Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

Dr. Bart D. Ehrman, a prominent Bible scholar and six-time New York Times bestselling author, delves into the intriguing question of Jesus' claim to divinity. He explores how Jesus is portrayed in the Gospels and whether he self-identified as God. Ehrman examines the fluid concept of divinity in ancient cultures, drawing parallels with other historical figures. The discussion also navigates ancient Jewish perspectives on divine attributes, revealing the complex interplay between mortality and divinity in the context of Jesus and his contemporaries.

Paula Fredrickson, a former professor at Boston University now teaching at the Hebrew University, shares her insights into early Christianity's chaotic origins. She dives into the interplay of competing beliefs, hidden gospels, and theological squabbles that defined the first 500 years. From the grumpy Church Fathers to the colorful world of pagan interactions, Fredrickson reveals that Christian diversity is not a modern issue but rather deeply rooted in history. This witty conversation offers a fresh perspective on the bickering yet beautiful family tree of Christian thought.

Delve into the intriguing world of biblical visions, focusing on Paul's lesser-known trip to the 'third heaven.' Discover the distinction between visions and hallucinations, and their cultural significance in ancient communities. Explore Paul's struggles with authority in Corinth as he contrasts his weaknesses against charismatic rivals. The complexities of 2 Corinthians unravel, revealing a rich tapestry of theological thought and personal narrative. Also, insights into upcoming events challenge the historicity of Jesus, sparking lively discussions in biblical studies.

Dive into the intriguing world of the Sermon on the Mount, a cornerstone of Christian teachings. Explore the authenticity of its content and whether Matthew truly crafted it. Discover the stark contrasts between how the Beatitudes are presented in Matthew versus Luke. Engage with discussions that unpack the historical intentions behind these powerful teachings. Plus, enjoy light-hearted banter about angelic figures and deeper insights into the Bible that challenge traditional interpretations.

The podcast dives into the intriguing question of how many different portrayals of Jesus exist in the New Testament. It contrasts diverse depictions, from a pacifist to a vengeful figure, emphasizing the complexities of his identity. The hosts explore varying accounts of Jesus' birth and crucifixion, illuminating their theological implications. Additionally, they touch on the evolution of the Greek language and the challenges it presents in understanding these texts. Personal insights and the writing journey lend a unique perspective to the discussion.

Explore the fascinating reasons early Christians embraced the Old Testament despite their non-Jewish roots. Delve into the significant impact of Hebrew scriptures on the beliefs and practices of emerging Christian factions, revealing theological complexities. Discover the intriguing relationship between the Old Testament and early Christian beliefs, highlighting the challenges of interpreting Jewish texts. Uncover the motivations behind the continued relevance of the Old Testament in Christian teachings today.

Discover the vibrant world of ancient Mediterranean religions and how they contrast with the singular God of Israel. Delve into the emotional dynamics of anthropomorphic deities as you explore their interconnectedness with daily life. Unravel the evolution from polytheism to monotheism and its implications for Judaism and Christianity. The podcast also highlights the uniqueness of the God of Israel, revealing insights that challenge conventional views on divinity. Plus, stay tuned for exciting educational updates in biblical studies!

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!

Seeing or hearing a Bible verse being pulled out of a hat to support someone’s argument is a common experience for many people. Homosexuality is wrong because the Bible says so. Satan is the bad guy because the Bible says so. Women should wear modest clothing because the Bible says so. But does the Bible say so? My guest today, Dr. Dan McClellan, is no stranger to engaging in biblical debates, and is here to talk about how and why the Bible is used in this way, and whether such arguments are ever valid or useful.

Demons and ghosts have specific, sometimes ambiguous, places in the modern imagination - demons tempt people to wickedness, but their incredible power can be harnessed by someone brave (or stupid) enough to bargain with them. Ghosts envy the living and can haunt and harm you, but can also be the comforting presence of a long-dead loved one. What role, though, did demons and ghosts take in early Christianity, and are those roles linked at all to our modern understandings of them? When you get right down to it, just who is Satan, and is God's adversary really a fallen angel? Dr. Travis Proctor joins me today to talk about all of this, and so much more!