

18. Dr. Bart Ehrman — How a Forbidden Religion (Christianity) Swept the World
Feb 19, 2018
In a captivating conversation, Bart Ehrman, Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at UNC, dives into the explosive growth of early Christianity from a tiny sect to millions within centuries. He explores Christianity's appeal amidst polytheism, the evolution of its symbols, and its revolutionary concepts of the afterlife. Their intriguing dialogue also touches on the challenges of faith and doubt, the distinction between historical facts about Jesus versus theological interpretations, and the transformative role of communal support in early Christian conversions.
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Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Intro
00:00 • 3min
The Growth of Forbidden Religions and Practical Learning Methods
02:46 • 2min
Faith and Doubt: A Scholar's Journey
05:10 • 10min
The Historical Jesus and Early Christianity
14:41 • 9min
The Rise of Christianity in a Polytheistic World
23:56 • 12min
The Evolution of Christian Symbols: From Cross to Fish
36:25 • 2min
Christianity's Healthcare Appeal in the Roman Empire
38:31 • 9min
Constantine's Conversion and Christianity's Growth
47:16 • 14min
Evolving Beliefs about Jesus and the Afterlife
01:01:27 • 17min
Choosing Topics: Balancing Personal Interest and Audience Appeal
01:18:27 • 2min