Staff Reports
During the festive Christmas season, it’s no surprise that conversations can get a bit heated, particularly when it comes to topics surrounding faith and history. Recently, a discussion led by Father Gerald Murray, a canon lawyer from the Archdiocese of New York, shed light on some controversial remarks made by Princeton University religion professor Elaine Pagels. The professor made headlines with a peculiar assertion that the Virgin Mary may not have had a miraculous virgin birth, but rather, her son Jesus could have been fathered by a Roman soldier—one potentially linked to an act of violence. Talk about a holiday party crasher!
Father Murray couldn’t help but express his disbelief, labeling the professor’s claims as nothing short of absurd. He confidently pointed out that this line of thinking is mere propaganda disguised as historical analysis. According to him, the professor’s assertion that Roman soldiers frequently committed acts of violence against women in the Nazareth area, including Mary, doesn’t hold water. Instead, he referred to it as “nonsense and garbage”—strong words for such a sensitive topic.
Moreover, Father Murray highlighted that this isn’t the first time Pagels has dabbled in rewriting history. He referred to her previous works which allege many false gospels were created after Christ’s time, claiming they were merely tools used to manipulate beliefs. With Christmas around the corner, Father Murray emphasized that the mainstream media, particularly The New York Times, seems willing to engage in an assault on Christianity and its historical foundations. He painted a picture of a media landscape that, rather than honoring diverse beliefs, chucks decorum out the window, especially when it involves Christianity.
The conversation took an even deeper turn when reflecting on the implications of these assertions. Father Murray explained how the beliefs forming the backbone of Western civilization rest on the acknowledgment of a higher power, one that grants humanity purpose and meaning. If these fundamental beliefs weaken, so too does the very fabric of society, he argued. When history is distorted, the reverence for personal responsibility and morality faced with adversity can start to fray, leading to a culture devoid of its ethical compass. In the grand scheme of things, these ideas are not simply academic—they speak to a larger narrative about who we are as a society and where we are headed.
Yet, amidst the gloom of challenging narratives, there are bright beacons of hope. Murray pointed to an inspiring moment from Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who brought a dose of spirituality into the locker room following a game. The coach shared a message of encouragement taken from Mary, highlighting joy and the significance of recognizing the greater purpose of life beyond mere day-to-day worries. Such expressions of faith amid the hustle and bustle of sports and life provide a sense of connection and renewal that counters the barrage of negativity.
It seems this Christmas season has more than its share of challenges but also offers reminders of faith and fortitude worth celebrating. With individuals like Father Murray and Coach Harbaugh shining a light on spirituality, there’s hope that society can rediscover the deeper meaning behind the season. Whether through personal faith or community spirit, the message remains clear: there’s a call to recognize divine intervention in human history, which continues to resonate today, inviting everyone to seek truth and purpose beyond the dismissive narratives often circulated.
