There were no animals at the Nativity, Pope's new book says

By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
11/23/2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)

Pope Benedict's 'Jesus of Nazareth - The Infancy Narratives' also says Christ's birth date is wrong

Christmas is coming, but according to Pope Benedict's new book, "Jesus of Nazareth - The Infancy Narratives," the date usually given as the birth of Christ is totally wrong, the fault of a Sixth Century monk. The book also debunks other notions of Christ's birth - it says there were no animals present at the nativity as well.

The pope's research shows that there was no evidence in the Gospels that cattle and other animals, traditionally pictured in representations of the nativity were actually present.

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LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Benedict says that the birth of Christ is also several years off. The pope's research shows that there was no evidence in the Gospels that cattle and other animals, traditionally pictured in representations of the nativity were actually present.

The pope also debunks the claim that angels sang at the birth, a staple theme of Christmas carols.

The book, to be published in multiple languages in time for Christmas, is the third in a series by the pontiff. The previous two volumes dealt with Jesus' adult life and his public ministry.

Vatican correspondent for the Religion News Service Alessandro Speciale says that the pope was not so much aiming to debunk popular representations. He is just trying to show that the Jesus depicted in the Gospels is a real historical figure, who walked on earth and talked to people like anyone else.

The pope does not suggest that animals usually depicted in art and sculpture should be thrown out of the Nativity scene, Speciale said.

"The pope is a traditional man and he doesn't want people at all to change their traditions," Speciale said.

The 176-page volume, that includes a brief foreword, four chapters and an epilogue, traces Jesus' life up to the age of 12. According to the Gospels, at this age he was presented by his parents in the Temple in Jerusalem, the Vatican said.

The worldwide print run will be more than a million copies. The book's release this will be across 50 countries in Italian, German, Croatian, French, English, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish.

The book will be translated into 12 more languages in the coming months for publication in 72 countries in total, the Vatican added.

The Vatican quotes Anthony Valle, a professor of theology, as saying the pope has been open to scientific inquiry in his own study of Jesus' life.

"The pope is not against the historical critical method at all, in fact, he uses it, he appreciates it," Valle said.

He sees the pope as using "both faith and reason" in his efforts to bring the life of Jesus closer.

� 2012, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM

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Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Nativity, Christ's birth, Christmas, Pope Benedict, new book

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1 - 7 of 7 Comments

judy claar
5 months ago
Although I have not read Pope Benedict's book, and secular news outlets and said blogger's seem to be having a field day with it, it sounds very good to me. I think that the Holy Father in his wisdom, is preaching-teaching to those of maturity. And that is a good thing! Just because he tells us a few things that were historically different, that is surely not enough to shake anyone's Faith! He is only trying to present us with the Truth of the historical Jesus. To grow some of us up a bit. To be able to be more True to our Faith in the world we are living in.

Look at this in a positive light: As more Faith ammunition. Or More Faith filled information for which to build a stronger shield. We are The Church Militant! Strong in Faith! Strong in Battle!
Dear Lord, Open our hearts and minds, that we may be infused with Your Presence. Amen.
:) JMJ
5 months ago
If anyone hasn't heard of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, she was a mystic who received visions on countless topics in our Faith. In her book "The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary" she described the birth of Christ from her vision.

http://www.ecatholic2000.com/anne/lom72.shtml

This is a very inspirational book. I recommend this to everyone.
God bless,
:) JMJ
Paul-Emile Leray
5 months ago
This is going to be a good thing. It is going to assist towards maturity, because there are plenty of Santa Claus Catholics who seem to see Jesus as a magic man Santa figure who is just there to give them whatever they ask for. It is an immature understanding. I find this article encouraging. I don't want to be treated like a 5 year old, by adults much older than I am. I don't need a pollyanna self-styled and self-appointed guru savior. (and there are plenty of them out there, not only the self help guru pop-psyche authors and speakers) Everyone seems to be a guru these days. If there is some truth to that last sentence, then maybe the collective consciousness is indeed rising that fast at present. If so, great!
Paul-Emile Leray
Dr. Jon Brownridge
5 months ago
The traditional Nativity story can be traced back at least five centuries, finding its roots in the Egyptian mythologies. There is nothing wrong with this. The story of the birth of the Christ Child is beautifully told and has deep implications for "men of goodwill". It is a story of peace and compassion and the Pope is right to encourage us to stay with our traditions, regardless of historic details.
abey
5 months ago
There is no Shepherd without sheep. Understand Jesus by his words, way & works for it is the word that became flesh but known Him in his Spiritual Glory which is to say believe Him as the Son of Man & know him as the Son of God.
michael
5 months ago
Our good Holy Father should stick to writing encyclicals. His lack of caution and even error in regards to his private writings is a cause of great scandal. The fact that there were animals in the cave / stable at our Lord's birth is prophecy and must be held by an true believer. Isaiah clearly writes that "an ox shall know its Master, and the donkey shall acknowledge its Master's manger." One of the main reasons why our Lord proved His being the One...the Messiah...is that all prophecies without exception were fulfilled in Him. Sorry Holy Father, but you are totally wrong on this point. Knowing that this error is in the book, I would not suggest it for a Christmas present.
Cathy S
5 months ago
I'm afraid the headline is misleading, providing fodder for those who only read headlines and then spread half-truths. The Pope does not say that there were no animals at the Nativity - simply that there is no evidence that there was, as in, the Gospels do not record that there was. Similarly, the Gospels acknowledge that while it may not have been in ways we traditionally represent it, the angels did, nonetheless, rejoice: "The angel said to them [the shepherds], "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:10-14) And i think that by now, most people know that Jesus was not literally born on December 25th. The important thing to know is that he was born!

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