An Allegorical Interpretation of the Birth of Jesus

Bloggers will be familiar with the fourfold sense of scripture in medieval hermeneutics: the literal sense (plain, historical), the allegorical sense (ecclesiastical), the tropological sense (moral), and the anagogical sense (eschatological). Here is an allegorical interpretation of the birth of Jesus - a bit of fun with Christian denominations.

The Angels: Methodists - of course - what with all that interminable singing and praising.

The Shepherds: Baptists - simple folk, no frills - and they practice sheep-dipping.

The Wise Men: Orthodox - they’re from the East - and all that gold and incense.

(Alternatively) The Kings - Anglicans, in particular, the Church of England - establishment, pomp and circumstance - not to mention that they strut around like they own the place!

Mary: Roman Catholics - who else?

Joseph: Reformed - because Joseph is the real hero of the piece, who keeps his son safe, who is patient with Mary - and he’s a dreamer. Oh, and because Karl Barth found him to be more appropriate than Mary as protector (et exemplar) ecclesiae.

The Farm Animals: Charismatics - it’s their strange noises, bellowing like oxen and braying like donkeys.

The Innkeeper: The Religious Right - who run the church like a hotel where the posh suites go to the rich and powerful - but “no room” for Christ.

Have a cool Yule!
Kim