Infancy Gospels of Jesus

Stevan Davies is professor of religious studies at Misericordia University and has studied the non-canonical gospels and acts for over thirty years. Among his books are The Gospel of Thomas: Annotated and Explained, The Secret Book of John: The Gnostic Gospel—Annotated and Explained (both SkyLight Paths) and The Revolt of the Widows: The Social World of the Apocryphal Acts. He has also published books about the canonical Christian scriptures including New Testament Fundamentals and Jesus the Healer: Possession, Trance and the Origins of Christianity. His website (http://users.misericordia.edu/davies/thomas/Thomas.html) is a leading Internet resource on the Gospel of Thomas.A. Edward Siecienski, PhD is assistant professor of philosophy at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and also serves as Clement and Helen Pappas Professor of Byzantine Civilization and Religion at the college's Interdisciplinary Center for Hellenic Studies.

• Foreword by A. Edward Siecienski, PhDIntroduction: Tales from the Childhood of Mary and JesusThe Gospel of James Joachim and Anne: The Gift of MaryMary: The Story of Her BirthMary: Raised in Blessing and PurityJoseph: Mary's ProtectorMary: Miraculous ConceptionJoseph and Mary: Accused and TestedMary and Joseph: The Christmas StoryThe Magi: In Search of a KingHerod: The Murder of ZechariahThe Gospel of the Infancy A Cave, Not a Stable: The Nativity StoryA Sinful Mary and the Anointing of ChristJesus in the TempleThe Magi and Herod: Varying Views of JesusInto Egypt: The Holy Family in FlightExorcising a Deaf and Dumb Demon 83The Bridegroom Mule: A Brother RestoreBandits: In Them, Jesus Sees His Destiny 93Balsams in His Path: The Holy Child ReturnThe Co-Wife’s PunishmentSatan’s Bite: The Young Judas IscariotDivine Mischief: The Boy Jesus at PlayThe King, Christ and a SnakeThe Infancy Gospel of Thomas The Introduction to the Gospel of ThomasClay Sparrows: A Dark MiracleThe Vengeful Boy: Christ in ConflictThe Young Healer Explores His PowersDivine Carpenter: Jesus Adjusts His Elder’s MistakesThe Pupil Teaches His TeacherThe Miraculous PhysicianIn the House of My Father: Jesus in the TempleNotesSuggestions for Further Reading

"Accessible and insightful … helps us appreciate the imaginative storytelling in these narratives as well as their piety and theological content—and even their occasional humor. An ideal starting point for the study of these fascinating gospels."—Robert J. Miller, author, Born Divine: The Births of Jesus and Other Sons of God“Clear, accurate and fun to read.... I love this book! Weaves solid historical scholarship with a deep appreciation for folk traditions and fiction. Gives us a sense of the creativity involved in thinking about the infancy of Jesus and his mother, Mary. I will assign it for students next semester.”—Jane Schaberg, professor of religious and women's/gender studies, University of Detroit Mercy“Filled with incidents that are magical, touching, humorous, even shocking, but always entertaining. Davies’ translations are appropriately idiomatic, and his comments are informative and insightful by comparing these stories not only to pagan, Christian and Jewish parallels but also to versions of some of the stories in the Qur’an.”—Ronald F. Hock, professor of religion, University of Southern California