Name: Can There Be Meaning in a World without God? @bartdehrman
Uploaded: 2026-09-22T08:17:00-05:00
Duration: 8 min 17 s
Description: Can There Be Meaning in a World without God?

Can There Be Meaning in a World without God?

Bart D. Ehrman 2026-09-22 | Can There Be Meaning in a World without God?

Our Two-Year Anniversary! A Live Q&A with Bart

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-10-19 | For our 104th episode -- our two-year anniversary! -- we will be having a live Q&A with Bart. Questioners have submitted questions, some out of the many have been chosen, Megan will host the event, and questioners will ask their questions live, to hear Bart's responses! A special time of celebration as we (also) reflect on our Year One!

Why Should We Think Luke and Acts Have the Same Author?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-10-15 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are widely understood to be a two-volume set, written by a single author. Given that we’ve spoken before on Misquoting Jesus about how difficult it is to identify authors of ancient texts, why are scholars so sure that these two texts share the same author? Who was that author, and why write two books when they could have written one?!

Megan asks Bart:

- Do you remember when you first learned about the relationship between the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles?

- Biblical scholars think that the two are written by the same author - what is it about the texts that lead them to this conclusion?

- What can we say about the writer of these books?

- Do we know anything about Theopholis?

- Are the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles the same genre of text?

- Why would the author have chosen two different genres for such closely-related books?

- As a two-work set, how do the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles complement one another?

- What message is this continuity being used to convey?

- Why was this continuity such an important thing for early Christians?

Pontius Pilate in a Different Light: A Little Known Apocryphal Gospel

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-10-08 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

Pontius Pilate is a relatively minor figure in the gospels of the New Testament, but one who plays a vital role as the Roman official in charge of Jesus’ sentencing. Given that he’s the face of Rome in the New Testament Gospels, he’s presented in a surprisingly positive light! The same is true for his appearances in some other early Christian writings. To try and get to the bottom of exactly why the official representative of the big, bad Roman empire is presented as such a sympathetic figure, we’re going to be taking a look at one of these non-canonical texts in a bit more detail.

Megan asks Bart:

- When did you first come across the Acts of Pilate?

- Why has this collection been so understudied by academics?

- Why is this important to talk about?

- What IS the Acts of Pilate?

- Why do you think it was so widely disseminated?

- There are various versions of the Acts of Pilate - do they have substantial differences?

- Do we know who wrote it and copied the acts?

- Does the language tell us anything about the educational background of the composer?

- What role does Pilate play in the acts?

- What kinds of things is Pilate doing in the acts?

- What do you think the author’s intent was in making him a more central figure than he is in the gospels of the NT?

- Do we know if there’s a similar anti-jewish sentiment in the other apocryphal texts?

- Why is there a shift from the Romans as the bad guy to the Jews as bad?

- Does this shift increase when the Roman empire converts to Christianity?

- Do you have a recommended translation for people to read?

Our Biggest Announcement in 3 Years! Introducing The Biblical Studies Academy!

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-10-05 | Sign up for BSA at bartehrman.com/bsacommunity

For the standalone "Mysteries of the Synoptics Gospels" course with Mark Goodacre, visit bartehrman.com/synoptics

Bart Ehrman Foundation - Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Fundraiser

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-10-03 | Disaster Relief Fundraiser + Webinar Details

Date: Monday, October 7 at 7:30pm ET
Topic: Why Do Disasters Hit? The Bible’s Views
Suggested Donation: $50 (Any amount—large or small—makes a difference.)

Steps to Register & Attend

Step 1 — Make a Donation: Visit ehrmanblog.org, scroll to the bottom, and make a one-time donation. We suggest $50, but any amount is appreciated. Please end your donation with $.01 (e.g. $50.01) so we can easily identify it.

Step 2 — Register for the Webinar by Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. Register with the same first name and last name that you used to make your donation. Late registrations may not be accepted.
Use this link to register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jyc_OfVyR5GLMrPsEyuttA?amp_device_id=d8b85c0f-317c-4f96-896a-6358671bd2a1

Step 3 — Confirmation: After your donation is confirmed, Zoom will send you a link to join the webinar. If you do not receive the email from Zoom within one business day, please send an email to support@ehrmanblog.org with your donation information (method, name, amount) so we can ensure you receive your join link.

Where Your Donation Goes

We are raising funds for the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund (cfwnc.org), supporting recovery efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Helene.

We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be not only a thought-provoking discussion but also an opportunity to come together and support those in need. Your participation can make a real difference for the people of Western North Carolina as they begin the long process of recovery.

Thank you for your generosity and support. Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you at the event!

What Are the Synoptic Gospels?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-10-01 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

The phrase "synoptic gospels" is thrown around a lot in Biblical scholarship, but what does it mean, and why are they important? Are they as similar as people seem to think, and what do non-academics get wrong about them? Today, Megan is joined by Dr. Mark Goodacre, professor of Religious Studies and expert in all things synoptic, to answer these questions and to investigate some of his favorite differences between these fascinating texts.

Did Early Christians Believe in Reincarnation?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-09-24 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

Many people in the modern western world view reincarnation as a belief predominately from eastern religions - especially buddhism and hinduism.
Believe it or not, reincarnation was also a theological concept for some early Christians! How does what early Christians taught about reincarnation differ from what we understand it to be? Was it a common idea, or did those who espoused it receive pushback and censorship from their fellow Christians? Why isn’t reincarnation still a widely held view in Christian circles?

Megan asks Bart:

- Why is this important to talk about?

- Was reincarnation a common idea in the ancient world?

- Does the ancient concept of reincarnation differ substantially from what we might understand it to mean?

- Did any early Christian groups or thinkers believe in reincarnation? Were there competing ideas of reincarnation?

- Do we see any Christian groups or sects that take this idea of reincarnation and really embrace it?

- Who was Origen of Alexandria, and how does he enter into this conversation?

- What did he teach about reincarnation?

- How widely accepted were his ideas?

- What problems did other early Christians have with reincarnation?

- When did Christian theologians stop arguing for reincarnation as a Christian doctrine?

- Have there been any modern attempts to reintroduce reincarnation to Christianity?

Where Was Christianity on its 100th Birthday?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-09-17 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

Welcome everyone to a very special episode of Misquoting Jesus - our 100th episode! In keeping with our centesimal celebration (hey, it's a word!), we’re going to be exploring the world of Christianity 100 years after Jesus’ death. Was Christianity still a small, persecuted offshoot of apocalyptic Judaism, or had it spread far and wide? Was it still an apocalyptic religion, and what theological disagreements had occurred? Megan has the questions, and Bart, as always, has the answers.

Megan asks Bart:

- What was the eastern Mediterranean like, 100 years after Jesus’ death? Had the political situation changed much in that time?

- What sources do we rely on for this time period?

- How about for Christianity, what sources do we have?

- What did Christianity look like in this time period?

- Can you give some examples of the different groups and their differing beliefs?

- Can we estimate how many people would have called themselves “Christian” 100 years after Jesus’ death?

- How far had Christianity spread, geographically, by this time?

- Were the apocalyptic teachings of Jesus still being taken literally?

- Had Christianity become a mainstream religion, or were Christians still being persecuted?

- We’ve talked about how this early Christianity was different to what we might have expected, but how was it similar? Is there anything that we might recognize as being Christian?

- If you had to guess, how do you think Jesus would have felt about what his movement had become?

What Does the Bible Say about Abortion?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-09-10 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

The Bible is frequently invoked in the ongoing national debates about abortion, almost always to show that abortion is murder and strictly forbidden. Is that true? This episode is not meant to resolve the issue about whether abortion should ever be considered a legitimate procedure or not. The focus is on what the Bible actually says. Does it condemn abortion? Does it indicate that the fetus is to be considered a human with human rights, so that abortion constitutes murder? When, according to the Bible, does life begin. The overarching point of the episode is that those who cite the Bible in support of their social and political views should at least read what it says and be clear about what it means.

Megan asks Bart:

- When did you first go abroad?

- Why is this important?

- Let’s start with a pretty basic question - do we know if abortion was either permitted, or a regular occurance in the ancient world?

- Do either the old or new testaments actually say anything about abortion directly?

- What are some of the passages that people use to “show” that the bible is for or against abortion?

- Can you give us any other examples?

- When does the bible consider life to have begun?

- Are there other passages that talk about the start of life, and then a person is considered a person?

- Are there any passages used to argue in favor of abortion?

- Would you say that the biblical text prioritizes the life of a fetus, or that of a pregnant woman?

- Do you think it’s reasonable to use the bible to make any kind of argument in this debate?

- When do Christians start to condemn abortion?

- Do we know what prompted this shift in doctrine?

How to Detect a Forgery: The Secret Gospel of Mark

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-09-03 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

New manuscripts discoveries in Biblical studies are often outed as forgeries, But sometimes -- rarely -- they turn out to be authentic. How do scholars distinguish between fact and fiction, especially when they only have access to photographs or copies? Is it possible for a text to pass all authenticity tests and still be a clever forgery? Today we’re back with Dr. Morton Smith and the Secret Gospel of Mark to discuss he discovered an actual ancient document with unknown information about Jesus, or turned up a forgery of some kind, or possibly even forged it himself.

Megan asks Bart:

- Just to refresh our memories, what is the “secret” gospel of Mark?

- Could you remind us how it was discovered?

- How did Morton Smith go about trying to determine its authenticity?

- What did those steps to authentication entail?

- What were the original doubts of the authenticity of the letter?

- Why hasn’t the manuscript itself been analysed to see how old it is?

- While chemical analysis hasn’t been possible, Smith did have experts look at photographs of the handwriting, and he analyzed the language himself. What was the outcome of these studies?

- Is there anything suspicious about the book it was allegedly copied into?

- Scholars sometimes make personal attacks on others who take a controversial position. DId that happen in this case?

- Is there a consensus?

Im Going on a Cruise to Antarctica! Want to Join Me?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-30 | Please see the brochure for more details.
dropbox.com/scl/fi/1h22sx2kpwpwc92zozwzv/Expedition-to-Antartica-Dec-2024.pdf?rlkey=6gb5fm86fza8kdqohlaqrmdom&st=yjbfbj0g&dl=0

Was A Secret Gospel of Mark Discovered?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-27 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

When a scholar claims to have discovered a new text from early Christianity, it can send shockwaves through the academic community. In the case of the "Secret Gospel of Mark," the shockwaves are still being felt today after over 65 years later. And scholars still can't agree on whether the text in question is authentically ancient, a modern forgery, or something else. There are huge implications. The traces of this "secret Gospel" allegedly discovered in 1958 by Morton Smith, a professor of ancient history at Columbia University, have been interpreted (by Smith himself) to indicate that Jesus engaged in homosexual rituals with the followers he baptized in the nude. In this week’s episode, we’re discussing the discovery of this amazing text, what it actually says, and how scholars have interpreted the intriguing passages it contains

Megan asks Bart:

- What is the secret gospel of Mark?

- Who was Morton Smith?

- In 1958 he visited the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Mar Saba to catalog their library. Could you tell us about his discovery?

- How significant (apart from being only letter) was this discovery?

- Are there questions about its authenticity?

- Who was Clement of Alexandria? Do we know him from other sources?

- Who were the Carpocratians, and why was Clement concerned with them?

- Is Clement copying these sections of the secret gospels into his letter to show how they’re being misused?

- The idea of secret knowledge isn’t really new to the ancient world - if we’re looking at early Christianity, the Gnostics were particularly fond of such things. Is it surprising that there would be a whole secret gospel?

- Clement of Alexandria apparently thought that these passages were from a later version of Mark’s gospel. Could they have actually been part of the original composition?

- What did Morton Smith write?

- What do the preserved passages of the secret gospel actually say, and how did Smith interpret them?

- How else has this section been interpreted by scholars?

- Have other scholars offered alternative interpretations?

- What are the ongoing issues in the debates about the secret gospel?

- Are there other sections of Mark that would benefit from having something re-inserted?

When Is a Christian Not A Christian?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-20 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

Why do so many Christians claim that other Christians are not really Christians? Is there a definition written in the sky somewhere? Here we talk about the history of the problem, from its very beginning. Among other things we'll discuss why some biblical scholars today refuse to use the word "Christian" for the apostle Paul, the members of his churches, and for followers of Jesus in the first century altogether; and we'll ask whether there is something about "Christianity" in particular that leads to debates about what it actually means; and we'll try to work out if there's any satisfactory answer to the questions: "Is it possible to define the term to everyone's satisfaction?" and "Does it matter?"

Megan asks Bart:

- Why is this an important subject of discussion?

- Can historians say when “Christian” really became a religious identity?

- How would these people have self-identified? If you asked one of Paul’s converts, what would they have said?

- When does the term “Christian” start to come into common usage?

- If you asked members of different Christian groups what it meant to be Christian, would they have given different answers? What would a Gnostic have said, in comparison to a follower of Marcion? Would they all have identified themselves as Christian?

- When do we first see arguments about what constitutes a “real” Christian?

- This kind of in-fighting doesn’t seem to have been a feature of pre-Christian religions. What is it about Christianity that has created this idea of “one right way” to follow a god?

- Is this exclusivity something that we see in the teachings of Jesus?

- What did Jesus say about how he wanted his followers to behave?

- Do any of these ethical teachings seem to have any bearing on how Christians define and have defined themselves?

- How has what it means to be a Christian changed over the centuries? Would a modern evangelical be recognized as a Christian by the early Church fathers?

- What do you think it means to be a Christian, and does what you think now differ from when you were an evangelical?

Jesus in the Writings of the First-century Jewish historian Josephus

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-13 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

The Antiquities of the Jews, written by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus in 93 CE, is our most important resource for knowing about the history of Israel around the time of Jesus and his earliest followers. This twenty-volume work contains two brief references to Jesus himself, and are in fact the only two mentions of Jesus in any non-Christian writing of the entire first century. But there are many questions surrounding these statements. Are they authentic to Josephus? Were they added to his writings by later Christian scribes? Could the be authentic in part but altered by scribes. If they are authentic do they strengthen the case for the historicity of Jesus, or are they merely records of hearsay? Do they provide us with any valuable informatioin about Jesus that we otherwise would never know?

Megan asks Bart:

- Why is this an important topic?

- Who is Josephus, and when did he write?

- What purpose was he writing for?

- This doesn’t read as a Jewish person talking to another Jewish person, can you comment on what’s going on here?

- Why don’t you think the whole passage was forged?

- What kind of sources would Josephus have been working with?

- Do these references strengthen the case for an historical Jesus at all, or is he merely recording hearsay?

- Can historians learn anything about Jesus from Josephus’ writings?

Commonly Misattributed Biblical Quotes #Shorts #Bible #religion #jesus

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-08 | Full Episode - youtu.be/tBAtrVQ5VZA?si=Wq0QFr7qg5dZdvAW

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman,” Bart shares a personal anecdote from his teenage years involving his father's belief that the Bible says, "God helps those who help themselves." Spoiler alert: it doesn't.

Was Jesus a CopyCat? The Role of John the Baptist in the Ministry of Jesus.

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-06 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

Jesus is usually credited with starting the Christian movement, but were his ideas orignally his? It appears that John the Baptist preached a similar message and that Jesus was originally a follower of his. So who started Christianity? In this episode we consider what we can know about John, why he engaged in his ministry, and what influence he had on his follower Jesus. If John started the movement, why isn't there a religion in his name?

Megan asks Bart:

- Why is this important?

- What was John the Baptist’s movement?

- Was baptism a new thing?

- Was John using baptism in a different way?

- What books of the NT mention him, and what do they say?

- Do we have any other sources for him, or does he just appear in the NT?

- What kinds of things does Josephus say about John the Baptist?

- What purpose did the gospel writers have for including John the Baptist, and did it differ from Josephus?

- How does our understanding of his role and purpose in the NT inform how we reconstruct the historical John the Baptist?

- Do we know anything about John’s early life, or does he pop onto the scene as a full-fledged adult?

- How do historians separate out accounts intended to show John as Jesus’ precursor from the historical man “john the baptist”?

- What can historians say about the historical figure, rather than the mythologized character?

Announcing New Insights into the New Testament 2024 Virtual Bible Conference!

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-05 | 👉 Register at: bartehrman.com/nint

We invite you to attend Bart Ehrman's second annual "New Insights Into the New Testament" (NINT) conference. NINT is a two-day virtual Bible conference on Sept. 21st and 22nd, 2024 and unique in that it is tailored for non-scholars but also contains new and intriguing research that scholars will enjoy. Over 2,200 Bible enthusiasts attended last year in our inaugural event.

Here's what we have planned this year.

- 10 world-renowned Bible scholars will present their newest and most intriguing research on the life and letters of Paul in accessible terms.
- Returning presenters include James Tabor, Robyn Walsh, and Jenny Knust!
Scholars will present a 50-minute lecture followed by 20 minutes of live Q&A, facilitated by Bart Ehrman.
- Discounted Pricing for Students - 50% off admission for active students!

We've also made some exciting improvements to this year's conference:

- New NINT presenters will include Paula Fredriksen, John Barclay, Joel Marcus, and more!
- Meet and engage with our esteemed presenters at our optional VIP Mixer!
Gain even more insights in our optional "Hot Topic" discussion and Roundtable Panel discussion.
- Early-bird discount: Early-bird pricing is available now through 8/24/24.

We're excited to share our second annual NINT event with you. Expand your understanding, embrace new insights, engage with like-minded Bible enthusiasts, and invite your friends to do the same!

If you have any questions about the conference, please reach out to Chris Huntley, event coordinator, at chris@nintconference.org.

Secure your place now or share the link with your friends.

👉 Register or learn more at: bartehrman.com/nint

Students Insights and Misunderstandings Explored #Shorts #Bible #religion #jesus

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-05 | Full Episode - youtu.be/tBAtrVQ5VZA?si=Wq0QFr7qg5dZdvAW

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart takes us into the deep, often controversial exploration of biblical passages and their interpretations. Using Isaiah 53 as a case study, Bart looks into how this significant scripture has been traditionally understood as a prophecy about Jesus.

Ancient Royal Inscriptions #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-04 | Full Episode - youtu.be/rlisOuILt3Q?si=COU8pq4AuTQk3hlv

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," we look into the fascinating world of ancient royal inscriptions. These inscriptions, often commissioned by kings, queens, and other high-ranking individuals, were not penned by the royals themselves but by scribes. Serving as a form of propaganda, these meticulously carved texts appear on a variety of objects, including temple bricks and votive offerings.

Old Testament and Ancient Near East #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-03 | Full Episode - youtu.be/rlisOuILt3Q?si=COU8pq4AuTQk3hlv

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Megan and Bart take us into the fascinating connections between the Old Testament and the ancient Near East. Join us as we explore how understanding the broader political and historical context of the time can deepen our comprehension of Old Testament narratives.

Mesopotamian Dating Techniques in Archaeology #religion #christian #jesus #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-02 | Full Episode - youtu.be/rlisOuILt3Q?si=COU8pq4AuTQk3hlv

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from “Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman,” Megan delves into the fascinating world of ancient Mesopotamian archaeology. Join us as we explore the intricate methods used to date artifacts from this rich historical period.

Where to Find Sumerian Translations! #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-08-01 | Full Episode - youtu.be/rlisOuILt3Q?si=COU8pq4AuTQk3hlv

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," we dive into the fascinating world of ancient Sumerian literature. Have you ever wondered where you can find reliable English translations of these ancient texts? Join us as we explore top recommendations for accessing Sumerian stories, including a deep dive into the Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature.

How to Weaponize the Bible

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-30 | Visit bartehrman.com/nint to sign up for the "New Insights to the New Testament 2024" conference and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST.

Anyone familiar with American politics and the empty rhetoric used to promote divisive views is never much surprised when politicians appeals to the Bible to support their own social agendas. Depending on who you listen to, the bible is both pro life and pro choice, pro and anti immigrant, pro and anti homosexuality…the list goes on. On today’s episode, we explore how people use and, oh so frequently misuse, ancient texts of Scripture to promote their agenda, and consider the question of whether it might help to read the Bible before claiming to know what it says.

Megan asks Bart:

- What examples do we have from early Christianity of people using scripture to try and win arguments?

- What kinds of early social issues was the bible weaponized for?

- Pre-Christianity, were other religious texts used in a similar manner?

- We’ve talked before about modern Christians using scripture to argue for or against things that are completely unrelated to what the passage actually says. Just to refresh our collective memories, could you give us an example of this? (abortion, homosexuality, etc)

- Is this selective quoting something that we see also in early Christianity?

- Do non-canonical texts ever get brought into arguments, or are they typically dismissed out of hand as unauthoritative?

- What other similarities or differences do you see between how early and modern Christians use scripture?

- Do people believe you when you tell them that the Bible actually doesn’t say what they think it does?

- What would be some more severe or problematic examples of this be?

- Do you have examples of people cherry-picking biblical evidence?

- Examples of how different translations change arguments?

The Study of Assyriology #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-29 | Full Episode - youtu.be/rlisOuILt3Q?si=COU8pq4AuTQk3hlv

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Megan dives into the fascinating world of Assyriology.

The Apostle Peters Education #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-28 | Full Episode - youtu.be/PshpCo28UpE?si=jJvBVq76e95QZEB0

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from “Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman,” Bart leads us into the fascinating topic of ancient literacy, specifically focusing on the Apostle Peter. Despite his pivotal role in early Christianity, Peter, who spoke Aramaic, would have faced significant challenges in becoming literate in Greek, the language in which many key texts were written.

Ancient Literacy Explored!! #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-27 | Full Episode - youtu.be/PshpCo28UpE?si=jJvBVq76e95QZEB0

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart takes us into the fascinating world of ancient literacy. Drawing upon the seminal work of William Harris, author of the classic study "Ancient Literacy," we uncover startling insights about the reading and writing abilities in the Greek and Roman worlds.

The Aramaic Root of Peter’s Name Revealed #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-26 | Full Episode - youtu.be/PshpCo28UpE?si=jJvBVq76e95QZEB0

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart explores the intriguing origins of the name "Peter," shedding light on a curious detail about one of Jesus' closest disciples.

Featuring Megan Lewis! And all that entails.

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-25 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

On this week’s Misquoting Jesus, we’re turning the metaphorical table and Bart is interviewing Megan! Everyone watching is familiar with Dr. Bart Ehrman, renowned New Testament scholar and New York Times bestselling author…but who on earth is Megan? How did she make her way from the study of ancient Mesopotamia to host a New Testament and Early Christianity podcast? If she's an academic, why doesn’t she work in a university somewhere? Where does she get all of her glasses? Stay tuned for all of that, and so much more!

Bart asks Megan:

- You’re not a NT specialist by training, you’re an Assyriologist. What, exactly, is Assyriology?

- How did you get into Assyriology?

- Why did you leave the PhD program?

- Why aren’t you working in academia?

- How did you get into YouTube and podcasting?

- What is Digital Hammurabi?

- What is your religious background?

Is There Any Way It Was Peter?? #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-25 | Full Episode - youtu.be/PshpCo28UpE?si=jJvBVq76e95QZEB0

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from “Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman,” Bart takes us into a fascinating debate about the authorship of 1st Peter. While the book begins with the name Peter, leading many to believe it was penned by the apostle himself, scholars have raised compelling arguments against this assumption.

Why Did People Use the Alias Peter? #religion #christianity #christian #jesus #bartehrman

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-22 | Full Episode - youtu.be/PshpCo28UpE?si=jJvBVq76e95QZEB0

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart looks into the use of aliases in early Christian writings, particularly the name Peter.

The Ten Commandments Debate #shorts #religion #christianity #bible

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-21 | Full Episode - youtu.be/D8EV2ZGclfk?si=KNo1FnGu8Yac6jsh

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart takes us into a fascinating, and humorous, moment from American media history. In 2006, during a heated debate over whether the Ten Commandments should be displayed in every courtroom across the United States, Stephen Colbert, then-host of "The Colbert Report," conducted a revealing interview with Georgia Representative Lynn Westmoreland. Westmoreland argued passionately about the foundational importance of the Ten Commandments for the nation's moral fabric.

Theism vs. Deism #shorts #religion #christianity #bible

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-20 | Full Episode - youtu.be/D8EV2ZGclfk?si=KNo1FnGu8Yac6jsh

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from “Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman,” Bart looks into the intriguing distinction between theism and deism. While theism, a central belief in both Judaism and Christianity, holds that God is actively involved in the world, answering prayers and intervening when necessary, deism presents a different perspective.

Did America Start as a Christian Country? #shorts #religion #christianity #bible

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-19 | Full Episode - youtu.be/D8EV2ZGclfk?si=KNo1FnGu8Yac6jsh

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart takes us into a contentious and often misunderstood topic: the intersection of religion and early American history. Join us as Bart Ehrman unpacks the myth that the United States was founded as a Christian nation.

The Moral Majority #shorts #religion #christianity #bible

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-18 | Full Episode - youtu.be/D8EV2ZGclfk?si=KNo1FnGu8Yac6jsh

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart explores the history and impact of the Moral Majority, a significant movement that emerged in the 1980s among evangelical Christians.

But Could Peter Write Anything?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-16 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

1 and 2 Peter, other letters allegedly by him, a Gospel, three apocalypses. But Really? Could Peter even write? Today we take it for granted that an important and influential person can write. Not so for the ancient world. Would a fisherman from rural Galilee have been able to write well enough to compose whole texts? Elegantly phrased, not in his language? Could he have learned to write in later life? If in fact Peter couldn't write, then who composed the works attributed to him?

Megan asks Bart:

- Who is Peter? What does the NT say about him?

- Do we know anything about his background prior to Jesus?

- Archaeologists have associated Capernaum with the archaeological site of Tell Hum - does the site suggest that its inhabitants would have been educated people?

- Would anyone in the village have had any education?

- What about after Jesus’ death? Is it reasonable to think that he may have acquired a literary education later in life?

- What writings have been attributed to him?

- Does the language or style used give us clues as to what kinds of people could have written them?

- Does the author seem familiar with the Hebrew scriptures that Peter would have known?

- Is there anything about any of these texts that suggests the apostle Peter is a likely author?

- Is there another reason for thinking Peter didn’t write these?

- How did ancient people try to differentiate between forgeries like these, and legitimate writings?

The Separation of Church and State #shorts #religion #christianity #bible

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-15 | Full Episode - youtu.be/D8EV2ZGclfk?si=KNo1FnGu8Yac6jsh

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart takes us into his experiences teaching religion at state universities, including Rutgers University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and reflects on the unique challenges and constitutional constraints educators face when discussing religion in a public university setting.

Historical Versus Theological Readings of the Bible #bible #jesus #prophecy #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-14 | Full Episode - youtu.be/OyT_qNhl9aY?si=Gvp-W7Is0-KnVka_

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart looks into the many ways the Bible can be understood and utilized.

Why Did Most Jews Not Accept Jesus as the Messiah? #bible #jesus #prophecy #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-13 | Full Episode - youtu.be/OyT_qNhl9aY?si=Gvp-W7Is0-KnVka_

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart explores the perplexing dilemma faced by early Christians following Jesus' death and shares how the crucifixion of Jesus shattered the prevailing Jewish expectations of the Messiah.

Faith Claims vs Historical Analysis #bible #jesus #prophecy #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-12 | Full Episode - youtu.be/OyT_qNhl9aY?si=Gvp-W7Is0-KnVka_

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart leads us into a discussion about the perceptions and self-identifications of Jesus within the context of Jewish scriptures and traditions.

Differentiating Prophets #bible #jesus #prophecy #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-11 | Full Episode - youtu.be/OyT_qNhl9aY?si=Gvp-W7Is0-KnVka_

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart looks into the historical timeline and prophetic writings of the Book of Isaiah.

Do We Believe in the Separation of Church and State?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-09 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

For a country that was apparently founded on the separation of church and state, US politics seems to be deeply enmeshed with Christianity. Now, Louisiana classrooms are required by state law to display the ten commandments…which definitely seems to be blurring the lines between church and state! Today we’re talking about what the separation of church and state actually means, whether it’s a concept ancient Christians would have recognized, and whether a religious foundation necessitates that a modern society be guided by religion.

Megan asks Bart:

- Why is this an important topic to discuss?

- The First Amendment has two clauses that relate to this topic - the establishment clause, which prevents the government from establishing a state-sponsored church, and the “free exercise” clause, which protects a citizen’s right to practice their religion as they choose, as long as it doesn’t go against either public morals, or a compelling government interest. Were either of these things a concept for ancient people?

- You said that Christianity was an exception to this, can you comment on that?

- What is the moral majority?

- Do you think that a foundational role necessitates a continued importance?

- Proponents of the law say that it’s not a purely religious requirement, rather that it serves an historical purpose as the ten commandments are “...foundational documents of our state and national government”. What are your views on this as a professor in a university?

- If many of the people arguing that the 10 commandments are so important aren’t actually familiar with what they say, is this more about control and a display of Christian supremacy?

Did Isaiah Predict Jesus Life? #bible #jesus #prophecy #bartehrman #shorts

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-08 | Full Episode - youtu.be/OyT_qNhl9aY?si=Gvp-W7Is0-KnVka_

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart takes us into the fascinating interplay between the Old and New Testaments, specifically focusing on the book of Isaiah's significant impact on early Christianity. Throughout the New Testament, Isaiah is one of the most frequently quoted books, second perhaps only to the Psalms. Join us as we explore how early Christian apologists, starting with figures like Justin Martyr in the 2nd century, used Isaiah to argue that Jesus was the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

The Parables of Jesus - New Online Course with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-07 | Are You Missing Half the Story in Jesus' Parables?

Many of us heard our first parables of Jesus when we were young, and learned only the simplest interpretations.

"God forgives" - The Prodigal Son
"Help others" - The Good Samaritan
"Keep praying" - The Persistent Widow

But Jesus’ parables are not comfortable stories designed for children. They are provocative and profound; they both delight and discomfort.

And even for those of us who revisited the parables as adults, we often interpret them through the blurred perspective of our 21st-century mindset, missing out on the rich historical and cultural context that would reveal their full meaning.

Hearing the parables in their proper historical context—as Jewish stories—corrects their frequent antisemitic interpretations even as it recovers the meaning and richness of Jesus' teachings, including insights into the social roles and dynamics of first-century Jewish women, deeper economic and ethical implications, and even his humor.

Experience the Parables Like Never Before in Our New Online Course!
Register at: bartehrman.com/parables

Join world-renowned New Testament and Jewish Studies scholar, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine for a new, 4-lecture series.

COURSE OVERVIEW
In our new course, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, an acclaimed scholar in New Testament and Jewish Studies, will guide you through the parables as they were likely understood by Jesus' original audience.

Dr. Levine's background brings a unique perspective that you won't find elsewhere. With her deep knowledge of Jewish traditions and first-century history, Dr. Levine will reveal insights into the deeper meanings and ethical challenges embedded in the parables.

From Pearls to Prodigals, from Widows and Judges to Pharisees and Tax collectors, from the Samaritan who helps an injured man to a landowner who offers equal pay for unequal work, Dr. Levine uncovers the bedrock of Gospel interpretation that surprises, that indicts, and that prompts ethical responses.

KEY QUESTIONS EXPLORED IN THIS COURSE
How might the first hearers of the parables, who lacked knowledge of Jesus’s death, have understood them?
How do the Evangelists interpret the parables initially, and what are the implications of their interpretations?
How did antisemitic interpretations of parables evolve, and what measures can be taken to rectify them?
While many perceive the parables to focus on salvation or Christology, what insights do they offer regarding economics, ethics, insiders and outsiders, and the dynamics between the enslaved and enslavers?
How do parables contribute to our understanding of the social roles of first-century Jewish women?

Register at: bartehrman.com/parables

Why Bart Ehrman Prefers Jesus Over Paul #shorts #religion #bible #jesus

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-07 | Full Episode - youtu.be/gRn_Lrzr4JE?si=kyXvfPvOpJxYJ0zy

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart tackles a thought-provoking question: If you had to pick a side in the great battle between Jesus and Paul, which one would you choose?

Jesus vs. Paul: Clashing Views on Salvation? #shorts #religion #bible #jesus

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-06 | Full Episode - youtu.be/gRn_Lrzr4JE?si=kyXvfPvOpJxYJ0zy

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart takes us deep into a thought-provoking discussion about a critical divide between the teachings of Jesus and the theology of Paul.

Was Paul Wrong About Following Jewish Law? #shorts #religion #bible #jesus

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-05 | Full Episode - youtu.be/gRn_Lrzr4JE?si=kyXvfPvOpJxYJ0zy

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart explores the intriguing and often complex world of biblical scholarship.What would happen if a person who spoke to Jesus asked Paul the same question twenty years later? By examining their fundamentally different answers—Jesus emphasizing the importance of keeping the commandments and Paul's focus on belief in Jesus' death and resurrection—Bart highlights the distinct theological shifts between these two central figures in Christianity.

Jesus and the Commandments #shorts #religion #bible #jesus

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-04 | Full Episode - youtu.be/gRn_Lrzr4JE?si=kyXvfPvOpJxYJ0zy

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from “Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman,” Bart takes us into the intriguing and often complex question of the historical authenticity of Jesus' actions and sayings.

What Did the Prophet Isaiah Say About Jesus?

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-02 | Visit bartehrman.com/courses to shop from Bart Ehrman’s online courses and get a special discount by using code: MJPODCAST on all courses.

Was the prophet Isaiah pointing to the coming of the messiah, seven centuries before Jesus? Since the beginning of Christianity, his followers have claimed that he did; and some passages of the ancient prophet certainly seem to be advanced notices of what would happen in Jesus's life and death. If these are not predictions of Jesus, how can they be understood? If they do reflect his story, how can that be explained?

Megan asks Bart:

- Why do you think it’s important to look at whether the book of Isaiah has any relationship to Jesus?

- What can you tell us about the book of Isaiah? When and where was it written, and what happens in it?

- Why do scholars think it was written?

- How would it have been used? Would it have been read for comfort and solace, or instruction, or something else?

- Why has the book of Isaiah been important for Christian communities?

- Is Jesus likely to have seen himself as fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecies?

- Since prophecies in the Hebrew bible were so tied into current events, how did it come to be important to Christian communities hundreds of years later?

- Are Christians today wrong to think that the Bible predicts Jesus?

Religion About Jesus vs. Religion of Jesus #shorts #religion #bible #jesus

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-07-01 | Full Episode - youtu.be/gRn_Lrzr4JE?si=kyXvfPvOpJxYJ0zy

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from “Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman,” Bart looks into a compelling discussion that has stirred theological debates for over a century: the role of Paul in shaping Christianity. Join us as we discover why some scholars argue that Paul, rather than Jesus, is the true founder of Christianity.

Can the Devil be Saved? #shorts #Christianity #jesus #bible #bartehrman

Bart D. Ehrman 2024-06-30 | Full Episode - youtu.be/tMlSovHYlSY?si=pgrXVNCDbDnXpJb-

Resources - http://bartehrman.com/resources

In this short from "Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman," Bart looks into a provocative theological debate that has puzzled and polarized Christians for centuries: the concept of universal salvation. Bart explores why the idea of everybody's forgiveness, and thus universal salvation, was so contentious among orthodox Christians. We highlight early church debates, particularly the contrasting views of Saint Augustine and Origen.