Within Reason #92 Bart Ehrman - The Dark Side of Christmas
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Dec 20, 2024 Bart Ehrman, a prominent New Testament scholar, dives into the hidden complexities of the Christmas narratives. He examines the historical accuracy of the nativity stories in Matthew and Luke, revealing unsettling elements like Herod's massacre of innocents that challenge conventional celebrations. Ehrman also discusses the societal implications of Mary's virgin pregnancy and explores the translation nuances of 'servant' versus 'slave.' This thought-provoking dialogue invites listeners to reconsider the deeper messages behind the festive narrative.
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Slaughter of the Innocents
- Ehrman recalls wanting to play a slaughtered innocent in a school nativity play.
- The teacher's horrified reaction highlighted the dark side of the story.
Theological Implications of the Slaughter
- The story of Herod's slaughter of innocents raises theological questions about God's role in suffering.
- Matthew's justification of the event as fulfilling prophecy adds another layer to this.
Flight to Egypt and Prophecy
- Matthew uses the flight to Egypt to fulfill Hosea's prophecy, "Out of Egypt I called my son."
- This raises questions about Matthew's interpretation of prophecy, especially given its original reference to Israel.
