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Religion
In reply to the discussion: Does anyone here think the Nativity is not a myth? [View all]And it takes a lot of work to even reconcile the stories in Matthew and Luke (same for Passion Week).
The census thing is just so bizarre. Maybe it was from the perspective of the family (a tax dodge if you have the census done in Bethlehem instead of Nazareth or ensuring that the members of your tribe have the maximum enumeration for some reason). Lots of families were doing it so it became all in the Bible. We know location can be important in our current census (counting students at school and not home for example).
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I'm just going to say that the way things are going I'd not be surprised to see a lot of babies
hlthe2b
Dec 2020
#9
But Religious Scholars point out the Magi didn't visit until 2 to 5 years later
JustFiveMoreMinutes
Dec 2020
#36
Of course not-- not any more than creation in 6 days, the Flood, or water into wine...
TreasonousBastard
Dec 2020
#22
Other issues aside, your assumptions about the Roman census may be inaccurate.
struggle4progress
Dec 2020
#30
It is more interesting to start with what we know and see where it might lead us
struggle4progress
Dec 2020
#43
Again, other issues aside, your view of a Roman massacre story may not be defensible
struggle4progress
Dec 2020
#39
The histories are histories written by and preserved by the ruling class. Rome would not care
struggle4progress
Dec 2020
#42