Ehrman, in his last book: “Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife,” quotes: –The love of God knows no bounds and cannot be overcome, either by evil, powers of darkness, human suffering, or wicked free will. […] In the words of one modern Christian author, once himself a committed evangelical with a passion for the biblical witness, in the end “Love Wins.”-

In this interview for the forum at St. Bart’s, he goes through his recent work. St. Bartholomew’s Church is a warm, vibrant, and growing parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. It comforts, challenges, and inspires a growing community of people in search of meaning and hope in their lives.

Do you experience the mystery of God? “Hear and wrestle with God’s word, share Christ’s presence in the sacrament, feel God’s love in community, and leave strengthened to live and serve in the world.”

In this video, Ehrman argues that Jesus nowhere spoke of eternal punishment. Jesus believed in eternal gains for the righteous and simple destruction for the wicked.  

The book “Heaven and Hell: A History of the Afterlife,” begins with the Epic of Gilgamesh, and Bart examines Homer, Virgil, Plato, and other authors. Along the way, he introduces his belief that there is no need to fear death since it is just ceasing to breathe. 

Ehrman doesn’t believe there is a Heaven but is opened to it: “I certainly don’t think the notion of a happy afterlife is as irrational as the fires of hell; at least it does not contradict the notion of a benevolent creative force behind the universe. So I’m completely open to the idea and deep down even hopeful about it. But I have to say that at the end of the day I really don’t believe it either. ” 

Oh, Hell: “Are we really to think that God is some kind of transcendent sadist intent on torturing people (or at least willing to allow them to be tortured) for all eternity, a divine being infinitely more vengeful than anyone who has ever existed?”  

Ehrman says: “I don’t believe in an afterlife, but if there is one, then everyone will be in heaven.”

Ehrman’s followers will be already there reading this Love Valentine.