--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The virgin birth, understood as literal…" description: "\"The virgin birth, understood as literal biology, makes Christ's divinity, as traditionally understood, impossible.\" — John Shelby Spong" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/380/john-shelby-spong-1488_atheism_the-virgin-birth-understood-as-literal-b_1102531.png" --- # The virgin birth, understood as literal biology, makes… ![“The virgin birth, understood as literal biology, makes Christ's divinity, as traditionally understood, impossible.” quote by John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/380/john-shelby-spong-1488_atheism_the-virgin-birth-understood-as-literal-b_1102531.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/380/john-shelby-spong-1488_atheism_the-virgin-birth-understood-as-literal-b_1102531.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/380/john-shelby-spong-1488_atheism_the-virgin-birth-understood-as-literal-b_1102531.png) > “The virgin birth, understood as literal biology, makes Christ's divinity, as traditionally understood, impossible.” [John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-shelby-spong/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Literal interpretation of Christ's virgin birth contradicts traditional claims of his divine nature. **In simple terms:** Taking the birth literally challenges his divinity. Key Takeaway Reexamine theological assumptions. Themes theology belief interpretation Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type theological philosophical When to use this quote - academic debate - faith discussions - religious education - personal belief systems Key Concepts Christology biblical criticism Questions to Reflect On - How does metaphor shape religious truth? - Can faith coexist with scientific reasoning? A Different Perspective Literal reading may overlook symbolic intent. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Atheism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheism/) [Biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biology/) [Birth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/birth/) [Christ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christ/) [Divinity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/divinity/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Virgin birth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virgin-birth/) ## Related quotes > [That's why the virgin birth never gets rid of the human mother. The story only gets rid of the human father. So Jesus' life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-shelby-spong/that-s-why-the-virgin-birth-never-gets-rid-of-the-human-mother-the/) [John Shelby Spong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-shelby-spong/) > [In my understanding of God I start with certain firm beliefs. One is that the laws of nature are not broken. 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