Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

In this discussion, renowned Bible scholar Bart Ehrman debunks the common Christmas story, revealing it’s a mix of narratives from Matthew and Luke, each presenting unique details and theological motives. He contrasts these accounts, detailing inconsistencies like the flight to Egypt versus a quick return and the differing roles of shepherds and Magi. Ehrman argues that these stories serve as mythic narratives conveying deeper truths rather than strict history, inviting listeners to reconsider the origins of the Nativity.

In this engaging discussion, Bart Ehrman, a renowned New Testament scholar and bestselling author, explores the many ways scribes altered the Gospel of Mark. He reveals the fascinating differences among manuscripts, from accidental mistakes to deliberate theological changes. Bart debates the controversies surrounding phrases like 'Son of God' and the reasons behind the non-original longer ending of Mark. Listeners will also gain insight into textual variants that reflect deeper themes, such as the portrayal of Jesus's emotions and the significance of changes in his familial description.

Bart Ehrman, a New York Times bestselling scholar and expert on the New Testament, dives deep into the world of original gospel manuscripts. He discusses why these texts rarely survive and defines what an 'original' really means. Bart reveals how manuscript variations occur and why scholars face challenges in determining true originals. He highlights early Christians' awareness of textual differences and defends the academic pursuit of reconstructing original texts, emphasizing its importance for both theology and scholarship.

In this enlightening discussion, New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman delves into the historical claims surrounding Peter as the founder of the church in Rome. He explores the earliest evidence, including Paul's letter, which intriguingly omits Peter's presence. Ehrman describes the early church's lack of formal hierarchy and examines how different cities organized their communities. He also traces the development of the tradition linking Peter to Rome, while revealing that many claims arose centuries after his time. It’s a thought-provoking take on early Christianity!

In this engaging discussion, Bart Ehrman, a six-time New York Times bestselling author and renowned New Testament scholar, delves into the intriguing world of Gnosticism. He explains how Gnostics viewed Jesus, revealing two major interpretations: docetism, where Jesus only appears human, and the separationist belief that a divine Christ inhabited Jesus temporarily. Bart also uncovers Gnostic beliefs about biblical characters, their reinterpretations of scripture, and how proto-orthodox Christianity sought to unify belief against Gnostic diversity.

Curious about the apostle Paul? This discussion dives into listeners' burning questions, revealing his significant yet contested influence during his life. Explore why the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels sometimes diverge from Paul's messages. Learn about the origins of the Lord's Supper and the complex relationship Paul had with early church leaders. Intriguingly, discover if Paul might be a mythical figure or the genuine article, and get insights into his letters' growing authority over time.

Bart Ehrman, a six-time New York Times bestselling author and New Testament scholar, dives into fascinating resurrection stories in the Gospels. He explores Matthew's unique mass resurrection narrative and its theological implications, addressing why holy figures were raised instead of sinners. Ehrman also discusses the distinction between temporary resuscitations and Jesus' unique permanent resurrection. Additionally, he challenges interpretations of rumors about Jesus' parentage, adding depth to the historical context of early Christianity.

Marcion, founder of the 2nd century Christian group imaginatively called the Marcionites, had some beliefs that would be cause for stoning in the Life of Brian. This week, Dr. Bart Ehrman joins me to talk about what those beliefs were, Marcion's own personal gospel, and what other christians thought about it.

Join renowned Bible scholar Bart Ehrman as he delves into the intriguing differences of the Gospel of John compared to the Synoptic Gospels. Discover why John skips crucial events like the virgin birth and Jesus’ baptism, opting instead for a focus on Christ’s divine identity. Ehrman explores John’s unique long discourses, his high Christology, and the theological implications embedded in the prologue. He also discusses the Gospel's selective miracles and the reasons behind omitted stories, all while shedding light on John's distinct narrative techniques.

This episode features Bart Ehrman, a renowned New Testament scholar and bestselling author, who dives into the fascinating world of the Essenes, an ancient Jewish sect. He examines the Dead Sea Scrolls and their insights into the apocalyptic beliefs of the Essenes. Ehrman discusses the connection between Jesus and John the Baptist, highlighting their shared apocalyptic themes while arguing that neither was likely an Essene due to their outreach and differing practices. The conversation also touches on evolving scholarly views and the linguistic origins of the Gospels.