The Rationale and Significance of the Virgin Birth

The scope of this paper is the rationale and significance of the virgin birth, not the historical evidence for it. But in fact the rationale and significance are as important for the defence of the virgin birth as is the historical evidence. One of the main charges against it has been that it is theologically superfluous, dubious or even heretical. On the other hand, defenders of the virgin birth have usually sought to show not just that it did happen but that it ought to have happened or indeed that it must have happened. Here we need to exercise great caution and wisdom. In theology, as in other realms, there lie the dangers of overkill and the credibility gap. If the apologist gives implausible reasons why the virgin birth must have occurred he will lose the confidence of his client who will see him as a shameless propagandist who is determined to produce any and every argument possible, regardless of its merit. What is needed is a carefully reasoned case that shows the genuine importance and value of the virgin birth without resorting to far-fetched arguments which have the final effect of casting doubts not only on the author’s integrity but on the credibility of the virgin birth itself. Some apologists do the most harm to the cause that they are supposed to be defending. The opponents of the virgin birth have been presented by its defenders with a whole line of Aunt Sallies and have delighted themselves with demolishing each in turn.