Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman cover image

Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

Church vs Universities: Who Gets the New Testament Right?

Jan 7, 2025
Hugo Mendez, a New Testament professor at the University of North Carolina, breaks down the contrasting methods of studying the New Testament in churches versus universities. He discusses how students are often shocked by the discrepancies within biblical texts when approached critically. The conversation also touches on the enriching experience of unbiased biblical study and highlights the value of diverse perspectives in a multicultural classroom. Mendez's insights challenge listeners to rethink established beliefs while embracing meaningful dialogue and inquiry.
45:35

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Churches focus on moral lessons and faith inspiration, while universities employ critical, historical methods to analyze the New Testament's complexity.
  • Students often experience surprise in university settings when confronting biblical diversity, which challenges their assumptions about a coherent narrative.

Deep dives

Differences in Approaches to Biblical Texts

Church sermons typically emphasize moral lessons and faith inspiration, guiding congregants toward spiritual growth. In contrast, university study of the Bible involves a critical and humanistic approach that seeks to understand the text within its historical and cultural context. Professors like Hugo Mendez encourage students to explore the diverse authorship and intended messages behind the scriptures rather than seeking a unified meaning. This shift in focus allows for an examination of the Bible's contradictions and tensions, ultimately enriching the understanding of its complex nature.

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