One Scientist on Another Scientist on the Virgin Conception

RJS, a scientist, who is a regular contributor to Jesus Creed, writes a post on John Polkinghorne, a theoretical physicist turned theologian and Anglican priest, and his perspective on the virginal conception. RJS writes,

John Polkinghorne looks at the gospels. Within the historical conventions of their time they tell the gospel; the story of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as the good news of God's work in the world. The Gospels record a reliable history. This is the key starting point, but there is more to it than just this.

One of the most important criterion for thinking through the incredible claims in scripture is God's interaction with his creatures rather than his intervention in his creation. The miracles ring true when they enhance our understanding of the interaction of God with his people in divine self-revelation. The virginal conception is part of the Incarnation, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us". The magnificent early Christian hymns quoted by Paul in Col 1.15-20 and Phil 2.6-11 catch the essence of this enacted myth as well.

It makes no sense to try to defend the virginal conception, the resurrection, or any of the other signs or miracles related in the New Testament, separate from the story of the Gospel, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as God's Messiah. In the context of God's mission within his creation the miracles make sense. Separate from this they will never make sense.
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The entire post can be read here.