Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer interviews Professor Bart Ehrman about his new book on the Christian roots of altruist ethics.
• [0:00] Introduction
• [2:43] Christian vs. pagan ethics
• [8:30] The true meaning of Christian “love”
• [13:53] Apocalyptic roots of Christian ethics
• [22:12] Are Christian ethics rational?
• [31:52] Ehrman’s work
Resources:
• Bart Ehrman, Love Thy Stranger: How Christianity Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West
• Ben Bayer, “How Christianity Polluted the Moral Atmosphere of the West,” New Ideal, February 5, 2025. [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/how-christianity-polluted-the-moral]
This episode was recorded on April 22, 2026.
Bart D. Ehrman photo Credit: Dan Sears UNC-Chapel Hill
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In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer interviews Professor Bart Ehrman about his new book on the Christian roots of altruist ethics.
• [0:00] Introduction
• [2:43] Christian vs. pagan ethics
• [8:30] The true meaning of Christian “love”
• [13:53] Apocalyptic roots of Christian ethics
• [22:12] Are Christian ethics rational?
• [31:52] Ehrman’s work
Resources:
• Bart Ehrman, Love Thy Stranger: How Christianity Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West
• Ben Bayer, “How Christianity Polluted the Moral Atmosphere of the West,” New Ideal, February 5, 2025. [new-ideal.aynrand.org/p/how-christianity-polluted-the-moral]
This episode was recorded on April 22, 2026.
Bart D. Ehrman photo Credit: Dan Sears UNC-Chapel Hill
Subscribe to ARI’s YouTube channel to make sure you never miss a video:
youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=AynRandInstitute
Download or stream free courses on Ayn Rand’s works and ideas with the Ayn Rand Institute app:
– App Store itunes.apple.com/us/app/ayn-rand-university/id1452535178?mt=8
– Google Play play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aynrandu
ARI is funded by donor contributions. You can support our work by becoming an ARI Member or making a one-time contribution: ari.aynrand.org/donate
Explore these ideas further! ARI's online publication, New Ideal, explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism: newideal.aynrand.org
******
Keep in Touch! Sign up to receive email updates from ARI: aynrand.org/signup
Follow ARI on Twitter: twitter.com/AynRandInst
Follow ARI on Facebook: facebook.com/AynRandInstitute
Follow ARI on Instagram: instagram.com/aynrandorg
Subscribe to the ARI Live! podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ayn-rand-institute-live/id1440399458
******
Join an upcoming virtual or in-person event: ari.aynrand.org/events
Visit ARI’s website for more about our content and programs: ari.aynrand.org
