Unbelievable? 'How Jesus became God' debate Pt 1 - Bart Ehrman vs Simon Gathercole - Unbelievable?
Jun 23, 2014
In a thought-provoking discussion, Bart Ehrman, a New Testament expert from UNC, challenges the traditional view of Jesus' divinity, arguing that the early Church transformed him into the Son of God. Simon Gathercole, a scholar from Cambridge and contributor to a response book, counters by exploring how the Gospels present Jesus' identity. The debate dives into the historical context of early Christianity, the evolution of beliefs around Jesus' resurrection, and differing interpretations of scripture, shedding light on the complexities of Christ's divine status.
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Nicene Creed as Later Development
- The Nicene Creed of 325 AD formalized Jesus' divinity but was a later theological development.
- Early Christians debated Jesus' nature, and the creed resolved tensions by affirming his equality with God.
Divinity Belief Post-Resurrection
- Ehrman argues Jesus never claimed divinity during his lifetime in earliest Gospels.
- The belief that Jesus is divine emerged post-resurrection, sparked by visions experienced by disciples.
Jesus' Divinity in Synoptics and John
- Simon Gathercole sees continuity between Synoptic and Johannine Gospels on Jesus' divinity claims.
- Jesus' authority to forgive sins and choose salvation imply divine prerogatives even in Synoptics.
