S8 Ep948: (3) James Tabor analyzes the Protevangelium of James, a mid-second-century text that established the tradition of Mary's perpetual virginity and her upbringing as a "vestal-like" figure in the temple. He contrasts this theological portrait with the histor
Professor James Tabor challenges the traditional Christian portrayal of Mary as a perpetual virgin, arguing instead that the doctrine emerged from a mid-second-century pseudepigraphal text—the Proto-Evangelium of James—crafted to resolve theological discomfort with Jesus’ unknown earthly father. Tabor reveals that this narrative, which depicts Mary as a child temple virgin from age three to twelve, is not historical but a Neoplatonic fantasy that elevates celibacy over Jewish family life. He contends that Mary was a real, married woman from a landed, urban Jewish family in Sepphoris, not a secluded figure, and that Jesus’ siblings—James, Joseph, Simon, Judas, and sisters—were her biological children, not Joseph’s stepchildren or cousins. Tabor further connects this historical Mary to the archaeological site of Ein Karim, where he and his team uncovered a cave with early Christian art believed to be linked to John the Baptist’s hiding place during Herod’s purge. This reimagining positions Mary not as a mystical icon but as a courageous, widowed mother raising eight children in a tightly knit, vibrant family network.
The Proto-Evangelium of James invented Mary’s perpetual virginity to resolve theological discomfort with Jesus’ unknown father.
Mary was likely a married woman from a propertied Jewish family in Sepphoris, not a temple virgin.
Jesus’ siblings were Mary’s biological children, not Joseph’s stepchildren or cousins.
The Proto-Evangelium of James reflects Neoplatonic ideals that devalue the body and sexuality.
Mary likely fled to the hill country of Judea during her pregnancy and stayed with Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing The Lost Mary: A Historical Reckoning
“I want to present the Jewish Mary. I want to give her back to her people. She's Jewish. She's in her faith. And she has a large family, eight or more children.”
The Proto-Evangelium of James: A Theological Fantasy
“She's so holy, we send her to the temple in Jerusalem. And she grows up almost like a vestal virgin that they had in the Roman temples, untouched, completely non-sexual.”
Mary’s Children: Biological Siblings, Not Stepchildren
“If they were Mary's children, which would be the normal interpretation? Matthew 1.25, remember that Joseph knows Mary not. He knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn son.”
The Historical Mary: A Widow with Eight Children
Tabor reconstructs Mary as a widowed mother raising eight children after Joseph’s early death, emphasizing her resilience and the normalcy of her Jewish family life.
The Family of Jesus: Sepphoris, Nazareth, and the Grandparents
Tabor highlights the geographic and social reality of Jesus’ extended family, with grandparents in Sepphoris, a wealthy urban center, and regular Sabbath gatherings.
“And in this book, John, I want to present the Jewish Mary. I want to give her back to her people. She's Jewish. She's in her faith. And she has a large family, eight or more children.”
“It has the earliest art, pictures of John the Baptist, his head on a platter, a sword, three crosses. So it's later Christian, but they're remembering this as the cave of John the Baptist.”
“She's so holy, we send her to the temple in Jerusalem. And she grows up almost like a vestal virgin that they had in the Roman temples, untouched, completely non -sexual.”
Host
Guest
Mary
person
Jesus
person
James Tabor
person
Proto-Evangelium of James
other
John the Baptist
person
Joseph
person
John Batchelor
person
Ein Karim
place
Anna
person
Sepphoris
place
S8 Ep948: (5) James Tabor describes Mount Zion in Jerusalem as the world headquarters of the early movement. Archaeological evidence suggests the "Upper Room" sits atop a first-century foundation of a house-synagogue. In this space, Mary served as a matriarch and h
10m • 5/31/2026
Joyful Mysteries 2026
31m • 6/4/2026
Equipped 2026: "The Fall and Rise of Joseph" by Parker Webster
41m • 5/31/2026
JOHN081 - I Have No Idea What the Fig Tree Thing Was About, But It’s Exactly What Nathanael Needed to Hear
11m • 6/1/2026
8th Commandment: Do Not Steal
52m • 6/1/2026
S8 Ep946: STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING BLISS AND VLAHOS. 5-29-2026 1890 TROJAN WAR.
58m • 5/30/2026
S8 Ep947: SCHEDULE THE JBS, 5-29-26. 457 THE AMBROSIAN ILIAD.R
58m • 5/30/2026
S8 Ep948: (1) James Tabor introduces the historical Mary through the city of Sepphoris, the urban capital of Galilee located just miles from Nazareth. Unlike the small village of Nazareth, Sepphoris was a bustling Roman "jewel" where Mary was born to parents Joachi
12m • 5/31/2026
S8 Ep948: (7) James Tabor explores the Talpiot Tomb, a first-century family tomb discovered in 1980 containing ossuaries inscribed with names like "Jesus son of Joseph," "Maria," and "Yose" (a rare nickname for Jesus' brother). Tabor argues the specific cluster of
12m • 5/31/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime