Are the Protoevangelium of James and the Gospel of the Birth of Mary authentic documents?
The short answer
Yes, they are authentic, not forgeries — but that doesn't make them true. They are apocryphal: not inspired, though they may contain some useful information.
Authentic, not forgeries
Both are authentic documents.
Apocryphal
Authentic does not mean true. They are apocryphal, and therefore not inspired, but they may provide some useful information.
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