#135 Christmas Isn't What You Think - John Nelson
Podcast: Within ReasonPublished On: Sat Dec 20 2025
Description: Get all sides of every story and be better informed at https://ground.news/AlexOC - subscribe for 40% off unlimited access.For early, ad-free access to videos, and to support the channel, subscribe to my Substack: https://www.alexoconnor.com.John Nelson earned a PhD in New Testament and Christian Origins from the University of Edinburgh in 2023. He writes for the Substack Behind the Gospels.His thesis is the first book-length study of Jesus' physical appearance in the Gospels. He runs a weekly Substack called "Behind the Gospels" which aims to make Biblical studies accessible to all.TIMESTAMPS(0:00) Was Jesus Really Born on Christmas Day?(2:51) Are the Birth Narratives Attempts at History?(6:34) Where Was Jesus Actually Born?(16:19) Were the Birth Narratives Added Later?(22:21) Was Mary Really a Virgin?(34:24) Why Does Nobody Else Mention the Virgin Birth?(39:06) Was Jesus a Product of Adultery?(43:49) Was Jesus Born in a Manger?(49:34) Who Are the Magi?(55:32) Was the Star Really a Star?(1:01:30) Did Herod Really Order a Slaughter of Infants?(1:07:54) Is the Christmas Story Anti-Imperial?(1:14:40) Are Christmas Trees a Pagan Idol?(1:17:39) John’s Book and the Upcoming TourCONNECTMy Website: https://www.alexoconnor.com SOCIAL LINKSTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/cosmicskepticFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/cosmicskepticInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/cosmicskepticTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmicskeptic CONTACTBusiness email: contact@alexoconnor.comBrand enquiries: David@modernstoa.co
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