Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman

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.

There are several resurrection stories in the New Testament - including, of course, Jesus himself, but what about the mass resurrection in the gospel of Matthew? Today, Dr. Bart Ehrman joins me to discuss why the righteous were raised from the dead when Jesus came for sinners, and what happened to them after their resurrection.

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.

Renowned New Testament scholar Bart Ehrman shares insights on the contrasting creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2. He discusses the implications of these differences, exploring themes such as simultaneous versus sequential human creation and the literary styles used. Ehrman highlights the historical recognition of multiple authors behind these texts and reflects on how these discrepancies challenge literal interpretations of scripture. He also addresses harmonization attempts and the conflicts between faith and scientific understanding.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Bart Ehrman, a renowned New Testament scholar and bestselling author, tackles the intriguing question of why atheists might study the Bible. He shares his journey from a devout believer to an influential scholar, emphasizing the Bible's diverse interpretations and its relevance today. Ehrman highlights the cultural significance of scripture, the common misuses in politics, and how studying these texts can enhance understanding, even for nonbelievers. His unique perspective provides a compelling look at faith, scholarship, and humanity.

Delve into the lesser-known aspects of Mary's life through early Christian writings, particularly the Proto-Gospel of James. Discover how this non-canonical text sheds light on Mary's origins and her family's backgrounds. Explore her significant role in early Christian worship and the theological implications of her virginity. The discussion also highlights the evolving perception of women in church leadership and contrasts Jesus' inclusive messages with societal norms of the time.