Candida Moss

Candida Moss, a historian of Christianity and author of The Myth of Persecution, dives into the intriguing question of whether early Christians were truly persecuted by Rome. She explores the complexities of martyrdom, revealing how the concept predates Christianity and how definitions vary. Moss challenges the traditional narrative of the Neronian persecution and examines how local prosecutions differed from systematic targeting. Ultimately, she argues that tales of martyrdom are often embellished, shaping Christian memory and rhetoric over centuries.

In this discussion, Candida Moss, an expert in early Christianity, James Corke-Webster, a historian specializing in classics, and Kate Cooper, a historian focusing on Christianity's spread, unravel the intricate narratives of early Christian martyrdom. They delve into Eusebius’s influential writings and how they defined martyrdom's meaning post-persecution. The conversation also covers the brave stories of martyrs like Perpetua and Blandina, revealing how these accounts shaped Christian identity and highlight the often-overlooked contributions of women in early martyrdom narratives.

The podcast discusses the overlooked role of enslaved individuals in shaping the Bible, challenging misconceptions about ancient slavery. It explores the collaboration between enslaved workers and writers in antiquity, shedding light on their education and contributions. The relationship between Mark and Peter is explored, suggesting Mark served as Peter's enslaved or formerly enslaved interpreter. The discussion delves into the implications of this collaboration on understanding early Christian texts.

New Testament scholar Candida Moss discusses her book on enslaved Christians' role in shaping the Bible. Topics include slaves potentially writing parts of the Bible, Roman slavery's influence on texts, and identifying enslaved figures in the New Testament. The episode explores the intersection of slavery and biblical narratives from a fresh perspective.

Join Jeff Cloer, former director of collections at the Museum of the Bible, and Candida Moss, a scholar of early Christianity, as they unravel the museum's tumultuous history. Cloer shares gripping tales of seized artifacts and debunked forgeries, revealing the challenges of provenance. Moss critiques the museum's selective storytelling and its evangelical roots, questioning its claimed neutrality. Together, they explore how the institution has transitioned into a focal point for political faith, shaping the narrative of America’s religious and cultural identity.

Candida Moss, a theology professor and author of "The Myth of Persecution," dives into Donald Trump's narrative of being persecuted amidst his legal troubles. She examines how this rhetoric resonates with his Christian supporters by drawing parallels to historical persecution within the faith. Moss highlights the dangers of conflating political criticism with true persecution and discusses how cultural shifts have influenced evangelical responses. The conversation also reveals how victimhood rhetoric shapes political identities and power dynamics among religious communities.

In this discussion, Candida Moss, a theology expert and papal news contributor for CBS News, dives into the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope. She highlights the implications of his leadership for LGBT rights and women's inclusion in the Church, amid calls for accountability on past abuses. Moss reveals insights about the conclave process and explores the balance between progressive and conservative factions within Catholicism. The conversation captures the excitement and hope surrounding this monumental change in the papacy.

Leading theology professor Candida Moss discusses her groundbreaking research on enslaved Christians shaping the New Testament. Topics include biblical inspiration, ancient authorship, and Christianity's historical ties to slavery. The episode explores the role of enslaved authors, construction of the Bible, and the impact of secretaries in ancient authorship.

Exploring Christian slavery in the Bible, Dr. Candida Moss reveals the role of enslaved people in writing and editing biblical texts. Did enslaved individuals shape your favorite Bible passages? Unveiling uncomfortable truths about Christianity's involvement in slavery and early Christian history. Reimagining Jesus through symbolism challenges perceptions and highlights the labor of unseen workers.

Candida Moss, an acclaimed author, challenges the historical narrative of Christian persecution in her book. She argues that the intensity of early Christians' suffering might be overstated, impacting beliefs surrounding the resurrection of Christ. Dr. Sean McDowell, an expert in this area, provides compelling counterarguments. The discussion dives into the unique aspects of apostolic martyrdom, the context of early Christian suffering, and how these narratives are affected by philosophical influences. It's an enlightening exploration of faith, history, and scholarly debate.