Loading...I’m on the road this week, giving lectures in Richmond Virginia – one at the Women’s Club of Richmond (1500 members!) (they all don’t show up for a talk, of course) on “Misquoting Jesus,” and the other at the University of Richmond, where my former student Stephanie Cobb teaches New Testament, on “What Can Historians Say About the Resurrection of Jesus” (some of you might think that will be a very short lecture J. But not so!!). She is also the author of Dying to Be Men and Divine Deliverance. On Wednesday I fly to Las Vegas to do a panel discussion on if it matters whether or not Jesus was married (at the Black Mountain Institute at UNLV).
So I’m a bit harried just now and can’t do a full post. Instead, I have a request!
A few weeks ago I indicated that I was going to introduce a couple of new features on the blog. One is a Testimonies page, where I give some comments by current members about what they most like about the blog, with superlatives as required. The idea is that this could be available to potential members wondering if it is worth their time, and especially money, to join. So do you think so?
Personally, I don’t think you engage with alternative views seriously enough — like mine, for example. I have much to support what I say, and I never see your acknowledgment of it. (My position for seeing the sacrifice at the climax of the Gospel of Judas as ‘Judas’ is more internally supportable than yours for Jesus as the sacrifice. You haven’t commented on my argument for it.)
Actually, I spend my entire life engaging with alternative views. It’s what I do for a living. I just think yours is fundamentally flawed. But you’re welcome to express it here on the blog!
Well, you’re not “engaging” with me.
A blog is A DISCUSSION. How can I deal with your objections if all you say is “I think your views are fundamentally flawed”. I don’t come here to hear you tell me that. I come here to talk with you! What is it you think is “flawed” about my seeing his Master in Judas being “replaced by someone [the essence of Gnosticism] *IN ORDER THAT* the Twelve may again [a very Gnostic view of existence] come to completion in their God” (36:1-3). This is fundamentally different from the orthodox view of Matthias who was no more than a replacement APOSTLE! Especially so when this person, ‘Judas’, dreams he is stoned by fellow disciples, as was the only known historical person to have so suffered in the first century, JAMES THE JUST, protagonist and savior himself, of the preceding book in the very same Codex (James, 16:7-15, 20:23-24)?
You are telling me, a practicing Mystic (aka ‘Gnostic’), that my “views” on it are fundamentally flawed, but not saying why they are. This is fundamentally flawed blogging, Bart, that’s what it is!
No, I’m afraid this BLOG is decidedly not a discussion and it is not meant to me, and never was meant to be. I do this blog so that I can share my knowledge with people who are interested in hearing it. With thousands of members, I can’t *possibly* enter into dialogue with everyone who wants to have a discussion with me. Just now, I have 60 comments that I have to read and approve, and a number of them have asked questions that I need to answer. That’s on top of writing a post. If you want someone to dialogue with about all your theories, you need to find a different forum. I’m afraid this one won’t provide it for you! Sorry ’bout that, but it’s just the realities you and I are both facing.
don’t waste time on judaswasjames…says my dog.
“Actually, I spend my entire life engaging with alternative views”
I have to say, Bart, that one of those alternative views of yours involves the age old saying, “The Lord helps those who help themselves,” though no where is it written. No where has it been spoken.
Through the pittance of a yearly membership fee, you assume the responsibility (bestowed upon each of us) of assisting the poor and hungry, the downtrodden and broken, by donating all such proceeds to charity, thereby fulfilling part of the greatest commandment of all, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” And that, dear Sir, is one of the things I love best about this blog!
Dear Willow,
If you should catch this post, some time back you asked about why Jesus would request baptism for the remission of his sins, if he was supposedly without sin. I would imagine that his being sinless has to be a later higher Christological creation of the Church since no human can be without sin.
(As an aside, personally I believe in “sin”, but *only* if I redefine it as “an act of selfishness/self-centeredness” (and not as an offense against God); and an act selfishness/self-centeredness is an action that creates suffering, as well as reinforcing the habit of believing in the delusion of ego. Sorry about that extended digression into my Buddhist training!)
But back to your question, do check out, or ask me to scan and send to you, pages 106 to 116 of John Meier’s “A Marginal Jew”, Volume 2, on “The Meaning of Jesus’ Baptism” (as I can’t summarize it.) But he does say on page 113 that “Confession of sin in ancient Israel did not mean unraveling a laundry list of personal peccadilloes… Confession of sin in ancient Israel was a God-centered act of worship that included praise and thanksgiving. Confession of sin often meant recalling God’s gracious deeds for an ungrateful Israel, a humble admission that one was a member of a sinful people…and a final resolve to change and be different from one’s ancestors.”
I hope that is helpful. tracy
Given the rammifications of making sacred scripture the center of one’s religion, one could benefit by engaging with the scholar, Bart D. Ehrman, and his online community about the historical-critical method used for assessing the claims of the New Testament.
For anyone interested in early Christianity from an historical and scholarly point of view, this is the site. Well worth the charitable contribution.
Regardless of whether you take every word of the New Testament as the literal truth, or take a more skeptical view as to what it has to say to us, you’ll find that in his blog Bart Ehrman offers a great deal of interest His knowledge of the New Testament, of other Christian documents of the time, and of the world in which in which they were conceived ranges broadly and cuts deep. He conveys that knowledge in a lucid and lively fashion. Nobody interested in the New Testament can fail to find this blog of interest as well.
Bart Ehrman demonstrates on his blog day after day that a “respectful unbeliever” can win the loyalty of friends and win over believers as both groups seek to learn as much as can be learned about Christianity’s origins, its stories, and its beliefs in a forum that values evidence and reasoning above all else, while doing good in the greater world through the blog’s charitable giving.
Anything not in the archive here is not worth worrying about (except the next post). The Bill O’Reilly quotes here are the only ones I ever want to read. Thanks, Bart.
I have studied the history of the New Testament and early Christianity since 1972. Dr. Ehrman sticks to the facts, and answers in an easy style and wit. His insight and recommendations have helped me more than any scholar I have read – and he is live here!
Y’know, Josh, I might appreciate a bit of homework, every once in a while. 😉
Move this down to Joshua’s comment, please, Bart. I hit the wrong reply button again. ARG
I mean, magmack’s comment. It’s early.
I decided to sign up for Dr. Ehrman’s blog after attending one of his all-day talks at the Smithsonian. His entries are wide-ranging, and he responds quickly, politely, and effectively to questions raised by readers. This is money well spent! Reading the blog is like being back in school (but without homework). A great value!
Every post is a compelling invitation to a truly reliable, comprehensive and democratic learning experience.
PS1: Vegas sounds like the right place to talk about matrimonial issues. Can’t wait to hear that post!
PS2: you may correct my text as you please!
Prof. Ehrman has an unimpeachable reputation for debunking Biblical texts in the context of what can reliably be deduced about the early centuries of Christianity and before. Aside from his scholarly publications, his trade books, his academic debates and lectures available on Youtube, his CIA blog gives me, in plain English, a substantial daily update of his cutting-edge investigation of the available documentary evidence.
Always very interesting. Always entertaining. A fantastic, informative blog. Highly recommended!
Every time I read a post in Christianity in Antiquity I find out something new that intrigues me. It is incredible that Bart maintains such a steady flow of well-written mind-expanding posts!
As a founding Christian member, I absolutely love the blog. There is no where on the internet to get great historical scholarship posts at such a small yearly fee, posted almost every day. Are you Christian, atheist, agnostic, or a reincarnated alien from the planet Zoton? No worries! Dr. Ehrman nor the other bloggers will criticize you. Afraid Dr. Ehrman has already posted about a certain topic and you missed it? Seek and you shall find. Just use site’s search engine. Members also have access to all the past posts, additional comments, and videos. Halleluiah!
Have a question or hear a strange comment from your pastor, family member, or the lay-person bagging your groceries? Dr. Ehrman will answer that question with historical facts and references to back it up. Imagine that in today’s environment. Actual facts are being used.
The membership is your ability to tap into his countless decades of studies, scholarship, and peer-reviewed knowledge. Moreover, as a member you will actually contribute to the posts by sharing your own theories. Your theories may add to or even change Dr. Ehrman’s and the other members ideas.
But, the best part of being a member is that your membership fee, 100%, is redirected to help out with poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Amazing! Quoting Paul, “I am astonished.” Galatians 1:6 NRSV.
What are you waiting for? Sign up!
Where else can you get daily insightful commentary about the New Testament free of theological bias from a recognized authority in the field who is also a popular author and communicates it so well?!
If you want to know more about how much we can really know about Jesus and the New Testament, subscribe to Dr. Ehrman’s blog. He is very informative, witty and concise; never talks down to his readers, but never goes over their heads either.
“Bart’s blog posts are very engaging, informative, and interesting. They contain cutting-edge glimpses into the fascinating world of Early Christianity, as well as direct answers to the questions of blog members.”
As a near-lifelong agnostic (raised Catholic), I’m finding membership in this blog a great experience – I learn something new almost every day. And all members’ views are respected, be they believers, agnostics, or atheists.
I agree Wilusa. I too am a former Catholic with an entirely different perspective on Christianity other than the material I was forced to engage in as a student in Catholic Institutions. To a scientist in the 21st Century the thinking 2,000 years ago and beyond is totally incompatible with today’s world.
I have read most of Dr. Ehrman’s pulications, including the material in the Teaching Company’s Archives and
enjoyed every bit of it for it’s clarity and critical analysis.
Dr. R. A. Rogowski
What I like about Bart Ehrman — despite the fact we do NOT agree on everything — is that his blog is more than worth the money. It’s an honest-to-goodness bargain, a place to learn, and surprise! surprise! he’s even got a sense of humor. 🙂 😉
If you want straightforward, unvarnished information about historical Christianity from an expert, join the Bart Ehrman Blog.
The Bart Ehrman blog has inspired within me not only a true love of Biblical history, but a hunger to know all that I am capable of knowing, even so all that I believe might be better based on truth.
“This blog stands apart by constantly bringing forth fresh insights into cutting-edge topics pertaining to Christianity and its sacred (and not so sacred) texts!” – Greg Monette
I have read many of Dr. Erhman’s books. I am delighted to have another source of information about his views in a more personal format. I appreciate the historical approach he takes to the history of Christianity rather than a theological one. Indeed, had the first book I read either promoted a theological viewpoint or been derisive of theology, I would never have read another. Join the blog and enjoy the satisfaction of doing good (charity, doncha know) while both learning and having fun interactively!
No where else could one find such great scholarship in biblical studies so vividly and clearly layout for the layman, but what I appreciate most is the absolute integrity and great courage of Prof. Bart Ehrman in dealing with history , religion and faith.
W W Ching
“I joined Bart Ehrman’s blog with a casual interest in Christian Origins and NT studies, and have now become obsessed! I have learned so much over the past two years. Thanks Bart!” – Scott Bignell
Top notch professional scholarship on the Bible, the historical Jesus, and early Christianity for only $25 a year, and not one penny goes to Bart. It all goes to charity. Bart’s blog is a steal. Join it. You won’t regret it!
It is very rewarding to be part of a singularly safe and highly educational blog while helping others through Bart’s commitment to his charities.
The membership fee of $24.95 may be a bit pricey for many of us, but it is actually a great deal for the simple reason that not only does all the money go to good causes (charities), but in exchange we can all participate in a stimulating and informed conversation with an early Christianity expert, and with other knowledgeable people. Brilliant!
Bart Ehrman – bogs- lectures- books- “Like a modern blacksmith studying the craftsmanship of ancient swords- how the human hand pounded them into creation- So does Ehrman as he uncovers the ancient scholars hand in the writings of antiquity.”
After many years of sunday school & sermons, I have found enlightenment in Bart Ehrman’s books & blog! For a small contribution to charity, you get interesting, informative lessons/stories/comments on early Christianity from a (best-selling) scholar in the field. Such a deal!
A great blog about early Christianity, the New testament and a whole lot more. Bart writes in an interested and easy to read manner and is always willing to answer any questions
Testimonial: I am a student of Divinity in London, U.K. and have been a member since the blog started and will continue to subscribe for the forseeable future. Quite simply put if you are interested in the exploring the New testament from its historical and scholarly perspective then joining this blog will be a euphoric moment for sure and you will be thoroughly enlightened, thanks to Bart and the blog.
Sam Chahal, London, U.K.
This is the future of scholarship. I sincerely hope that Dr. Ehrman places such pressure on other scholars to be as honest and willing to defend their positions as he is. With the reading of every new post, I become more and more keenly aware of what true scholarship really is. Thank you Dr. Ehrman!
You have a good point. If so-called experts in religion cannot explain to motivated laymen, they are not making enough impact. At least, Bart tries, to his credit.
I am obsessed with finding out the truth about who Jesus was. I was raised, like many of us, to believe he is God or I will burn in hell for eternity (and definitely not question it!). Two years ago I listened to Misquoting Jesus after my husband borrowed it from the library. I was hooked. Wow, this was stuff I never heard before! I have been reading as much as possible, taking full advantage of whatever I can find online and in books to finally learn about the origins of Christianity. This blog is definitely worth it. What a treat – to have at my fingertips all this knowledge that would have taken years and years of “digging” back in the day! And it all goes to a good cause, too.
Whether you are a doubter, a believer or a hoper Ehrman will speak to you both directly and indirectly.
A credible source in a world hungry for data on the biggest story ever.
This blog feeds that hunger and the hunger of those who need feeding.
(or some sh*t like that :-))
If you want the most current scholarship on the New Testament and Early Christianity from a bona fide expert in a style all of us can understand, without a religious axe to grind, this is your blog, for sure. And it’s for charity; your brain and hungry people both get fed. Win-win.
Bart’s blog is a great source of fascinating information for those interested in the New Testament or the historical Jesus. Members definitely get their money’s worth and more, and it’s for a great cause. All money goes to charities for the homeless.
Prof. Ehrman’s blog is very educational. More than well worth the membership fee, which is a donation. Fascinating biblical reading and comments that address subjects that I have wanted to understand better, for more years than I care to admit.
All the benefits of a PHD education, for the price of a first grade pencil! …and it’s entertaining, and philanthropic to boot! If that ain’t worth the price of admission, nothing is!
A World of Knowledge Awaits You!
The Bart Ehrman Blog ever increasingly provides a wealth of information on the New Testament and Biblical scholarship. As always, Professor Ehrman shares the data and the reasoning behind the scholarly theses he discusses, which improves the educational value of the blog immensely. Moreover, Professor Ehrman actively engages with insightful questions posed by subscribers, offering members a chance to hone their understanding of Biblical history in a way that is normally only possible through years of study at a university.
It is hard to imagine a layperson who wouldn’t learn something of interest from the material contained on this blog. However, in the unlikely event that a subscriber possesses a level of knowledge that surpasses the existing content, she can push the discussions to greater depths, or take solace in the fact that every penny of the membership fee is donated to a collection of unimpeachably worthy secular charities.
As the blog continues to grow and improve, I find myself increasingly motivated to donate beyond the modest $24.95 USD annual fee. Professor Ehrman does a wonderful job of engendering the academic spirit, and I highly recommend this blog to anyone who has any interest in the subject, or otherwise enjoys living the life of the mind. This is easily the best money I have ever spent, and I feel morally obliged to share this wonderful treasure trove of intellectually nourishing material!
I share your feeling behind your testimony. I feel the same way.
Here is my testimony of your blog:
“For less than $30 a year, I was able to obtain many clarifications on questions I had about the Bible and early Christianity. In fact, I can say honestly, I learned more about the Bible and the historical rise of Christianity from this blog than anywhere else. This blog is mentally stimulating for me. I also like the fact that my subscription money is going to a charity that helps children around the world.”
I was raised Southern Baptist but as an adult accepted there is no evidence for divinity or the supernatural. Prof. Ehrman is my go-to New Testament scholar who (also) speaks to those of us who, while not believers ourselves, have an abiding interest in both the historical and cultural impact of first century Christian events, writings, and sects. The interrelation of circumstances that lead to the religion as we perceive it today is endlessly fascinating, and there is no better guide with whom to explore these topics than Prof. Ehrman.
(I am happy to provide my full, actual name if this is used for a testimonial. Blurb-worthy quotes aside, it has been a real joy to have someone teach me about a religion I no longer belong to yet am still academically engrossed by. Finding his books and now blog has been a kind of a relief. We’re out there! “Formers” who still find the study fulfilling and worthwhile!)