Jesus Interrupted – Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible And Why We Dont Know About Them
Jesus Interrupted Revealing the Hidden Contradictions in the Bible And Why We Dont Know About Them
Picking up where Bible expert Bart Ehrman's New York Times bestseller Misquoting Jesus left off, Jesus, Interrupted addresses the larger issue of what the New Testament actually teaches — and it's not what most people think. Here Ehrman reveals what scholars have unearthed:
- The authors of the New Testament have diverging views about who Jesus was and how salvation works
- The New Testament contains books that were forged in the names of the apostles by Christian writers who lived decades later
- Jesus, Paul, Matthew, and John all represented fundamentally different religions
- Established Christian doctrines — such as the suffering messiah, the divinity of Jesus, and the trinity — were the inventions of still later theologians
These are not idiosyncratic perspectives of just one modern scholar. As Ehrman skillfully demonstrates, they have been the standard and widespread views of critical scholars across a full spectrum of denominations and traditions. Why is it most people have never heard such things? This is the book that pastors, educators, and anyone interested in the Bible have been waiting for — a clear and compelling account of the central challenges we face when attempting to reconstruct the life and message of Jesus.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Essential reading . . .
Essential reading for anyone who is open to critically reading the Bible. Read it and use it as a tool to help you see the stories differently.
4 Stars Controversial in a noncontroversial sort of way
Right up front, the author states the Bible is the most important book in western thought. The contradictions specifically pointed should not really surprise anyone, except perhaps the gentle folks who keep giving me bad feedback on my review of "Signs and Wonders. Why Pentecostalism is the world's fastest growing faith." The present collection of the twenty-seven "book" canon was a very human process (p.223)which is a compilation of documents by writers who probably did not witness the life of Jesus, who based their writings upon decades old oral traditions, perhaps the erstwhile Q, and perhaps even their own interpretations. Even those "original" documents appear to be no longer extant and the present texts are copies of copies, etc. that may have been altered accidently or to fit the present concept of Christianity (pp. 267-268). Various factions exterminated the interpretations of other less powerful factions. Now, various Christians factions interpret the same book in seemingly different manners. A life can could be spent studying the Bible as an historical document, and this is a good enough introduction for the novice. Those who found this text to be of interest might also enjoy Dr. Ehrman's other titles "Misquoting Jesus" and "Lost Scriptures."
2 Stars Jesus Interrupted, Bart's Interpretation
I assume what Bart covers in the video is also in the book. If it is not let me point something out to you. His first example here is the contrast between Mark and Luke in the portrayal of Jesus' "attitude" at crucifixion. Can I submit that what I heard is conjecture and I am not sure it has any bases in the original texts. So, I would suggest that he and you read up to the crucifixion, if you want to get the context, beginning Mark 14. There you see a Jesus very much "in control" and even saying what is about to happen to him, one will betray him and another will deny him. Look, if you will at 14:48. Read the questions that Jesus asks the Jews and the soldiers that come to get him and see if you can get into his mind. Ehrman certainly thinks he (Ehrman) can get into his (Jesus) mind. And, Ehrman is doing so on the basis of only one statement in Mark 15. He assume Jesus is not "in control" because he is not saying anything in the chapter. What he does not realize is that Jesus' stance, Jesus' "attitude" may actually be fulfilling something said of the Messiah much earlier, ie, the Jewish scriptures.
5 Stars Excellent presentation
Evangelicals will (might) read this refusing to accept historical facts and theories which conflict with their belief or "faith". They will chalk this book up as an attack on their faith, an attack in Christianity, a ruse by Satan, etc. etc. etc. The same old stuff. Never mind these facts about Christianity have been known for past 200 years and taught at seminaries and divinity schools for decades which means their own pastors have this knowledge but with most refusing to teach it. Instead the devotional approach continues and keeps the followers in the dark and uninformed. The book is excellent and Bart Ehrman is a former evangelical. It has a very easy and understandable approach to it. One suggestion though is for the reader to read the four Gospels and Acts first to have a basic foundation before diving into the book. If you really want to understand the history behind Christianity, as validated by the vast majority of the scholarly community, then this is a must read. BnB Beatles Depot
1 Star New title, same book: Evidence that demands a rest
How many more time will Mr Ehrman publish the same book? The themes do not change, the evidence does not change. His "discrepancies" are little more than shifts in perspective. I confess to being staunchly opposed to his conclusions but I will examine his evidence. I have done so in previous publications of his and others which attack Christian belief. Since my faith is based on truth I have nothing to fear from reading. I only skim such works now on either side of the debate since most such works are re-re-restatements of other works. I must concur with other reviewers who believe Ehrman only continues to do this to cash in on the Dan Brown Code and keep himself available for talking head spots on The History Channel and Discovery. I must take him to task for his attack on C.S. Lewis. Lewis and many others addressed the claim that Christ's claim to deity was legendary and not supported by scripture and rejected it. You present this claim as if it was original; hence, my title.
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