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Cited by 0Biblical Studies and InterpretationHistorical, Religious, and Philosophical StudiesReligion, Theology, History, Judaism, Christianity

The Panthera Legend and the Conception of Jesus

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Zeichmann, Christopher B.·2026·Routledge eBooks
DOI 10.4324/9781003774112
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Abstract

This book presents the first-ever English-language book on the history of the Panthera legend– the idea that Jesus was conceived not by the Holy Spirit or even Joseph, but by a man named Panthera. This book examines how the legend of Panthera is deeply implicated in both rape culture and anti-Judaism, examining examples from the ancient Levant to medieval Europe, Nazi Germany, and contemporary North America. It explores the history and original sources of the legend, tracing the question of Mary’s consent (or lack thereof) with respect to Panthera’s sexual advances, and arguing this has become inextricable from Jewish-Christian polemics. Although the Panthera legend has been long associated with Jewish polemic against Christianity, this legend is better understood as the product of Christian doubt – such that Christians were placing their own apprehensions in the mouths of ancient Jews. Adding to the literature on the continued importance of Mary’s sexual history within religious traditions, the book will be of interest to academics and postgraduate students of early Christianity, Biblical studies, Jewish-Christian relations, and gender studies in antiquity.

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Authors
Zeichmann, C. B.
Corresponding author
Zeichmann, Christopher B.
ORCID
Zeichmann, Christopher B.
Venue
Routledge eBooks
Publisher
Routledge
Published
2026-06-22
DOI
10.4324/9781003774112
OpenAlex
W7165555887
Semantic Scholar
987189e95573abed3d8667743953c837e1d44c1b
Cited by
0
References
0
FWCI
0.00
Type
book
Language
en
Open access
Locations
Routledge eBooks (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Biblical Studies and Interpretation
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Religion, Theology, History, Judaism, Christianity
Keywords
rape culture, anti-Judaism, Jewish-Christian polemics, early Christianity, Nazi Germany, medieval Europe, Levant, gender in antiquity

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