Joan Taylor

I love how these nativity scenes actually give a glimpse of pre modern midwives. One of their roles was to bath the baby while mother rested.

What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity The modern Christmas themes of peace and joy were in short supply amid the ‘dislocation and danger’ of ancient Judea – as they are in today’s fractured world too.

What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity

This Is The Oldest Nativity Scene We Have YouTube video by Bible & Archaeology

I was delighted to visit Bible & Archaeology (bam.sites.uiowa.edu) recently to talk about early nativity scenes! 🤓
youtu.be/nKBm6FYKoEc?...

We cover the catacombs, frescoes, Life of Brian. And it's the closest I've ever come to invoking "Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals"...

What world was Jesus born into? A historian describes the turbulent times of the real nativity The modern Christmas themes of peace and joy were in short supply amid the ‘dislocation and danger’ of ancient Judea – as they are in today’s fractured world too.

Something I wrote on the real nativity. Hard times for baby Jesus and his family.
theconversation.com/what-world-w...

So great that you are making this big move Sabrina. Such a wonderful bunch at ACU!

JOB OPENING: Associate Dean (Research), Theology and Philosophy

Seeking an academic for high-level academic leadership across the faculty, operating within a University-wide research strategy focused on high quality, high impact and innovative research.

candidate.aurion.cloud/acu/producti...

Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships):London Senate House The University of London

Join the ICS: The Institute of Classical Studies is now recruiting for an open-ended lectureship in Classical Studies in support of its national mission.

Full details here: www.jobs.london.ac.uk/Job/JobDetai...
Deadline 15 January

UPDATE: Another Chicago-area church has put up an immigration-themed Nativity scene.

A church member at Urban Village Church sent this one along, where Mary, Joseph and Jesus are gone and replaced with a sign that reads: “Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding.”

Tell it like it is Tom Wright! Brave man. He's hitting the nail on the head. Also a challenge to academics who assume he's going to sing from a particular songsheet.

Jesus’s Childhood in Historical Context | Bible & Beyond Discussions Discover how Roman violence, Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem, and his migration to Nazareth shaped Jesus’s childhood, with scholar Joan E. Taylor.

Christmas listening! Was great talking to Shirley.
earlychristiantexts.com/jesus-childh...

Congratulations!!!!

Departmental Lecturer in Early Judaism and Christianity at University of Oxford Discover an exciting academic career path as a Departmental Lecturer in Early Judaism and Christianity at jobs.ac.uk. Don't miss out on this job opportunity - apply today!

One year position in Oxford!

www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPT068/d...

Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships) at University of London An opportunity for an academic position as a Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships) is available, as advertised on jobs.ac.uk. Apply now and explore other academic job…

Lecturer in Classical Studies (Research, Training and Partnerships) at University of London

www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPT082/l...

Here's my article about Bethlehem being not such a little village in Jesus' day. An important aqueduct went through it.

Pope Leo XIV calls for urgent climate action and says God’s creation is 'crying out' Pope Leo XIV is urging countries at United Nations climate talks to take “concrete actions” to stop climate change that is threatening the planet.

Pope Leo XIV calls for urgent climate action and says God’s creation is 'crying out'

apnews.com/article/pope...

I’ve been asking this question since the attack. The silence as one of our major national institutions was crippled has been extremely frustrating and shortsighted.

So pleased. Thank you @arturoviaggia.bsky.social !

An academic in Exegesis of Biblical and Extra-Biblical Texts An academic in Exegesis of Biblical and Extra-Biblical Texts

An academic job in Exegesis of Biblical and Extra-Biblical Texts at University of Louvain

2026-2027 SHOHET SCHOLARS GRANT FOR RESEARCH ON THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN The Shohet Scholars Grant of the International Catacomb Society is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars cohort. Awards up to $30,000. Submission deadline is February 1, 2026. This annual grant program funds research on the Ancient Mediterranean. Projects need not focus on the catacombs. Shohet Scholars may do their research in archaeology, art history, classical studies, history, comparative religions, or related subjects. We welcome interdisciplinary projects that approach traditional topics from new perspectives. For further information and to apply go to the ICS website: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-scholars/. Email questions to ShohetICS@gmail.com Image of fresco of a bird and a shepherd with a sheep over his shoulders. Paintings from the Catacombs of Domatilla in Rome.

We are now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Shohet Scholars Grant for research on the Ancient Mediterranean! Awards range from $2,000-$30,000.

Deadline is Feburary 1, 2026.

More information: www.catacombsociety.org/shohet-schol...

Did John Copy the Other Gospels? | Bart Ehrman vs. Mark Goodacre, Face to Face on the Bible YouTube video by Bart D. Ehrman

On Sunday, I debated with Bart Ehrman, "Did John Know the Other Gospels?" It ended up being a bit more spicy than the "fireside chat" we had anticipated. The first half of the debate is now on Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=REXn...

La vera storia di Gesù Bambino - Edizioni Sonda Crescere in Giudea in tempi turbolenti

My book Boy Jesus is now out in Italy, so do tell your Italian friends! Published by Sonda. Gesu Bambino.

sonda.it/prodotto/la-...

Announcing the launch of the open-access Journal of Christian Apocryphal Literature (JCAL). Sign up if you are interested in being a contributor or reviewer! journals.aperio.press/jcal/submiss...

Very important article by @mmonier.bsky.social on Codex Alexandrinus, with mention too of scribe Thecla.

Undoubtedly will stir up much controversy, and that can only be good for our field, but my my!

Review: What was Jesus' childhood like? Joan Taylor’s 'Boy Jesus' is a model of careful scholarship that relies on old sources but breaks new ground. It is, in some places, riveting.

A nice review.
www.americamagazine.org/books/2025/0...

What a great idea for a book. Wow.

Thanks Katie!

No it really wasn't a tomb for a Herodian princess. Evidence? None. What a lot of twaddle for the sake of the Israel tourism industry.

Very good to talk with the great team at The Two Cities podcast about Boy Jesus. Btw he wasn't born into an easy time. Demonstrations, massive clampdowns, imperialism and violence ... threats to his own family.
www.thetwocities.com

So glad this is happening for the immensely talented @mmonier.bsky.social