Biblical Contradictions by Bart Ehrman
Date: 04-18-09
Host: Ian Punnett
Guests: Bart Ehrman
Ian Punnett was joined by Bible expert and author Bart Ehrman for a discussion on the apparent contradictions found in the New Testament. Many lay people are unaware of these discrepancies as well as the historical findings on the Bible, he said, because "scholars have done such terrible job of communicating with normal human beings." Ehrman believes that knowing more about troublesome passages can actually help people better understand the Scripture, and to that end he provided some specific examples of inconsistencies in the Bible.
On the question of when Jesus died, Ehrman pointed out that the Gospel of Mark (see Chapter 14) indicates it was the day after Passover, while John's account (in Chapter 19) records it as occurring the day before the Jewish holiday. According to Ehrman, John changed the historical date to make a theological point about Jesus being the Passover Lamb of God. Ehrman presented the different details surrounding the demise of Judas as well. Matthew (27:5) says Judas "went and hanged himself," while the Book of Acts (1:18) records, "he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out."
Ehrman spoke about the formation of the New Testament, noting how the collection was a result of theological conflict among different Christian groups and not a decision handed down by a Church council. Gnostic texts, such as the Gospel of Thomas, were not included in the Canon, though they provide information not found in the four Gospels, he added. Ehrman also mentioned the New Testament story about the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). He said the account is not found in the earliest manuscripts and was likely inserted into the Gospel of John some centuries after the Canon had been closed.
To the ignorant, every question seems plausible. The so called 'contradictions' are well known chestnuts and have been around for hundreds of years. As I said, to the ignorant all these things sound plausible.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the first one. The difference between a Jewish holiday, the weekly sabbath, a special sabbath and the passover are all spelled out in the law of Moses. Try Leviticus 23 for a starter. If you know the law, and the customs of the times, can abandon cultural bias & ignorance, you may find the answer to this elementary question.
But what then would this expert do. No fame, no books, no interviews and nothing to sell.
The rest of the supposed contradictions are just as silly and easily refuted.
Pro 2:1 ¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
Pro 2:2-5 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.