Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman
Did Jesus Believe in Heaven?
Feb 25, 2025
In this discussion, Bart Ehrman, a six-time New York Times bestselling author and Bible scholar, delves into Jesus’ perspective on heaven and the afterlife. He contrasts Jesus' beliefs with modern interpretations, exploring whether Jesus would recognize contemporary concepts of eternal paradise. The conversation touches on humanity's fear of death, the evolution of resurrection beliefs in early Christianity, and the significant role of apocalyptic Judaism. Ehrman also examines how the Gospels present varying views on the afterlife, highlighting shifts in theological understanding.
48:34
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Jesus' beliefs about the afterlife were rooted in Jewish apocalypticism, focusing on bodily resurrection rather than a spiritual existence in heaven.
- The evolving views of resurrection in early Christianity reflect a significant shift influenced by Greek philosophy, emphasizing an immortal soul separate from the body.
Deep dives
Understanding Jesus' View on the Afterlife
Jesus' understanding of the afterlife significantly diverges from contemporary beliefs about heaven and hell. The podcast discusses how Jesus is often mistakenly assumed to hold a modern Christian view that the soul goes to heaven or hell after death. Instead, it emphasizes that Jesus, rooted in Jewish apocalypticism, envisioned a future resurrection of the body rather than a spiritual existence. This perspective aligns with the belief that individuals are physically resurrected and live in a restored paradise on Earth rather than being confined to an immortal soul in a supernatural realm.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
