Key Takeaways
1. The Bible is a human book with discrepancies and contradictions
There are discrepancies in the books of the New Testament.
Textual variations. The New Testament contains thousands of textual variations among existing manuscripts. While most are minor spelling differences, some affect entire verses or passages. These discrepancies arose as scribes copied texts over centuries, sometimes making accidental errors and other times intentionally altering wording.
Contradictory accounts. The Gospels often present contradictory details about events in Jesus' life. For example:
- The birth narratives in Matthew and Luke contain irreconcilable differences
- The day and time of Jesus' crucifixion differs between Mark and John
- Accounts of the resurrection appearances vary significantly
Theological differences. The various New Testament authors present differing theological perspectives:
- Paul's views on salvation differ from those in the Gospel of Matthew
- John's high Christology contrasts with the more human Jesus in Mark
- James emphasizes works while Paul stresses faith alone
These discrepancies and differences point to the Bible's human origins and development over time, rather than divine dictation.
2. The Gospels present different perspectives on Jesus' life and teachings
Each author has to be allowed to have his own say, since in many instances what one author has to say on a subject is not what another says.
Unique portrayals. Each Gospel presents a distinct portrayal of Jesus shaped by the author's theological agenda and community context:
- Mark: A suffering Messiah who dies as a ransom for many
- Matthew: A new Moses giving divine law and instruction
- Luke: A prophet bringing salvation to the marginalized
- John: The divine Word made flesh, equal to God
Differing details. The Gospels disagree on many specifics of Jesus' life and ministry:
- Chronology and length of Jesus' ministry
- Details of Jesus' birth and early life
- Sequence and content of Jesus' teachings and actions
- Circumstances of Jesus' death and resurrection appearances
Varied emphases. Each Gospel highlights different aspects of Jesus' identity and mission:
- Titles used for Jesus (Son of Man, Son of God, etc.)
- Jesus' relationship to Jewish law and traditions
- The meaning and purpose of Jesus' death
- The nature of discipleship and the Christian community
Understanding these differences allows for a richer, more nuanced view of early Christian beliefs about Jesus.
3. Paul's letters reveal evolving early Christian beliefs
Paul's views were different from those of the Ebionites (who saw Paul as the archenemy), of Matthew, and of Jesus himself.
Developing Christology. Paul's letters, the earliest New Testament writings, show an evolving understanding of Jesus' nature and role:
- Jesus as adopted Son of God at resurrection (Romans 1:4)
- Jesus as preexistent divine being (Philippians 2:6-11)
- Jesus as cosmic Lord over all creation (Colossians 1:15-20)
Reinterpreting Judaism. Paul radically reinterpreted Jewish law and traditions:
- Justification by faith, not works of the law (Galatians 2:16)
- Gentile inclusion without circumcision (Romans 3:29-30)
- Allegorical reading of Hebrew scriptures (Galatians 4:21-31)
Eschatological shifts. Paul's expectations about the end times changed over time:
- Imminent expectation of Jesus' return (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
- Delayed parousia and interim state after death (Philippians 1:21-23)
- Cosmic reconciliation of all things in Christ (Colossians 1:19-20)
These developments in Paul's thought laid the groundwork for later Christian theology and practice.
4. Many New Testament books were not written by their claimed authors
Of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament, only eight almost certainly go back to the author whose name they bear: the seven undisputed letters of Paul (Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon) and the Revelation of John.
Pseudonymous writings. Many New Testament books were written under false names:
- The Pastoral Epistles (1-2 Timothy, Titus) claim Pauline authorship but differ significantly in style and theology from Paul's authentic letters
- 2 Peter was likely written long after Peter's death
- The Gospels were not written by eyewitnesses but later Christians
Misattributed texts. Some anonymous writings were later attributed to apostolic figures:
- Hebrews was attributed to Paul but differs greatly from his style and thought
- James and Jude do not claim specific authorship but were linked to Jesus' brothers
Reasons for pseudonymity:
- To lend authority to writings
- To address later situations in the name of revered figures
- To provide continuity with earlier traditions
- To combat perceived heresies or opponents
Understanding the authorship of New Testament books helps contextualize their messages and theological developments.
5. Jesus was likely an apocalyptic Jewish prophet, not claiming divinity
Jesus taught that the Son of Man was soon to arrive from heaven in judgment, and people needed to be ready for it by mending their ways and living as God wanted them to.
Apocalyptic worldview. Jesus shared the apocalyptic expectations common among many first-century Jews:
- Belief in cosmic forces of good and evil
- Expectation of divine intervention in history
- Hope for a coming kingdom of God on earth
- Anticipation of final judgment and resurrection
Ethical teachings. Jesus' moral instructions were framed by this apocalyptic outlook:
- Repentance and righteous living to prepare for the kingdom
- Radical love and forgiveness as signs of the coming age
- Critique of religious and social hypocrisy
- Care for the marginalized as embodying God's reign
Son of Man. Jesus used this apocalyptic title to refer to a coming heavenly figure:
- Drawn from the book of Daniel and other Jewish apocalyptic texts
- Not clearly a self-reference in Jesus' usage
- Later reinterpreted by his followers as referring to Jesus himself
This historical portrait of Jesus differs significantly from later Christian doctrinal developments about his divine nature.
6. Early Christianity developed diverse theological views about Jesus
There were lots of early Christian groups. They all claimed to be right. They all had books to back up their claims, books allegedly written by the apostles and therefore representing the views of Jesus and his first disciples.
Competing Christologies. Various early Christian groups held differing views of Jesus' nature and role:
- Ebionites: Jesus as fully human Messiah, not divine
- Marcionites: Jesus as fully divine, not truly human
- Gnostics: Jesus as divine revealer of secret knowledge
- Proto-orthodox: Jesus as both fully human and fully divine
Diverse practices. These theological differences led to varied religious practices:
- Observance or rejection of Jewish law
- Different baptismal and Eucharistic rituals
- Varying spiritual disciplines and ethical norms
- Distinct scriptural canons and interpretive methods
Power struggles. Competing groups vied for dominance and legitimacy:
- Claims to apostolic authority and succession
- Development of creeds and "rules of faith"
- Accusations of heresy against opponents
- Alliance with political powers (especially after Constantine)
This diversity challenges simplistic notions of a monolithic early Christianity and highlights the complex development of orthodox doctrines.
7. The concepts of Trinity, heaven, and hell evolved over time
Within three hundred years Jesus went from being a Jewish apocalyptic prophet to being God himself, a member of the Trinity. Early Christianity is nothing if not remarkable.
Trinitarian development. The doctrine of the Trinity emerged gradually:
- Early belief in Jesus' exaltation after resurrection
- Paul's high Christology, but not full equality with God
- John's logos Christology equating Jesus with God
- 2nd-3rd century debates over Christ's relationship to God
- 4th century creeds defining one God in three persons
Afterlife concepts. Ideas about heaven and hell changed significantly:
- Jewish belief in bodily resurrection and earthly kingdom
- Paul's interim state before resurrection at Jesus' return
- Shift to immediate postmortem rewards and punishments
- Development of purgatory in medieval Catholicism
- Protestant rejection of purgatory but retention of heaven/hell dualism
Theological motivations. These doctrinal developments addressed specific concerns:
- Maintaining monotheism while affirming Christ's divinity
- Explaining delayed parousia and intermediate state of the dead
- Providing comfort and motivation for believers
- Asserting divine justice and human accountability
Understanding this evolution challenges notions of unchanging Christian doctrines and highlights the creative theological work of early Christians.
8. Anti-Judaism in Christianity emerged as the religion separated from its Jewish roots
Anti-Semitism as it has come down to us today is the history of specifically Christian reactions to non-Christian Jews. It is one of the least savory inventions of the early church.
Gradual separation. Christianity slowly distinguished itself from Judaism:
- Jesus and earliest followers were thoroughly Jewish
- Paul's mission to Gentiles created tensions
- Jewish revolts against Rome widened the divide
- Christian reinterpretation of Hebrew scriptures
Supersessionism. Christians increasingly saw their faith as replacing Judaism:
- Claim to be true Israel and heirs of divine promises
- Allegorical reading of Old Testament to find Christ
- Portrayal of Jews as stubborn and spiritually blind
- Belief that the church replaced Israel as God's people
Intensifying hostility. Anti-Jewish rhetoric escalated over time:
- Gospels' increasingly negative portrayal of Jewish leaders
- 2nd century apologetic works arguing against Judaism
- 4th century sermons denouncing Jews and Judaism
- Medieval persecutions, forced conversions, and expulsions
This trajectory of anti-Judaism had catastrophic consequences throughout history and continues to impact Jewish-Christian relations today.
9. The canon of Scripture formed through centuries of debate and politics
It took at least three hundred years of debate before the question of the canon even began to reach closure.
Gradual process. The New Testament canon developed slowly:
- Early use of diverse writings in Christian communities
- Growing consensus around core books (Gospels, Paul's letters)
- Debates over disputed books (Hebrews, Revelation, etc.)
- Regional variations in accepted writings
Selection criteria. Various factors influenced canonical decisions:
- Apostolic authorship (real or perceived)
- Orthodoxy of content
- Widespread use in churches
- Antiquity and continuity with earlier tradition
Political dimensions. Canon formation involved power dynamics:
- Competing Christian groups promoted different writings
- Bishops and councils made authoritative pronouncements
- Imperial influence after Constantine's conversion
- Standardization efforts to unify the church
The long and complex history of canonization challenges simplistic notions of the Bible "falling from heaven" and highlights its human development.
10. Historical-critical analysis reveals the human origins of Christian doctrines
The historical findings I am discussing here do not necessarily lead to my personal agnostic conclusions. But they should lead all people to see the human element in the development of the Christian religion.
Contextual interpretation. Historical criticism situates biblical texts in their original contexts:
- Cultural background of ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world
- Social and political factors shaping early Christianity
- Literary conventions and genres of ancient writings
- Linguistic analysis of Greek and Hebrew texts
Source criticism. Scholars examine the sources behind biblical writings:
- Synoptic problem and relationships between Gospels
- Paul's use of earlier Christian traditions
- Identification of redactional layers in texts
- Recognition of pseudonymous authorship
Theological development. Critical analysis traces the evolution of Christian beliefs:
- From Jewish apocalypticism to Gentile mystery religion
- Diverse early Christologies converging on Nicene orthodoxy
- Reinterpretation of Jesus' teachings in light of delayed parousia
- Hellen
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FAQ
What's Jesus, Interrupted about?
- Exploring Contradictions: Jesus, Interrupted by Bart D. Ehrman examines the hidden contradictions in the Bible, focusing on the New Testament. It challenges the belief in the Bible's inerrancy through scholarly research and textual criticism.
- Historical Context: The book highlights how the Bible has been misunderstood by the public, despite advancements in understanding its historical and literary contexts over the past two centuries.
- Personal Journey: Ehrman shares his transition from a devout Christian to a critical scholar, illustrating how academic studies led him to question traditional views of biblical inerrancy.
Why should I read Jesus, Interrupted?
- Engaging Scholarship: The book presents complex scholarly ideas in an accessible manner, making it suitable for both believers and non-believers interested in biblical studies.
- Critical Thinking: It encourages readers to think critically about their beliefs and the texts they hold sacred, promoting an open-minded approach to understanding the Bible.
- Awareness of Contradictions: Reading this book will help you become aware of the contradictions within the Bible, leading to a deeper understanding of its texts and their implications.
What are the key takeaways of Jesus, Interrupted?
- Contradictions Exist: Ehrman emphasizes that the Bible contains numerous contradictions that challenge the notion of its inerrancy, providing examples from both the Old and New Testaments.
- Historical-Critical Method: The book advocates for interpreting the Bible through the historical-critical method, which seeks to understand texts in their original historical and cultural contexts.
- Impact on Faith: Understanding these contradictions can impact one's faith, suggesting that many traditional beliefs may need reevaluation in light of scholarly findings.
What are the best quotes from Jesus, Interrupted and what do they mean?
- "The Bible is the most significant book in the history of our civilization.": This quote underscores the profound influence the Bible has had on Western culture, literature, and moral thought.
- "If something was true, it was true; if not, not.": Reflects Ehrman's commitment to truth-seeking, emphasizing the importance of aligning beliefs with evidence.
- "The perspectives that I present in the following chapters are not my own idiosyncratic views of the Bible.": Asserts that his arguments are based on established scholarly consensus, lending credibility to his analysis.
What is the historical-critical method discussed in Jesus, Interrupted?
- Understanding Context: This method involves examining biblical texts in their original historical and cultural contexts to understand their meanings.
- Analyzing Authorship: It questions the traditional authorship of biblical texts, exploring who wrote them, when, and why, revealing discrepancies and biases.
- Evaluating Sources: Emphasizes evaluating the sources of information used by the Gospel writers, including oral traditions and earlier texts, to assess reliability.
How does Ehrman’s personal journey influence Jesus, Interrupted?
- Transformation from Belief to Skepticism: Ehrman recounts his transition from a fundamentalist Christian to a skeptic, illustrating how academic study led him to question biblical inerrancy.
- Relatable Experience: His personal struggles with faith and scholarship make the book relatable to readers who may also grapple with their beliefs.
- Commitment to Truth: Emphasizes his commitment to seeking truth, even when it leads to uncomfortable conclusions about the texts he once revered.
What are some examples of contradictions in the Bible highlighted in Jesus, Interrupted?
- Creation Accounts: Discrepancies between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 present different orders of creation and details about humanity's origins.
- Resurrection Narratives: Differing accounts of Jesus' resurrection in the Gospels, noting variations in who visits the tomb and what they see.
- Historical Events: Contradictions in the accounts of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, such as the timing of events and details surrounding his interactions with Pilate.
How does Jesus, Interrupted address the issue of biblical inerrancy?
- Challenging Assumptions: Argues that the belief in biblical inerrancy is not supported by the evidence found in the texts themselves, as they contain contradictions and errors.
- Scholarly Consensus: Emphasizes that the views presented are widely accepted among biblical scholars, suggesting a need to reevaluate traditional understandings.
- Implications for Faith: Discusses the implications of these findings for both believers and non-believers, encouraging an open-minded approach to the Bible.
How does Ehrman establish the historical context of the Gospels?
- Dating the Gospels: Discusses the approximate dates of the Gospels' composition, suggesting they were written decades after Jesus' death.
- Oral Tradition Influence: Emphasizes the role of oral traditions in shaping the Gospels, noting that stories about Jesus were passed down and altered over time.
- External Sources: Looks at non-Christian sources from the time, such as writings by Josephus and Tacitus, to provide additional context for understanding Jesus' life.
What methods does Ehrman use to analyze the Gospels?
- Criteria of Authenticity: Applies criteria like multiple attestation and dissimilarity to evaluate the historical reliability of Gospel accounts.
- Textual Criticism: Examines variations in manuscript copies of the Gospels, revealing how scribes altered texts over time.
- Historical Contextualization: Places the Gospels within their historical and cultural contexts, considering social, political, and religious factors.
What role does the oral tradition play in the Gospels according to Jesus, Interrupted?
- Transmission of Stories: Explains that the Gospels were based on oral traditions that circulated among early Christians, leading to variations in accounts.
- Impact on Reliability: The reliance on oral tradition raises questions about the reliability of the Gospel narratives due to changes over time.
- Cultural Context: Reflects the cultural context of early Christian communities, influencing how stories about Jesus were told and understood.
What are the implications of Jesus, Interrupted for modern Christianity?
- Reevaluation of Scripture: Encourages modern Christians to reevaluate their understanding of scripture, challenging the notion of biblical inerrancy.
- Faith and Scholarship: Suggests that faith and scholarship can coexist, offering a more nuanced view of belief.
- Addressing Contemporary Issues: Insights can help address contemporary issues within Christianity, fostering a more inclusive and thoughtful faith community.
Review Summary
Jesus, Interrupted receives mixed reviews, with many praising Ehrman's accessibility and historical approach to biblical scholarship. Readers appreciate his exploration of contradictions and authorship issues in the New Testament, finding it eye-opening and thought-provoking. Some criticize repetitiveness and perceived bias. Many note that the information, while not new to scholars, is rarely taught to congregations. The book challenges biblical inerrancy but does not aim to destroy faith. Some readers find it liberating, while others see it as undermining Christianity's foundations.
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