A brand new book entitled Silencing the Skeptics: Gospel Contradictions Resolved; the Ultimate Open Challenge to Bart Ehrman presents a bold and unique proposal to Mr. Ehrman. (He has been given notification that the book was forthcoming in his blog discussions.) What will happen remains to be seen, and is interesting, to say the least. Below is a link to the “FAQ’s” regarding the challenge, as well as the short video trailer for the book.
** you do not have permission to see this link **
Hmmmm…if the message of this book is so important and the consequences of ignoring it so dire, shouldn’t the authors be giving it away instead of charging for it? I mean, do they not want poor people who might not be able afford the book to enter the kingdom?
And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. “Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support.
Seriously, you do realize Prof Ehrman probably gets “challenges” like this four of five times a week from people looking for the publicity? But who knows? Maybe this time he’ll respond?
Points worthy of consideration, but the same could be said for any retail books that are deemed to contain highly important information by their writers. The fact is, the undertaking of any project aimed at mass-awareness requires extensive promotion and marketing, all of which requires significant funding. This is obviously assisted and compensated for with revenue.
Also, it is evident that the writer/s is/are not looking for personal publicity. (See below from the “FAQ” link about the challenge.) Remaining in faceless anonymity would thus make the challenge of promotion or any recognition at all that much more difficult!
** you do not have permission to see this link **
A9: “Who” The Gatekeeper is, is of no significance in comparison to what is revealed in works such as Silencing the Skeptics. Such transcendent Truth, through unparalleled Biblical exposition, reveals that every man is his own “gatekeeper.” As such, Gospel Matrix Truth merely presents the key with which to “unlock the gate” to long-dormant divine Truth within.
I am actually with Bart Ehrman on this in regards to leaving his identity a secret. This is the internet age where you can be anything and anyone. When people don’t use their real names, or try and obscure their identity, I typically don’t give their arguments much time. I understand that some people think of this as ad-hominem, but I don’t. Rather, we only have so much time and if someone is unwilling to reveal who they are, then they must accept the possibility that others won’t read what they have written.
Because this is the internet age, trolls exist everywhere. Usually a troll will hide their identity, for fear of repercussions of such activity. Another reason I avoid reading things from people with pumped up handles like “BelieverInChrist!” or “God’s_Servent”, “Bringer_Of_Truth!”, etc… are because they are all basically living in a fantasy world where their handles show just how big their faith is! I just roll my eyes… But, this is just my opinion. I know many differ with me on this. I don’t personally like the anonymity the internet gives people. It just allows them to act trollish and dehumanize others.
Hello all,
The below was just posted (awaiting approval) in the reply section to Mr. Ehrman’s blog entry today. It cannot be stressed enough that Silencing the Skeptics is not an attack on Bart or any Bible skeptic. Please feel free to ask any questions pertaining to this book. Thanks!
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Gabe_Grinstead said
I am actually with Bart Ehrman on this in regards to leaving his identity a secret. This is the internet age where you can be anything and anyone. When people don’t use their real names, or try and obscure their identity, I typically don’t give their arguments much time. I understand that some people think of this as ad-hominem, but I don’t. Rather, we only have so much time and if someone is unwilling to reveal who they are, then they must accept the possibility that others won’t read what they have written.Because this is the internet age, trolls exist everywhere. Usually a troll will hide their identity, for fear of repercussions of such activity. Another reason I avoid reading things from people with pumped up handles like “BelieverInChrist!” or “God’s_Servent”, “Bringer_Of_Truth!”, etc… are because they are all basically living in a fantasy world where their handles show just how big their faith is! I just roll my eyes… But, this is just my opinion. I know many differ with me on this. I don’t personally like the anonymity the internet gives people. It just allows them to act trollish and dehumanize others.
It’s also important to reply to such concerns by reiterating what is written on the “FAQ” page about the book. It addresses this very issue, as seen here in answering “Who is The Gatekeeper?” Be sure to read the answer in its entirety:
A9: “Who” The Gatekeeper is, is of no significance in comparison to what is revealed in works such as Silencing the Skeptics. Such transcendent Truth, through unparalleled Biblical exposition, reveals that every man is his own “gatekeeper.” As such, Gospel Matrix Truth merely presents the key with which to “unlock the gate” to long-dormant divine Truth within.
Stephen said
Since the last chapter in the book is entitled “An Open Letter to Bart Ehrman” wouldn’t it have been a good idea to send him a complimentary copy? And then ask for a reply? You generally don’t require someone to pay for an “open letter” and then expect a reply.
Well, as stated in the blog reply that was copied and pasted into the post above, that offer is on the table for not only him but others here who have an interest in reading it. To randomly send the book, unsolicited, could have also been considered inappropriate, if not a bit bizarre. (This is on top of not even knowing exactly where to send it.)
The “open letter” is not anything confrontational. Yes, it is a “challenge,” but not as “you’ve been proven wrong, now what do you have to say?” The tone is more: “What do you make of this unprecedented Scriptural analysis? How do you respond to these methodologies used to resolve Gospel contradictions? Do you accept this as a viable exegesis?”
Someone in the blog replies claimed they had seen the open letter, which is somewhat puzzling, because it hasn’t been released anywhere that I’m aware of. Perhaps through the Amazon “Look Inside” feature, though I do not see it there. Just so there is no confusion, below is the actual open letter at the conclusion of the book. Of course, the contents of the letter will make much more sense upon reading the book in its entirety.
Mr. Ehrman,
This book is nothing, written by no one. To become something, and to help accomplish its goal of a worldwide transformation, what it needs is a voice of prominence. And what better voice to assist in that transformation than that of the most preeminent Bible critic in the world!
If what has been written here has shown you anything, it surely must be that there is a grand purpose behind all things. It is hoped that you can now see that your dedication and persistence in confronting the fallacies of Christianity’s general view of the Bible has most certainly been a part of a much larger plan than anyone has imagined. It has all been setting the stage for this moment of revelation of what the Bible truly is.
You have thus seen the paradox of how the Biblical views of both Christianity and the skeptics each have elements of both rightness and wrongness. Christianity is correct about the transcendent authorship of the scriptures, but has been wrong in the methodologies used to prove it. And skeptics are correct about Scripture’s textual and factual shortcomings, but have been wrong in insisting that these imperfections prove an earthen origin. Those on each side have played their parts in this “game” to the extent of their respective orchestrated purposes, but now it is time for the game to end. Divine Intelligence is now setting the stage to begin bringing all things back to one. The culmination of this will be a universal utopia of ever-expanding cosmic adventure, the magnitude of which transcends any human description.
If you, Mr. Ehrman, have found resonance with this book’s revelations, you now have the opportunity to use your vast influence to awaken the multitudes to this monumental new beginning (and without even having to relinquish your stance on textual criticism). If, however, you find yourself at odds with this book’s revelations, by all means, feel free to methodically and specifically dismantle its presentations.
BDEhrman
FreedomBen
evgendob
Robert
1 Guest(s)
I will attempt to address the issues mentioned in today’s blog entry, so that there are no misunderstandings about what Silencing the Skeptics is all about. First, there are multiple reasons for which one might feel more comfortable remaining in anonymity, but it is certainly not for any reasons dealing with “operating in the shadows” as an “attacker.” In spite of what many may be used to in the arena of Bible defenders addressing critics, I can assure you that this book is in no way an attack! Let us present a few excerpts from the book, and you can decide if the “tone” of things resembles anything that could be considered condescending or ad hominem:
“While this is obviously no small task, an educated acceptance of the Bible’s disharmonies (which Christianity lacks) is the first requirement for embracing the truths of the Gospel Matrix. The additional requisite for that task is a passionate desire for Truth. This is a quality that Mr. Ehrman, despite his headstrong opposition to the idea of divine authorship, also appears to possess. (And it is perhaps one that many other well-versed skeptics possess.) Ultimately, the goal of this undertaking is not to convert skeptics or “be right” for the mere sake of “winning the debate.” The goal is to begin a domino effect that will send much needed shockwaves throughout the entire religious spectrum, eventually culminating with the birthing of a new reality.” [PAGE 4]
(The “Gospel Matrix,” as mentioned above, is the “exegetical method,” if you will, that is used in resolving Gospel discrepancies in STS.)
Another:
“This drastic difference in the portrayal of Jesus Christ between John and the Synoptics has caused much head-scratching, and critics such as Mr. Ehrman have obviously concluded that such a radical change verifies that the Gospels are discordant and fallible documents. But Mr. Ehrman, who undoubtedly knows the structure and unique literary elements of each Gospel as well as anyone, has never been granted the realization that such thematic differences have been orchestrated as revelatory clues, given by the transcendent Intelligence that has authored the Gospels. And this has actually all been a part of the unfolding cosmic plan!” [PAGE 56]
As you can see, the tone is quite respectful! Again, as it says in the book’s description, this is assuredly NOT a “Christian Apologetics” book. In fact, fundamentalist Christians will almost certainly be more affronted by the book’s subject matter than Mr. Ehrman or other critics of the Bible.
It is much appreciated that you have even mentioned or addressed this at all, and it was important to show that this book in defense of Scripture in no way matches the conventional tone of books that wade into these territories. This is not an attempt to “refute.” STS is in full acknowledgment of the existence of literary contradictions throughout the Gospels. In fact, the entire premise of the Gospel Matrix is founded upon that very fact. Where STS differs from the conventional Christian defense is that it demonstrates that Gospel contradictions not only exist, but were placed into the Gospels for reasons of higher revelation; “divine clues,” even.
It is also important to say that if anyone here is interested in reading this book, we have a promotional supply in stock; we will send it free of charge and postage paid to anyone here who is interested in reading it. (Supply permitting, of course. We do have a good amount on hand). This is available to Mr. Ehrman and anyone else interested.
We will also be available over in the forums for any questions about this, and will attempt to answer all inquiries to the best of our abilities.
Thank you again for addressing this