The Tapestry

Christian writer C.S. Lewis once said, “The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of earth — the very thing the whole story has been about.”

Are the words of C.S. Lewis true? Is the birth of Christ the central event? Beginning around 525 A.D., we have certainly measured time by it – B.C. “Before Christ,” or A.D. “Anno Domini” (or in the Year of our Lord). Recent attempts to remove Christ from modern culture have resulted in an alternative Before The Common Era (B.C.E) and Common Era (C.E.) system, but the dates involved have not changed. It still revolves around the date ranges for the birth of Christ.

Christ was born in Judea, of Jewish parents, into Jewish culture. His mortal ancestors may not have measured time by his birth but since the days of the prophet Isaiah (circa 8th century B.C.), they definitely looked forward to the birth of a Messiah, a descendant of King David who would save the Jewish nation.

But is it truly the central event of the history of the earth? What about people not of the House of Israel, who lived across the face of the earth? Is there any evidence to support Lewis’ thesis? What about Adam and Eve? If they knew about Christ, are there any traces to be found among their other descendants? This line of questioning led me to read scholars and historians like Will and Ariel Durant (The Story of Civilization), Hugh Nibley of Brigham Young University, British Methodist Margaret Barker, works by researchers into pre-Christian European history, and countless other sources over the years, including folklore of indigenous people across the earth.

I’ve come to think of world history as a tapestry. Jesus Christ is the warp and human experience is the weft. Most, if not all cultures and civilizations have traditions of a creator, the concept of the corruption (or “fall”) of humanity from the right path, and a savior or sacrifice to restore humanity to its original purity. I believe that Adam and Eve were our first common parents and knew Jesus Christ, taught His laws to their children, who passed them on to their children until the flood. Our second common ancestors, the family of Noah, continue the teachings which spread across the world during the age of the Great Migrations. Over time and distance and lack of a common language or communication system, the colors of the tapestry changed, but the warp is still there. Threads of Jesus Christ can be found in the archaeology, anthropology, and folk stories across the world too numerous to list in this column.

One such thread in the tapestry is the mother-goddess motif, pre-dominant in many ancient cultures. I see it as a corruption of the original teaching that a Messiah (Jesus) would be born to a mortal mother, as stated in Isaiah 7 that “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

Another thread would be the idea of a Savior-god and the year-end ritual which developed in various cultures. These often would involve a king, or a substitute, being ritually or literally sacrificed to bring back the light and life to the world and fight back the darkness of both the spirit and winter. I think this is why Christianity eventually merged its celebration of the birth of Christ with the older traditions, even though there is evidence that he was born during springtime. Both had ancient roots in common, or “deeper magic from before the dawn of time,” as C.S. Lewis describedin his book “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”

Since the birth of Christ, the Christian Era, as we call it, has certainly affected world history. Christ’s Great Commission to spread the teachings of loving God and loving one’s neighbor has led us to an era in history where more charitable giving and humanitarian outreach to alleviate suffering has been provided on a larger scale than in any other time in history.

Christianity has also been used, and will continue to be used, by evil persons seeking to conquer and control others. That is the dark side of human nature. We must acknowledge this, but it is not the doctrine of Christ. It is another corruption which we must remove from our hearts. Throughout out lives we must work to overcome our selfishness and greed by reaching out to others to offer peace and sustenance to troubled souls.

Yes, in my mind, C.S. Lewis is right, “The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of earth — the very thing the whole story has been about.” This is the faith that lives in my heart and I’m holding fast to it.

Karen Murray is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints experiencing life as a wife, mother, family historian, author, and political activist.