Bart D. Ehrman's Blog, page 80

Was Abraham “Just Plain Nuts?” A Platinum Post by Douglas Wadeson MD

Here is an unusually challenging post that deals directly with one of the major religious/ethical problems of the entire Bible.  The focus is Abraham, a central figure for the three major monotheistic religions of the world that are together followed by over half the humans on the planet.  But is Abraham actually a commendable figure [...]

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Can the Qur’an and Early Islam Be Studied Critically (Like the NT and Early Christianity?) Guest Post by Stephen Shoemaker

Why don’t scholars engage in a historical-critical study of the Qur’an the way they do with the New Testament and the Hebrew Bible?   I get asked this kind of thing all the time – with variations: “Where can I find a scholarly discussion the critical problems with the Qur’an like scholars publish about the Bible [...]

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Did the Curtain in the Temple Really Rip in Half at Jesus’ Crucifixion?

Did the curtain in the temple really rip in half when Jesus died?  That’s what the Gospels say.  But can it be true? [[RECALL, in case you haven’t been reading each of the posts in this thread: I’ve been trying to show how experts in the phenomenon of “memory” can help us reflect on the [...]

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Was Jesus an Ascetic Street Preacher or a Man With a Plan? A Platinum Post From Omar Robb

In this post Platinum guest poster Omar Robb takes on one of the key questions anyone must grapple with in studying the New Testament: how are we to understand the activities and mission of Jesus?  Feel free to comment with your own views! ****************************** I am going here to generate a story (a made-up story) [...]

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Did The Twelve Become Only Three? Platinum post by Douglas Wadeson MD

As you know, Platinum members on the blog are allowed to publish posts for other Platinum members, who then vote on one to be included on the entire blog.  I'm pleased to publish this guest post by Douglas Wadeson, on an unusually intriguing and important topic.  Did Jesus twelve disciples stay committed to the movement [...]

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📢 Help Wanted: Join Bart Ehrman Professional Services as a Writer/Editor!

Are you a talented, educated, and skilled writer or editor with a passion for Biblical and Christian studies? We're excited to announce an opportunity to contribute to bartehrman.com, Bart’s other prominent website with thousands of readers. We're ramping up our content production and need your expertise! Bartehrman.com serves as Bart's professional website, offering online courses, [...]

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Did Pilate Really Release A Dangerous Criminal, Barabbas, at Jesus’ Trial?

Is it true that at Jesus’ trial, the Roman governor Pontius Pilate tried to get him off the hook by offering to let him loose, according to his annual custom, but that the Jewish crowd insist that he release to them Barabbas instead, a serious criminal? [[RECALL, in case you haven’t been reading each of [...]

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Were Jesus Followers Really Armed and Dangerous in the Garden of Gethsemane?

Can it be true that Jesus’ followers were armed when Jesus was arrested, and that they put up a fight to defend him, as indicated in the Gospels?  Did Jesus’ disciples believe in armed engagement with the enemy?  Did Jesus???   [[RECALL, in case you haven’t been reading each of the posts in this thread:  [...]

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The Slippery Slope of Extreme DIAKRISIS (Discernment). A Platinum Post by Barry Haney

Here is a creative and imaginative Platinum guest post that explores key religious differences among various traditions in the early period of the church, through a plausible (fictional) conversation.   So, in 200 CE, a pagan, a Jew, and a Christian come into a wine bar.... These are some intriguing reflections.  What do you think? ****************************** [...]

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Did Jesus Really Cleanse the Temple?

In all the Gospels Jesus enters into the temple in Jerusalem and becomes enraged by what he sees there.  He overturns tables and drives merchants out and shuts down the operation.  Could this actually have happened?  Or is it an exaggerated – or completely invented – account?   [[RECALL, in case you haven’t been reading [...]

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