Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman Consensus Scholarship and the Life of Jesus
May 6, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Chris Frilingos, Professor of Religious Studies at Michigan State University, unpacks the surprising scholarly consensus on the historical authenticity of Jesus' early life. He delves into the nuances of gospel narratives, highlighting the cultural and theological significance behind differing accounts in Matthew and Luke. Frilingos also explores non-canonical texts like the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, shedding light on their roles in shaping early Christian stories. Plus, a sneak peek into a new course on 'Demons and Ghosts in the Bible' adds a thrilling layer!
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How Scholarly Consensus Forms
- Scholarly consensus forms from experts testing and retesting evidence over time.
- Consensus emerges when particular interpretations become broadly accepted and uncontested among specialists.
Challenges of Changing Consensus
- Changing academic consensus is challenging due to human cognitive biases.
- Scholars remain open to evidence, but new ideas need strong foundations to shift consensus.
Skepticism on Jesus' Birth Stories
- The birth stories of Jesus in Matthew and Luke are viewed skeptically by scholars for historical accuracy.
- These stories are seen as theological constructions rather than factual reports.
