The story of Joseph as the husband of Mary seems somewhat contrived. Since Jesus is referred to in one of the Gospels as the son of Mary (not the son of Joseph), is it possible that Jesus was illegitimate?

 The story of Joseph as the husband of Mary and the father figure to Jesus is a significant element in the Christian narrative, particularly in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The Christian tradition asserts that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary through divine intervention, commonly referred to as the virgin birth or the Immaculate Conception. According to this belief, Mary conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit without a human father.

The Gospels, particularly Matthew and Luke, present different accounts of the birth of Jesus, and both emphasize the virgin birth. In Matthew's Gospel, Joseph discovers Mary's pregnancy but is told in a dream that the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit. In Luke's Gospel, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive a child by the Holy Spirit.

The phrase "son of Mary" is indeed used in the Gospels, but this does not necessarily imply that Jesus was considered illegitimate. Rather, it emphasizes the unique circumstances of Jesus' conception and birth.

The belief in the virgin birth is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming the divine nature of Jesus. However, interpretations of biblical narratives may vary among individuals and religious traditions. It's important to note that the question of Jesus' legitimacy is generally not considered within mainstream Christian theology.

Different religious traditions and historical perspectives may offer alternative interpretations of the biblical narratives. However, it's crucial to approach such discussions with sensitivity to diverse beliefs and recognize the importance of religious narratives in shaping faith communities.