Miracles testify about Jesus’ importance. The virgin birth has nothing to do with the biology of Mary. It has to do with the significance of Jesus.

Virgin births were attributed to many ancient heroes and great men in Jesus’ day.

Metaphor points to a truth.

After his death, Jesus’ power and presence were still available to his followers after his death. So his followers used a cultural and religious meme which was around back then:

Jesus came back from the dead.

No one, any time or any place can cause people to rise out of their graves, walk around, talk and eat. So there is definitely something else that is going on.

“...Jesus claimed to be God.”
Actually, he did not.

In fact, he says “Why do you call me good? Only God is good.”
And “Friend, why do you think I am a judge over you?”
Or “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I say?"

Most historians see the Gospel of John as early Christian theology. He presents a different picture of Jesus who speaks in long, dense, theological monologues all about himself and the importance of believing in him.

John has no parables. The word “repent” never comes up. There is no concern for the poor. There is no Last Supper. And Jesus dies a full 24 hours BEFORE the other three gospel writers tell us he died.

Jesus is a mystical philosopher in John.

The Bible changes radically because the cultural situation in which it stands changes radically.

History is dynamic as well. Every generation is called to engage in a discussion with the past that is always different than a past discussion.

Jesus was an atheist of his day because he said things like “You have heard that _____________, but I say that _______."

Historians have noticed a difference between Jesus’ unique “voice print” from the theological and dogmatic language the gospel writers placed into his mouth after the crucifixion.

The Jesus who says “I AM the Light of the World” is not the same person who says “Why do you call ME good? Only God is good."