First published 2014
Bible scholar Bart Ehrman investigates one of Christianity's most fundamental claims: that Jesus of Nazareth was divine. Through eight years of research, Ehrman demonstrates that neither Jesus's original disciples nor Jesus himself believed in his divinity during his lifetime. The author traces how this belief evolved dramatically from the first century to the fourth century of the early church. Ehrman shows how an apocalyptic preacher from rural Galilee, executed as a criminal by the state, gradually became viewed as equal to God Almighty. The transformation began only after some followers experienced visions of Jesus following his death. Their understanding of his divine status differed significantly from modern Christian doctrine. This New York Times bestselling author guides readers through the historical development of a belief that would define Christianity, offering insights valuable to both secular historians and believers seeking to understand how religious doctrine evolved.
Genres: history, religion, non-fiction, christianity, theology, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic-investigation
Period: 1st Century, 4th Century
404 pages · Hardcover · HarperOne