The Secret of the Bethlehem Shepherds..., Fr. Dwight Longenecker
The Secret of the Bethlehem Shepherds..., Fr. Dwight Longenecker
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The Secret of the Bethlehem Shepherds

Author: Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Narrator: Dwight Longenecker

Unabridged: 1 hr 47 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 05/09/2023


Synopsis

St. Luke's story of "shepherds in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night" echoes in the hearts and minds of millions who have heard the story told and retold year after year.

Like most well-loved tales, the account of the shepherds has grown and developed over the ages. Extra traditions have attached themselves to it. Charming characters and details have become part of the story. Beautiful preaching points have illuminated the tale and unlocked the story's deeper meanings. Many of these "extras," however, were conditioned by later cultural assumptions and colored by devotions removed from historical reality.

What are the true circumstances of the birth of Jesus Christ? What was Bethlehem like at the time of Jesus' birth? How did Joseph and Mary meet, and why did they travel to Bethlehem? Who were the shepherds, and why were they so important?

After completing The Mystery of the Magi—his study of the wise men—Fr. Dwight Longenecker took a sabbatical in Jerusalem to study the ancient texts and the geography, history, politics, and culture. He added his own firsthand visit to present-day Bethlehem shepherds in order to unlock "the secret of the Bethlehem shepherds."

About Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Fr. Dwight Longenecker was brought up as an Evangelical, studied at fundamentalist Bob Jones University, and later was ordained an Anglican priest in England. After ten years in the Anglican ministry as a curate, a chaplain at Cambridge, and a country parson, he was received into full communion with the Catholic Church in 1995. He is the author of more than twenty books on apologetics and Catholic faith and culture and has published hundreds of articles on websites, in magazines, and in newspapers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Sandra on December 15, 2022

Amazing! I can't believe how much I learned ! How many times my jaw dropped! How many times in total awe! Awe for what I was learning and Awe for how much I didn't know- never taught! I was amazed at his Magi book, thought this was going to be a light read. Wow was I wrong. I have bought so many of his r......more

Goodreads review by Yancy on December 26, 2024

Wonderful examination of the Nativity account. Fr. Longenecker does a great job laying out the details in the Bible and examines them through the lens of historical documents and archeology along with Church traditions. Well worth your time. While it is densely packed with details it is an easy read.......more

Goodreads review by Howard on December 26, 2023

An informative examination of the Nativity of Jesus: sources, individuals, historical context, and modern scholarship. There are many details and connections to consider regarding the original language and some of the later "decorations" added. Well done!......more

Goodreads review by Michael Kuzmicz on December 24, 2022

Great read for those interested in the story behind the Christmas story This book is an inspiring and great read for those interested in the story behind the Christmas story and the factual basis for it.......more

Goodreads review by Katie on January 31, 2023

This book was so thought provoking! It had so many interesting facts and speculation surrounding the story of Jesus miraculous birth. This was my first book I’ve read from Fr. Longenecker. I am excited to read his other ones!......more