QUESTION:
4/22/2010: There is much in the Protevangelium of James that supports the doctrines about Mary taught by the Orthodox Church, and much liturgical material has been drawn from it. Does the Orthodox Church consider the Protevangelium of James a true, reliable and authoritative source of teaching? Thank you for your help. |
ANSWER:
Orthodox tradition has generally considered the story of the Protevangelium of James (confirmed by other ancient sources) worthy of consideration and theologically sound. A good reference on this text is "Christmas: True Story" by Margaret Barker. Also of interest are the books by Richard Bauckham, notably "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospel As Eyewitness Testimony." However, the expression "true, reliable and authoritative source of teaching" would be reserved for canonical texts. |
