of the church's tradition, even as
he attempts to make a case for understanding the doctrine of the
virginal conception in a non-literal way." New Horizons
"In this volume, seasoned New Testament scholar Andrew Lincoln is
sympathetic to Christian creedal tradition, but reevaluates the
traditional view of the virgin birth of Jesus. His approach leads
him to conclude that Jesus is the physical son of Mary and Joseph,
and that to focus on the means of the Incarnation is to miss the
glory of the Incarnation." Regent's Reviews
"Lincoln's final chapter is masterly in its exploration of this
issue, making the key point that it is the whole life and work of
Jesus that makes him savior, not just a miraculous conception (and,
virginal or not, the incarnation is still miraculous). Everyone in
ministry should try to read at least the first and last chapters of
this book. It is reverent and respectful of the tradition while
challenging the centuries-old view that Mary was a virgin when she
conceived. The Jesus who emerges is, in my view, even more worthy
of our worship and even more evidently the Son of God." Catholic
Biblical Quarterly
"A fine example of the application of biblical scholarship and
theological hermeneutics to a part of tradition too often
sentimentalized or passed over with averted eyes. If tradition is
not to become fossilized and thereby to deserve the ridicule it
garners from skeptics, it needs, and is worthy of, critical
examination and the application of interpretive lenses that will
make it glow with truth for our time. Congratulations to Andrew
Lincoln for having done just that." Religious Studies Review
"Persons who want a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer to questions about
the historicity of the virgin birth should not read this book, but
persons who want to think in a careful and nuanced fashion about
the traditions and doctrinal developments surrounding the virgin
birth definitely should. . . . The volume has far more to offer
than a simple pro and con analysis of the historical realities
behind Jesus's birth; it offers an excellent model of engaging in
Biblical theology in the modern world."
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