Is it true that most of the miracles involving Jesus (Virgin birth, resurrection, etc) were copied from earlier stories involving other people?

 The question of parallels between the miracles attributed to Jesus in the New Testament and earlier stories involving other figures is a topic of debate among scholars. Some scholars argue that there are similarities between certain elements of Jesus' story and stories from other cultures, while others contend that the differences outweigh the similarities.

Here are a few points to consider:

1. **Virgin Birth:** The concept of a divine or miraculous birth is found in various mythologies and religious traditions throughout history. Stories of gods or heroes born of a virgin are not unique to Christianity. However, the specific details and theological significance associated with Jesus' virgin birth are distinctive to Christian tradition.

2. **Resurrection:** The theme of resurrection or returning from the dead is present in different mythologies and religious narratives globally. In the case of Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus is a central tenet of the faith and holds specific theological significance.

3. **Dying and Rising Gods:** Some scholars have drawn parallels between the stories of Jesus and the myths of dying and rising gods found in ancient mystery religions. However, the degree of similarity and the direct influence of one on the other are topics of scholarly debate.

4. **Cultural Context:** Understanding the cultural and religious context of each narrative is crucial. Stories from diverse cultures may share certain archetypal themes, but the interpretation and theological implications can vary significantly.

5. **Historical Methodology:** The study of parallels between religious narratives requires a careful examination of historical sources, linguistic nuances, and cultural contexts. Scholars use various methods, including source criticism and comparative analysis, to assess these relationships.

It's important to note that the question of parallels does not necessarily negate the unique theological significance attributed to the miracles in Christian belief. Different scholars and religious traditions approach these questions with varying perspectives.

Ultimately, discussions about parallels between religious narratives should be approached with scholarly rigor and sensitivity to the diverse beliefs and interpretations within different faith communities. The interpretation of religious texts is often influenced by faith, tradition, and cultural context.