Another travel opportunity has come up for me this summer, a tour of some of the Greek Islands on June 10-20. These are some of my favorite places on planet earth. I’ll be giving lectures, enjoying the sites, and hanging out with the folk who come. Needless to say, this will be really good. If it’s in the range of your possibilites, check it out.
Below you’ll see a brochure with all the details. Here’s what I say about it there:
**************
We will be island-hopping to some of the most scenic sites in the world – stunningly gorgeous landscapes and seascapes, incredibly beautiful villages and towns, museums, monasteries, churches, and archaeological sites: some of the oldest remnants of western civilization.
Some of the places we’ll be going will be new for me. For many years I’ve wanted to visit Andros, unusually dramatic and filled with interesting villages, monasteries, and churches. And Naxos (where Dionysus, the Greek god of wine was born. Take note!), boasting significant ancient remains, old Christian churches, and impressive Venetian architecture: a virtual travel through time. And most of all Santorini, widely considered the most beautiful island of them all, historically famous for the volcanic eruption that destroyed its major city fully 4000 years ago.
Other places on our itinerary I’ve visited before and eager to see again, especially Crete, the home of the Minoan civilization that predates, well, virtually every other western civilization, whose architectural and artistic remains continue to inspire awe today. Most people see Minoan art only in books and museums. We’ll see it up close and in person.
On the trip I’ll be lecturing on an intriguing issue: “Was Christianity an Ancient Greek Religion?” The lectures will consider Christian beliefs and practices in light of pagan Greek religion and traditions of the time, including stories of miracle-working “divine men” born to the union of a god and a mortal woman, and who ascended to heaven when they died. I will also show how Christianity radically differed from Greek religions of its time, often in ways one would not suspect.
Along with lecturing, I will also be a fellow-traveler, joining in all the activities, enjoying the sites, answering questions, and plunging into interesting discussions.
I can’t wait for this trip: it simply doesn’t get any better. I hope you can join me!
Here’s the brochure with all the information you need. Just click it to take a look. I hope you can consider it!
In line with the suggestions that Peter denied Jesus six times (three before the cock crowed once and three more before it crowed twice), what about a similar solution to why the synoptics say Jesus was crucified on the day of Passover, and John says it was the day of preparation for Passover? More seriously, have you posted on that discrepancy? I tried to search through your blog and didn’t see it.
Yes, I’ve talked about that discrepancy a lot in my writings and on the blog. I don’t think it can be reconciled. The Peter denials could be only, I think, by claiming he denied Jesus six times, three before the cock crowed and three more before it crowed twice. Most readers think that’s a rather bizarre idea. And it wouldn’t work with the death of Jesus, since he was nailed to a cross on one day or the other.
Yes, this is in June? This would be a dream come true for me. Around $7000 for shared room? I might be able to make this work! I would love to learn about, ” Was Christianity an Ancient Greek Religion?” This be truly a magical experience… I’ll keep you posted if I can make it or not! This is for 10 days in June. This is definitely a possibility this time …
Professor Ehrman, you’re living the dream, good for you! Safe travels, I wish I could join you!
I am in some difficulty imagining Bart Ehrman in formal dress at a cruise dinner.
YOu obviously never came to my wedding.
I want to do this trip so much but we have a conflict this year. Do you plan on doing any other trips??
Yup, I’ll probalby do more. I’m doing a cruise to the cities of Western Europe from Amsterdam to Lisbon this summer as well: https://ehrmanblog.org/im-lecturing-on-a-cruise-this-summer-interested-in-coming/ Some amazing sites on *that* one! I don’t know about the following summer.
Sounds like a great experience. On Naxos, I suggest renting a car and going to the Cave of Zeus if you have time. Excellent drive and hike and topical; but be careful as Google Maps thinks some roads are passable that are suspect.
Ah I would have loved to join but June 10th is the date I quite literally fly out of Greece! Such a shame but sounds like an amazing experience!
Hello all,
Recommended good read for all headed for Greece. A very smart fiction filled with the beauty of the islands, and a profound tale of the mystery of personal transformation. One on the world top 100 books.
The Magus by John Fowles. Editions: Kindle, Paperback, Audio, Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/Magus-John-Fowles-ebook/dp/B0081BTOJS
Lance P.