The Infancy Gospels of Jesus: Apocryphal Tales from the Childhoods of Mary and Jesus—Annotated & Explained

by Stevan Davies

Publisher:

SkyLight Paths

, 2009

Overview

The three principal infancy gospels—the Infancy Gospel of James, the Gospel of the Infancy, and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas—describe the births and early lives of Mary the Virgin Mother and Jesus. Originating in the second through fifth centuries, these apocryphal stories reveal the beliefs and storytelling of early Christians and contain the origin of Christian legends and some of Christianity’s beloved heroes and heroines.

Go deep into early Christian ideas of Mary’s purity, as well as the prayers, feasts, and iconic representations that celebrate her life. These extraordinary folktales also provide some shocking imagery of the young Jesus, the incarnation of God—equally human and divine as he learns to control his supernatural powers and use them for good.

Experience the mystery and amusement of these charming folktales without any previous knowledge of early Christian history or thought. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains references and philosophical terms, shares inspiring interpretations, and gives you a deeper understanding of the sources of devotion Christians feel for Mary and the holy infant Jesus.

Key Features

• Includes the entire text of the three infancy gospels
• Reveal the beliefs and storytelling of early Christians
• Provides insightful commentary on the infancy gospels

Praise for the Print Edition

Very much recommended for a greater understanding of the three principal infancy gospels.

—Midwest Book Review

An ideal starting point for the study of these fascinating gospels.

—Rober J. Miller, author, Born Divine: The Births of Jesus and Other Sons of God

Weaves solid historical scholarship with a deep appreciation for folk traditions and fiction.

—Jane Schaberg, professor of religious and women’s/gender studies, University of Detroit

Product Details

• Title: The Infancy Gospels of Jesus: Apocryphal Tales from the Childhoods of Mary and Jesus—Annotated & Explained
• Author: Stevan Davies
• Publisher: SkyLight Paths
• Print Publication Date: 2009
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 176
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Apocryphal infancy gospels
• ISBNs: 9781594732584, 1594732582
• Resource ID: LLS:NFNCYGSPLSMRJSS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:26:25Z

About Stevan Davies

Stevan Davies is professor of religious studies at Misericordia University and has studied the non-canonical gospels and acts for over 30 years. He is the author of The Gospel of Thomas: Annotated and Explained, The Secret Book of John: The Gnostic Gospel—Annotated and Explained, and The Revolt of the Widows: The Social World of the Apocryphal Acts.