Dr. Bart D. Ehrman lecture: "The History of Heaven and Hell!"

[@CTechAstronomy]

Any time I see a church inviting BE on for a lecture I have so much respect for that church.

[@The_Other_Ghost]

I'm glad you are so open minded for a church. BE is a great speaker and shows how informative he is in every talk.

[@mexbutler1661]

I really enjoyed the question time for this session. The people came across as very genuine, and Dr Ehrman responded with such fascinating information that is clearly current discussion in the field. The whole session was great. Thanks all.

[@demetriospantopoulos876]

dream on!

[@JamesLee-fd9ce]

So Bart is you want to really under stand the afterlife from a Biblical I would be more than glad to enlighten you. In Luke 16:19-31 he gives a story of an event of Lazarus and the rich. I think it is a great lecture of Hebrew culture belief in so call Old Testament times. Abraham's side or bosom would be a place to start your study. Going to hell or Hades would be another place to start your study. Bart if you had any kind of insight into Yahweh salvation plan you would have right discernment. Speaking as an expert and not making sense is really sad. You have a teaching position a out who the Most High is and you are blowing it my brother. I just challenge you to study a little harder. In PSALM 18 it is Christ in the Pit.of hell being tortured in Sheol 18:5, while there he prayed to Yahweh v6-36. How do we lnow this is Christ Acts 2:22-37. Brother for three days and three nights he was tortured in he'll. The word grave here is Sheol. You are totally wrong about Sheol. You can see this in other scriptures PSALM 16:9-11. Also look at Jonah 2:2 the word grave is Sheol. He says he called on Yahweh while in Sheol. Bro I think you need to really do your Homework. Christ is Jewish he grew up in that Culture and he spoke their language. There are many scriptures where Sheol is an entity and engaged in torturing the unrighteous. Tje things thay Christ did is that he has changed the spiritual realm he has the keys of Death and Hades the Greek Mythology gods. Thanatos or death. Both Thanatos and Hades were defeated by Christ. They no longer have the power. Rev 1:18 "I hold the keys of Thanatos and Hades" This reinforces that the Messiah has overcome both Thanatos and Hades. The story of Lazarus was not a parable. Bro why do you speak as if your word is the final thought? Please humble yourself.

[@greglogan7706]

​@@JamesLee-fd9ce Your comment is such an awesome display of sheer, pathetic ignorance - it really is a sort of piece of art within himself.

[@JamesLee-fd9ce]

@greglogan7706 maybe you would enjoy a chance to be enlightened on heaven and hell. From a Biblical perspective. I really think what you said to me applies perfectly to the stuff Bart espoused in that discussion. I am willing to back up everything I said from a Biblical as well as a secular perspective.

[@greglogan7706]

@@JamesLee-fd9ce You are the perfect little horn with a big mouth sitting yourself in the seat of God.... Needless to say, failing miserably on the latter half.

[@nickydaviesnsdpharms3084]

Iv'e been watching tonnes of Bart D. Ehrman's content cos even tho i'm an atheist, i think as do many others that it's crucial to have as best an understanding of the bible and everything that goes with it, as possible, in order to engage better in discussions.

[@ohmss069]

FYI, Bart Ehrman is also an atheist. Thought you might find that fact interesting.

[@KaijuOfTheOpera]

@Sergio_Sosa_ Its the same thing lol

[@dancahill9585]

@@KaijuOfTheOpera Of course there is no reason that an academic atheist can't know the New Testament much better than a Fundamentalist apologist, and there are a lot of reasons he would know it better. After all, the only thing fundamentalist apologists do is start out assuming the New Testament is the literal inerrant word of God, and all their studies come from that assumption. Now, there is absolutely zero reason to believe that assumption is valid. Academics start out with no assumptions, and go where ever the evidence leads, whether that is biblical evidence, or archaeological evidence, or any other evidence. The training for a fundamentalist apologist is a lot like the training for a Used Car Salesman. It isn't about facts or truth, its about getting people's money and getting them into the car.

[@sergkapitan2578]

So, read also other solid theologians:))) 😅😢 Find Dr. James Dunn at least,etc. Arthur Peacocke, Ian Barbour,

[@bsaneil]

Most atheists know the Bible far better than theists. Reading the Bible in its entirety is a great way to become an atheist!

[@timmuetzel2675]

I grew up as the son of parents who pastored and were later missionaries in an evangelical, fundamental tradition. Decades later (due primarily to the availability of thought-provoking and informative presentations, debates, and discussion that only the ease of access the internet has provided), I have become a happy and at-peace a-theist. Bart Ehrman's work has been a significant and meaningful help in my wish to understand what is "true" (to the extent we are able to understand) and I've read and listened to much of his material. I found this lecture fascinating and found the Q&A portion particularly enjoyable. What a great group of viewers and questioners. And what a great event to host and provide online. I so wish that these resources and especially the openness to hearing other points of view were available 50 years ago as I was growing up and trying to find meaning to life and my place in it. Regardless of the traditions we have grown up in or have found ourselves affected by in life, it always warms my heart to find people who earnestly seek whatever can be understood as truth, with an openness of mind, heart, and spirit, so as to better establish understanding and meaning that we can apply to our personal lives in whatever context we try to best authentically live them. Thank you for this video.

[@jesuschristislord9013]

No matter how much truth you search, it will always lead to Jesus christ, everything was made by him and everything will return to him.

[@MrGrumpyGills]

@@jesuschristislord9013 Nope. Good for you, though.

[@erikpaterson1404]

Very good words, my sentiments ring true with what you have said here... I'm not exactly an atheist, I was, when I was younger but more out of a sense of rebelliousness, I was anti everything, you name it, nihilist, anarchist and so on. Then we grow up and realize hey, that kind of thinking will get us nowhere and we learn nothing, along comes Bart Ehrman, who is yes has lost faith with religion but he is one of the most learned scholars on the bible, I think learning Greek and Hebrew says a lot when someone is lecturing on the bible. Because someone is an atheist, agnostic, whatever, we can still have a respect for the scriptures and can learn a lot about history, the world, ancient societies and civilizations. anyway, now I'm rambling. But thanks for these comments. love and peace.

[@timmuetzel2675]

@@erikpaterson1404 Thanks for reply. I get where you're coming from....life is quite a journey isn't it? And so much of it is trying to unpack where we grew up and how we grew up and the environment we live in. And, yes, as a happy and content a-theist, I have found it even easier to appreciate the preciousness of life. Do I know everything or what it's all about? Of course not, but I've also become much more comfortable with the idea of "I don't know" and that's okay. But, love and peace right back to you and to everyone. I don't look down on anyone or their journey. I just think, as hard as life can be, it's also the luckiest thing to have been given the opportunity to experience (unearned) of anything we currently know has had that chance in the universe. Again, thanks for the shout back and wishing you a life of happiness.

[@ossiedunstan4419]

Here is some truth the white racist Erhman does not tell you, Teh middle east is not cradle humaity , It ithe cradle of extinction, Australian Aboriginal's have been on earth thousands of years longer than any god ever imagined. The oldest religions on earth, Hinduism (founded around the 15th - 5th century BCE) · Zoroastrianism (10th - 5th century BCE) · Judaism (9th - 5th century BCE) · Jainism (8th - 2nd century BCE). Islam = 620 BC Quran/koran= 1101 AD = Author = Hamid Al-Ghazali Hadith =Author Muhammad al-Bukhari, 9th century christianity= 1,400 to maybe 1,600 years . Judaeo beliefs dated 3,000 years( torah). Zoroastrianism= 4,000 years at most. Sumer was first settled by humans from 4500 to 4000 B.C. Australian Aboriginal civilisation and culture = 63,000 + BCE before jesus was dreamed up bye imbeciles steeped in ignorance and superstition, Australian Aboriginals. 35,000 years ago= discovered radiation sickness and erected a warning sign for radiation sickness. White christian euro trash = discovered radiation sickness 1946. 7,000 -14,000 years ago , Aboriginals watched and recorded the formation of the Great Barrier Reef .The so called global flood of noah`s, also the great flood in the Gilgamesh mythos. 40,000 years ago = mongo man buried , dug up bye white British racist c--ts and taken back to England , he has only been recently returned buy those who desecrated his burial site. In 1788 when white genocidal christians landed in Australia, They where horrified that woman in Aboriginal society had equal standing with men, they where included in all civil matters including law, These white christians then started killing whole Aboriginal communities, Men woman children new born`s because my people refused to deny the rights of woman who had had those rights for over 65,000 years. Where is your god if made the world 6,000 years ago , please explain.

[@judithpatrick2207]

What a Historian! A diamond .

[@MH55YT]

Great video. I watch everything Bart Ehrman. I'd sign up and pay, but of course, I'm poor and recently forced to retire. Sorry. This was a great video and I'll search for more from Bart. And thank you St Luke's Episcopal Church for hosting.

[@justneoh8253]

Regarding preaching of Hell as a major driving factor of the spread of Christianity, it happened not only in early Christianity, But also during many revivals throughout the centuries where charismatic preachers (e.g. Wesley, Billy Graham at least in his prime age) emphasized Hell/punishment in their preaching/sermons.

[@GoldenEmperor5Manifest]

So what seems to have occurred is that a lot of the influence came from Persia and Greece, both come from Indo-European influences which in the proto-indo-European era included religion such as proto or early Vedic religion (Indo-Aryan migration which includes Persia). So the ideas of karma and rebirth existed long before Hebrew religion evolved.

[@maudenaliburd4510]

After visiting Castle Cornet in Guernsey I know that there is definitely life after death. This made me rededicate my life to God after suffering for more than 6 months and losing over 5st in weight from that experience.

[@OneTheBlue]

I expect the rest of this story is fascinating

[@Nonamam]

That's so sad that u believe in this delusions.

[@Wretched2JZ]

So what happened?

[@Viral_Christology]

⁠@@NonamamNothing can beat the delusions of someone who believes they evolved from a rock.

[@Nonamam]

@@Viral_Christology yea that sounds nuts. Ppl r so silly, they don't even understand basic evolution concept.

[@ranikalakaar]

Thanks to Bart for helping to clean up the world-class failure of majority Christian thought.

[@wagsman9999]

Great work, as usual. Thanks Dr. Ehrman!

[@davidlee495]

What about the story of Lazarus and the rich man who died? The rich man was in torment while Lazarus was 'in Mose,s bosom'?

[@lepidoptera9337]

That would be completely incompatible with modern Christian beliefs. What about it?

[@canwelook]

Yes, an unfortunate story for Christians. Firstly it is Luke's character Jesus who tells this story of heaven and a hell of torment. Most modern Christians run away from this understanding of hell, because it paints Jesus as the tyrant who created this hell and selects the people to send there. Second, Jesus' proclaimed criteria for selecting who to send there is deeds, not belief/faith. An uncomfortable contradiction.

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@canwelook Oh no. The judgement by Jesus is perfectly central to Christian beliefs. It's the fact that they are already talking about heaven and hell that is not. Modern Christian belief has heaven and hell completely empty because the Judge didn't return, yet. First return of Jesus, then bodily resurrection, then judgement and only after that torment. In Catholicism it's all about deeds. Faith is only the help that enables a person to do the deeds. What the Catholic Church meant by "deeds" was for the rich people to give their land and money to the Church (remember, the rich can't get into heaven?). So basically the rich would donate their earthly belongings and spend their last days or weeks or months in a monastery. That way Jesus was happy, the rich guy died "poor" (but in relative luxury and well cared for, since the monks were probably about the best healthcare one could buy) and the Church became the largest land owner after the kings. That's the reason why Protestants have de-emphasized deeds and are promising heaven for faith only. It's all childish bullshit, of course.

[@canwelook]

@@lepidoptera9337 Yes. One day I realised I could not worship a being who would punish those who didn't worship it. It was like worshipping Hitler, or worshipping an alien race that was callously harvesting humans. That day, everything about faith fell away for me. It didn't even matter to me if the god was real. The god character was entirely despicable and deserved no respect.

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@canwelook Yahweh wasn't designed as a nice guy. He was the Jewish protector god, so they had to pretend that he was a mean peace of work. Of course he never really worked for the Jewish folks... so that's the actual problem with Yahweh from which all the Christian bullshit forks. :-)

[@blazedas4451]

I like how most modern Evangelicals likes to dismiss evolution, when in reality their religion itself has evolved

[@jesuschristislord9013]

Evolution doesn't change the fact that God does exist, God exists even if evolution was true, I don't know where did scientists get the idea that if evolution is true that means there is no creator, There would be no evolution of any kind wethete religion, people or animals,if not for a creator, evolution doesn't change the fact that we have DNA and it sure doesn't change the fact that Jesus christ died and rose again on the third day, Evolution is just explaining what God created.

[@orlandogivens4779]

How can a platform be evolving when it's state of affairs concerning the Truth has been compromised? So that would make it a degrading platform of which is a serious issue of self-destruction.... So what are you talking about???

[@Justin_Beaver564]

​@@orlandogivens4779 What are you talking about?

[@greglogan7706]

​@@Justin_Beaver564 Thank-you!

[@broski365]

Similar to the idea of evolution, where's the best ideas survive in bad ideas day off, Christianity prospered and survived over other religions, in specific ideas where it constant battle with other ideas and what's victorious in people's minds.

[@jstaversky]

Anybody point me to a good book or article (or video) specifically on which aspects of Platonic thought informed the development of early Christian thoughts/beliefs?

[@lepidoptera9337]

The total absence of common sense. ;-)

[@ancientflames]

@@lepidoptera9337moronic reply award

[@charlesbivens6757]

@@lepidoptera9337so amazed at your brilliant reply.

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@charlesbivens6757 I simply understand the conditions under which Christianity was created. Imagine you are living in a concentration camp that stretches from Northern Africa to Britain and from the Atlantic to the Middle East. There is no escaping from the cruelty of the guards and this has been going on for generation after generation of your people. There is very little room for "common sense" under those conditions. Everybody has PTSD (including the guards who keep assassinating each other!) and hangs on to whatever irrational beliefs get them through the day. Are we cool or are you just here for my attention? :-)

[@jamesklein1278]

Its been very interesting the last few months going back and seeing the a lot of Bart Ehrman's debates and lectures. He has a amazing way of looking past solid scholarship to his version of fairytales. Fortunately there are great scholars that dont turn to fantasy and historical misconceptions for truth. I dont trust an atheists deceiver to teach at any level..

[@dayofthejackyl]

Yeah! You only wanna hear about your fairytales from the TRUE BELIEVERS!!

[@janetokeefe5130]

Your closed-mindness explains your ignorance. 😊

[@jamesklein1278]

@janetokeefe5130 you have know idea and that makes perfect sense that you follow this false teacher. There are hundreds of amazing scholarships that refute all Ehrmans arguments and assumptions.

[@jamesklein1278]

@janetokeefe5130 1 Cor 2:2 Bart Ehrman does not know Christ so what use is he but to mislead and teach false myths. That is what he is good at and will lead no one to the " WAY,TRUTH AND LIFE found in relationships with Jesus.

[@janetokeefe5130]

@jamesklein1278 Name a few and I'll research them. I was raised Baptist, got saved and baptized at 15, went to a Christian college, and studied the Bible every semester. Every Christian apologist I heard fell short- twisting the Bible to suit their own agenda. So please, elucidate me.

[@tedgrant2]

My Moslem neighbour tells me I can have anything I want in Paradise. I asked him if I can have my pet dog. He said, "No".

[@GNORMIN]

😂😂😂

[@davidlee495]

What about Saul conjuring up Samuel from the dead? This seems to suggest a continuance of consciousness of some sort.

[@lepidoptera9337]

It never happened. So what?

[@charlesbivens6757]

@@lepidoptera9337and you know this how?

[@realLsf]

@Prof. Ehrman I'm a follower of Christ & I'm very greatful for the work that you do to help everyone better understand Jesus Christ. The unconditional love you show as a father, is a secular blessing. Thank you 🙏

[@tedgrant2]

I should imagine that a follower of Christ doesn't own a computer or a cell phone. "Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my boyfriend" (Luke 14:33)

[@adamrspears1981]

@@tedgrant2 disciple, not boyfriend.

[@tedgrant2]

@@adamrspears1981 "If any woman come to me and hate not her father and mother and husband and children and brothers and sisters, yea, and her own life also, she cannot be my girlfriend" (Luke 14:26)

[@tedgrant2]

@@adamrspears1981 "She shall not round the corners of her head, neither shalt she mar the corners of her beard" Saith the Lord.

[@tedgrant2]

@@adamrspears1981 He doesn't like barbers.

[@StillCollins-ni6qd]

the word paradise comes rom the Persian 'pardis' from proto-iranian 'paridayjah'. Also, in Zarathustra's `gathas' the idea of eternal positivity is posited as 'the house of song'... and eternal negativity is described as 'the house of lies'

[@maggieadams8600]

Weren't Jews influenced also by Egypt, who believed that upon dying the dead were taken to the underworld and first asked if they'd broken any of their commandments, (which were very similar to the 10 commandments), and then after that, their hearts were weighed, and if light, they went on to life and joy, but if heavy, they would never make it to the after life, but live forever in the underworld.

[@dyls2702]

The 10 commandments are directly taken from the 42 negative commandments of ancient Kemet (Egypt) also many of the attributes of the Torah Bible Quran co.e from Kemet Abraham moses all lived in Kemet for instance the immaculate conception is carved into the stone walls of a temple in Kemet.

[@hdoak1]

I love your clear explanations of the message the Bible is passing on to the then future generations. This work along with Aron Ra and Paulogia has to be correcting the suspertions that have corrupted the intended message.

[@lepidoptera9337]

The intended message was always the same: pay me because I speak for a Nigerian Prince.

[@Wretched2JZ]

Aron ra and paulogia? Come on

[@flaviaaraiza2415]

I always enjoy your videos Professor Ehrman, they are very educational and informative. I was a baptist christian since 1995 but, I always noticed very odd things. Many things made absolutely no sense to me. After the passing of my beloved son in August 27th 2022, I completely left the church and now I have no desire to ever go back to church. My son & I suffered a lot before his passing so, I feel that every religion especially Christianity is all man made up. I have been doing a lot of research all kind of research and I came to a conclusion that I want no church in my life. I don't need church to do what is right. We all know right from wrong and we need to use our brains.🧠 this life is all about making good choices. Thank you and hope to meet you one day in person. Keep up the good work Professor Ahrman 🙂

[@tedgrant2]

When I had an operation under general anesthetic, I was unconscious for maybe a couple of hours. I don't really know how long I was unconscious, because, to me, it lasted no time at all. It was exactly the same as sleeping (without dreaming). Death cannot be better, just longer..

[@sebozz2046]

Islam is the true, read the Quran. Hell(jahanam) is a real place.

[@tedgrant2]

@@sebozz2046 I've read the Qur'an. It's a great book, but I didn't like Surah 4:56 Personally I prefer "Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar".

[@ahmedopone4080]

Why didn't you like it? Pain receptors are in the skin. Hence to feel eternal pain for arrogance your skin shall regenerate only to be tortured again.

[@tedgrant2]

@@ahmedopone4080 Actually, I lied. I haven't read it. But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it if I did read it.

[@Wretched2JZ]

@@tedgrant2why are you lying?

[@captainzappbrannagan]

I want to know where the idea of the soul started and its changes over time.

[@lepidoptera9337]

Where does it start? It starts with human memory. We remember the dead. When these memories take on the character of regrets and fears of retribution, they turn into (evil) ghosts. If they are positive, they can become guiding and protecting spirits. People then spin stories and religions around that primal experience. Do the details matter? Not really. In the end it's all just bullshit.

[@Wretched2JZ]

@@lepidoptera9337there’s also real world experience. Folks having close to death experience or seeing a ghost or spirit etc. There’s certainly more to this life we don’t know for sure about

[@tedgrant2]

Will we have warm clothes in Heaven ? I recently flew to Las Vegas in a flying machine ! It was warm inside the machine, but minus 56 C outside.

[@majorhowell1453]

When anyone says righteousness comes and goes it tells me they have no idea.

[@ngusumakofu1]

What about the parable of Lazarus and the rich man? Wouldn’t that be be example of Jesus alluding to heaven and hell?

[@ngusumakofu1]

Nvm. Didn’t get through the Q and A section before posting this question.

[@erichodge567]

1:13:00 Bart makes a good case as to why Jesus didn't actually tell the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man, but I'm going to keep believing he did, because, gosh darn it, it's the best parable in the New Testament, and that's saying something.

[@scottcatalanotto]

In the Greek eternal was Aionion meaning of an age not forever. It is clear that death will be abolished for both the righteous and the unrighteous The prodigal son will return every knee shall bow

[@pillettadoinswartsh4974]

If there was a hell (there isn't), I would feel sorry for the people there who would have to listen to all the pastors and priests who ended up there with them. Can you imagine?

[@socrates2788]

How are the lines in John 14 (about mansions in heaven) explained?

[@socrates2788]

In addition, what about the quote that was discussed here about “if you give up your riches, you’ll have riches in heaven”? Doesn’t that imply that the person would *go to* heaven?

[@au7-721]

It means what it says. Find a good dictionary and look up the word mansion.

[@socrates2788]

My point was that those verses were inconsistent with some of the things said in this video.

[@ktownjunkie]

interestingly, the vacuum cleaner gained popularity about the time electricity and light bulbs were more ubiquitous in homes.

[@Drforbin941]

Professor Ehrman, you make statement about the flat earth and science claiming it was true at one point. could you reference that please.

[@markosho1778]

I love Dr. Ehrman so much, it's downright ridiculous.

[@tmotofga]

Greetings, I listened to your entire podcast. I have 3 comments and a question. I hope you'll respond. Other religions did believe in an afterlife. Norsemen are one. I agree with many of the things you spoke of, especially no eternal torment, but primarily because you can't torment a mortal. Only those found in the book of life will put on immortality. I disagree that Paul and Christ had two different religions. There was a path for Israel, 613 Laws which includes the 10 Commandments. Christ told the rich man to follow the Law of Moses (I'm shortcutting). That WAS path one. Then Christ offered him a second, give up the world and follow me (faith). Paul is saying Isreal couldn't bear the burden of the Law of Moses (613), which was a reward punishment system that offered no forgiveness in many cases. You got stoned to death. Christ however, He offers redemption, mercy and forgiveness for all sin, if you'd only repent, have faith and actually follow His teachings. This is path 2. BTW, I separate the 10 (moral law) from the 603 (LOM) as they are condense in the 2 given by Christ and the difference is Christ's required Love, the 613 did not. Only obedience. My question is this. You were not very clear on whether YOU believe Christians who follow the faith will go to Heaven. Christ said, I go to prepare a place for you. Where I am, you will be also. There are others. I don't think I need to give you the scripture references. 🙏 😊 I enjoyed you and your participants. God bless 🙌 reetings, I listened to your entire podcast. I have 3 comments and a question. I hope you'll respond. Other religions did believe in an afterlife. Norsemen are one. I agree with many of the things you spoke of, especially no eternal torment, but primarily because you can't torment a mortal. Only those found in the book of life will put on immortality. I disagree that Paul and Christ had two different religions. There was a path for Israel, 613 Laws which includes the 10 Commandments. Christ told the rich man to follow the Law of Moses (I'm shortcutting). That WAS path one. Then Christ offered him a second, give up the world and follow me (faith). Paul is saying Isreal couldn't bear the burden of the Law of Moses (613), which was a reward punishment system that offered no forgiveness in many cases. You got stoned to death. Christ however, He offers redemption, mercy and forgiveness for all sin, if you'd only repent, have faith and actually follow His teachings. This is path 2. BTW, I separate the 10 (moral law) from the 603 (LOM) as they are condense in the 2 given by Christ and the difference is Christ's required Love, the 613 did not. Only obedience. My question is this. You were not very clear on whether YOU believe Christians who follow the faith will go to Heaven. Christ said, I go to prepare a place for you. Where I am, you will be also. There are others. I don't think I need to give you the scripture references. 🙏 😊 I enjoyed you and your participants. God bless 🙌

[@dominicschimizzi176]

I daddytxf m m guy G dog gig I’ll hi j gf T🎉 I’llJ

[@habbibisfamilia6258]

I'm really growing on Mr bart guys in enjoyable to hear

[@igaluitchannel6644]

Garbage was burned in Gehenna and the fire of the garbage burned continually.

[@markfischer3626]

The Catholics had Purgatory but they had to close it down due to budgetary consideeations.

[@zucc4764]

on the contrary, it was opened to manufacture a need, and they created indugences as a subscription perk, much like a medieval Patreon

[@markfischer3626]

@Zucc As the purveyors of religion are the most evil people in the world they are all going to hell. For lifelong atheists like me there is no such thing as hell.For those who believe in God they fall into two categories, slaves and slave masters. Atheism is the only freedom. I have never believed there is a God for even one second in my long life and never will. I am far too smart to be duped so easily.

[@mervynstephens2808]

@Mark Fischer Purgatory was closed due to overcrowding, too many priests and nuns taking up all the space 😉

[@markfischer3626]

@@mervynstephens2808 I know. The decision was made to transfer them all to hell where they will spend all eternity.

[@lorenanders702]

The foot traffic just wasnt there anymore. Like a next-world shopping mall!

[@busyb8676]

Did the early Christians believe in the. doctrine of Paradise and the seven heavens that the Pharacies believed in.

[@sharonhearne5014]

I love this approach to the larger view above and beyond the Bible and a true education from a intellectual/informed research that is not Bible-centric but rather looking at the sweep of genuine religious history. We, as humans, need this broad sweep of perspective because the other choice is a very narrow, very restrictive series of limits on the human soul.

[@joshuajeudy4705]

Seventh-day Adventist I have been saying this for years

[@Wretched2JZ]

Your a 7 day Adventist?

[@joshuajeudy4705]

@@Wretched2JZ yes, I am

[@abrahamphilip6439]

Before you talk of heaven & hell What specifically constitute the Faith ? If you cannot, go to the Traditional Churches , Catholic or Orthodox & even become one, for the answer

[@youngknowledgeseeker]

For any curious truth seeking Christians out there, "Biblical Unitarians" have been tirelessly saying this for years and years and years. Death is death, sleep. There is no judgement until resurrection. Hell is not eternal conscious torment, it is the 2nd death. Heaven comes to earth as our reward, we do not go to heaven. The earth is restored to paradise, or in other words Eden. 1:14:17 - That's a very good question. I'm no Bart Ehrman, but I'd like to input. First I wonder if there is a separation between 10 commandments and the rest of the law when Jesus says this. 2ndly in all gospels the Sabbath is not brought up in those passages specifically, the other commandments are though. In fact the Sabbath is brought up separately in other stories which seemingly have Jesus modifying the Sabbath law which he claims he is actually the Lord of. 3rdly, Paul and Jesus 100% thought that 9 of the 10 commands were applicable and necessary for Christians. Paul never ever imagined faith did not include OBEYING Jesus. His faith presupposed good works and obedience following it. The key thing here good works for Paul is not the same thing as the works of the law (which for him are things that people dubbed the ceremonial law and judicial laws). I would add the whole reason the Rich Young Ruler goes to ask Jesus anything is because he has faith in him that he's the Messiah or a great teacher, at the very least the man has faith in God. But you see how faith presupposes works.

[@1210CM]

So much knowledge, and yet, so little understanding. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

[@richardgregory3684]

So basically "It nonsense, but all you have to do is say god has Mysterious Ways" - this is basically the people who made up the collection of nonsense that is the bible including a cop-out, because they knew that at least some people reading it would have a functional brain and say"hang on, god is acting really stupidly here, even I can think of a better way of doing it" Ironic that believers say that but at the same time, claim to know what god is thinking and his wishes.

[@salvadoremarinaro6350]

@@1210CM The Lord is Good!

[@CapnSnackbeard]

I am curious about the claim that Jesus wouldn't have believed in the immortal soul, and that the very idea was alien to Jews of Jesus' time. What of the Essene's? Did Josephus not claim they believed in an eternal soul of some sort?

[@lepidoptera9337]

Josephus is, first and foremost, a politician. His motivation is not to inform about reality, but to make the Jewish people more palatable to Romans. It is also questionable that there was one dominant belief system at the time that everybody shared. Different people and groups had different ideas, just like today.

[@jgs1122]

How could any decent person enjoy heaven with the knowledge than many family and friends are suffering in Hell?

[@OneTheBlue]

According to St Thomas Aquinas, watching people suffer in hell will be a popular pastime. They have some twisted ideas about entertainment in heaven.

[@selio3702]

How could decent person on earth enjoy seeing other people suffering according to your logic?🤔🤔

[@OneTheBlue]

@@selio3702 And by the same logic, seeing people suffer on earth sucks too.

[@juicedgoose]

​@@selio3702Decent people don't enjoy the suffering of others

[@fwdolphin]

If family members end up in hell it was their choice. since in heaven they'll be no crying or pain to keep us from having pain we will not. Know where they are. That will be God's mercy to us.

[@markofday]

1:12:52 That is, atheist scholars such as Ehrman himself who explicitly disbelieve not only in the Lord Jesus's literal resurrection, but in any sort of divine intervention altogether.

[@lepidoptera9337]

What does the belief of the scholar change about the text?

[@prefersawkward]

​@@lepidoptera9337the text suggests Jesus made a statement and knew he'd die and be resurrected. A more secular view of Jesus, that grants his existence, would say Jesus was a Jew who believed he was a messenger from god, but didn't foresee that he'd ever be crucified, betrayed, or worshiped. There's a longer version of this viewpoint and it's prongs and the arguments made. You can definitely see them on Barts channel. Try his "how Jesus became God" lecture if you're curious. Obviously, these secular views stand against the gospel of John, for example, but historical scholars often view John as changing the story, and putting a lot of words and and opinions on Jesus not mentioned in earlier gospels.

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@prefersawkwardA more secular view will simply admit that we don't have a clue what Jesus actually thought or said. We have fan fiction about him that was written decades after his death, mostly by people who never met the man. That's it. We can make guesses, of course... but what is that worth about a man who is said to have killed a couple thousand pigs to drive out demons that shouldn't even exist by modern Christian belief? Would you like a talking donkey with that? ;-) In any case, if we want to talk about mythology, let's talk about Harry Potter. His author is still alive, so we could actually shoot her an email and ask her to tell us what Harry really is like when he is not swinging his wand. ;-)

[@sanmcnellis94]

Thanks

[@igaluitchannel6644]

The resurrection of the body is Zoroastrian concept out of Persia.

[@tedgrant2]

When I am in Heaven, will I be able to play video games ?

[@barnsweb52]

Bart - what we see is not all there is. We come here from somewhere - and we go somewhere. Immortality of the soul predates Plato - I'm sure he isn't the first to think this. No one knows how old the Zodiac is - likely predates all known civilization known today. Have you read the famous poem from the apostle Paul's home town that he quotes from in Acts? Or "The Real Meaning of the Zodiac, by Joseph Seiss - 1880's? It tells a story - intelligent men of old counted widom by understanding it.

[@janetokeefe5130]

What makes you think that we "came from somewhere "? Do you recall your pre-birth experience? Otherwise, you are just making sh*t up! Which is exactly what Christian apologists do!

[@tedgrant2]

My dog died in February this year (2022) and I miss him every day. When I cross a road, I still say, "Wait, sit,....cross !", but I know it's only fantasy. It's hard to think that he's not alive somewhere, maybe taking walks with Jesus.

[@bloodgrss]

But nothing here denies that spirit and those who we have loved do not go on in some way. Just not necessarily the way the Bible depicts it in contradictory ways, or preached by evangelicals with personal agendas. We simply do not know. But, and I hope this helps as it did after my dog passed, we ARE heading eventually to the same place...

[@impresauro3210]

Have you ever read The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov? Your comment reminded me of the relation between Pontius Pilate and his dog in the Master's writings (the character of the Master is a writer, so there's a sort of book within the book), which is basically the events of Yeshua's crucifixion from Pilate's perspective.

[@tedgrant2]

@@bloodgrss I hope to meet my dog at the pearly gates. I want to see his cute little face again and his wagging tail as he greets me. I must remember to take his favourite treats.

[@tedgrant2]

@@impresauro3210 That sounds like a fun read. I'll look out for it.

[@bloodgrss]

@@tedgrant2 Yes. I have many pets over the years to remember treats for too...

[@travisdiveley1652]

As far as Sheol, The body will Die , Only to this World-Life Earth Experience. Our Spirit-Soul is The Eternal US! *We don't Live by just Food and Water (for the body,) Alone, BUT By* The Partaking /Consuming Knowledge From "The Tree Of LIFE"- *"By Every "FRESH WORDS that Come Out of The Mouth Of THE LIVING GOD HIMSELF !*

[@JoeTharamangalam]

I wish to send some questions/advice to Ehrman. How to fo this?

[@austinjackson4690]

When you get there let us know

[@evgeny9965]

Origin wasn't just an important theologian he was one of THE most brilliant - excommunicated - I think that has been reversed in out time!

[@greglogan7706]

Evgeny What do you think is so brilliant about Origen

[@kenwardkgarg]

Enjoyed that.

[@douglaidlaw740]

What was there before heaven and hell?

[@draxthemsklonst]

Elysium & Hades

[@canwelook]

Ehrman appears to have erred (Ehrred 🙃) by not treating the gospels as separate accounts here. To my reading, Luke's Jesus has the unsaved not only perishing, but being sent to the traditional hell of torment that Bart says 60% of American believe in. These are the references to hell I could readily find being made by Luke's Jesus: Luke 10:15; Luke 12:5; Luke 13:3; Luke 16:23-24. The 2nd and 4th of these in particular have Jesus painting a picture of ECT rather than mere extinction.

[@howlingwaters2741]

Welcome to the "Daze of Deception". Keep the faith. Jesus is Lord, and one day, *every* knee will bow and *every* tongue confess, Jesus is Lord!" The judgment of God is so just, that even the condemned will agree with their fate. The gate to Hell is locked from within. Call on the name of the Lord as your Savior. He loves you!

[@janetokeefe5130]

How horrible it must be to be you; living in a destructive, punishing fantasy. If there is a hell, you will be there!

[@TheTrinityDelusion]

20:10 The soul is not something that "enlivens the body." The spirit enlivens the body. Soul and spirit are not the same thing. The soul is what you call an enlivened body because it is now a conscious person.

[@ancientflames]

Ok but you’re literally making that up based on religious doctrines and not on any reality.

[@TheTrinityDelusion]

@@ancientflames Ehrman's claim is based on Hebrew Scriptures. But it is wrong. This is not what the ancient Hebrews thought.

[@tedgrant2]

I get the impression from the Bible that Heaven is in the sky. If you had a long enough ladder or high tower, you could easily get to Heaven. Hell, on the other hand, is under the ground (Luke 16:22)

[@draxthemsklonst]

Makes you wonder if they were thinking of space (where the "heavenly" bodies are) & Earth's mantle/core (due to witnessing volcanic activity...like mount Vesuvius)

[@tedgrant2]

@@draxthemsklonst Exactly. They saw "fire" coming out of the volcano, which is where sinners are punished, obviously. "Elijah went up by a whirlwind into Heaven" so it isn't far away (2nd Kings 2:11)

[@tedgrant2]

@@draxthemsklonst "The cities are great and walled up to Heaven" (Deuteronomy 1:28) pretty high walls, huh ? "The smoke of the city ascended up to Heaven" (Joshua 8:20) which is not ambiguous at all ! Even "the cry of the city went up to Heaven" (1st Samuel 5:12) so there must be air all the way up !

[@tedgrant2]

@@draxthemsklonst "Though they dig into Hell, thence shall my hand take them, though they climb up to Heaven, thence will I bring them down" (Amos 9:2) That's confirmation from The LORD himself, so it's not just human imagination.

[@freddiesimmons1394]

@@tedgrant2 that's confirmation of what?

[@addalavenkataratnam5449]

Pl read about Bhagavat Gita which is a part of the Mahabharata written much before Plato which says the immortality of the soul. Buddhism also believes in the immortality of consciousness otherwise known as the soul.

[@PasteurizedLettuce]

Buddhism does not believe in the soul, it explicitly denies the soul, and believes rebirth occurs through the accumulation of skandhas - form, sensations, perceptions, formations, consciousness- it says that the process of rebirth is like a candle lighting another. This is not a soul, a self being passed on, this is the components of consciousness breaking up and re-emerging based on the actions during one’s lifetime, and it need not re-emergee as a human. It’s easy to tell how this position is distinct because it is continually reiterated as distinct from Vedic and Jain traditions in Buddhist dialogues and polemics

[@PasteurizedLettuce]

Also, the bhagavat Gita was probably written after Plato, and also was definitely not relevant for the development of Jewish or Christian thought which was why he brought it up

[@addalavenkataratnam5449]

@TheDiplomaticScout Rebirth in Bhudhism through consciousness, not otherwise . Plato died in 347 bce and magasthneese came to India around 300 bce and wrote indica . He mentioned that people in magadh were worshiping lord Krishna. Do you mean lord Krishna was worshipped in India without Gita ? Pl read history books before writing any comments .

[@PasteurizedLettuce]

@@addalavenkataratnam5449 magasthenes book is lost, and can only be partially reconstructed through the works of later authors, what he refers to is a god he calls Dionysus, others have interpreted to be referring to Krishna, it’s a possibility, as some do date the Gita as early as 500 BCE, but the majority of the scholars date it much later and so I have my doubts.

[@PasteurizedLettuce]

@@addalavenkataratnam5449 I don’t think we disagree about Buddhism I think we disagree about whether consciousness counts as a soul. RE: Krishna, there are also antecedents for Krishna worship prior to the Gita, mentions of Krishna and Vasudeva, but possibly not the same figure exactly as in the Gita.

[@Revolver9]

Ecclesiastes 12:7 KJV Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

[@mervynstephens2808]

@Revolver9 what is the spirit and how long does it take for the spirit to leave the body because the body decomposes at different rates depending on the depth of the grave and climatic conditions. Also what happens to people who are cremated because they are not necessarily being returned to the earth.

[@darthmcgee2216]

​@@mervynstephens2808 You're babbling meaningless drivel trying to sound intelligent but failing miserably. The Hebrew term for spirit in the above scripture is pronounced ruach and means soul. Here the soul returns to God while the body turns to dust. It is a supernatural concept. Burial depth, cremation, season of the year or even if you were buried is meaningless. Daniel 12:2-3 sure does sound like there's more going on than just being buried in a grave and that being that.

[@Michelle-uw6ex]

@@darthmcgee2216 actually the hebrew word "nephesh" is often translated in some Christian bibles to be "soul", although this is a bad translation..."creature or being" is a better term. The hebrew word "ruach" means spirit, wind or breath. So the KJV quote of ..."the spirit shall return unto God who gave it" could just as easily read ..."and the breath shall return to God who gave it". "Ruach" is also used for breath in Gn 6:17; 7:15; translated as "wind" Gn. 8:1; Ex 10:13, 19; 14:21; 15:10; and even translated as "blast" (referring to the breath from nostrils) in Ex 15:8. I challenge you to show me in the Hebrew text where the English translators have translated "ruach" as "soul". Then I will tell you that you should throw that translation in the trash because the translator doesn't know basic biblical hebrew.

[@genesickler7717]

In Gen 2:7 man became a soul did not receive a soul,in other words Adam became a breather,there is a difference between the soul and spirit ,the Greek word for spirit is a better word to understand,that word is neuma,energy like a neumatic tool ,when you cut off the source of it ,it quits or dies,this is why all who have died are asleep in death waiting for a resurrection.

[@thekitchen6378]

I’m not to familiar with Plato but I am familiar with Seneca and Marcus. Neither one believes there is an after life where you are judged. Pretty sure we have Christianity to thank for that little gem. I’m not sure you are accurate about Plato view on the subject either. Please produce his words. Thank you.

[@MrGrumpyGills]

Ancient egyptian religion had the bit about being judged after death inclulding a big set of scales to weigh the good deeds against the sins of a person. So Christianity probably "borrowed" it from there.

[@richardgregory3684]

@@MrGrumpyGills Why not? The Old Testament stories are almost all stolen from the Hebrews much mor advanced neighbouring cultures and then rewiten to accomodate their primitve tribal wargod Yahweh. In fact many rleigions had th eidea of a judgment in an afterlife. It was the usual thing, humans assumed that the universe mirrored their own societies; humans had rulers, laws and a system of rewards and punishments. So they arrogantly assumed the universe did as well.

[@soffer]

9:49 view that when you die you go to heaven or hell is not in the OT and bert argues it’s not what jesus taught 32:10 idea that heaven is actually earth and gehenna is literally gehenna instead of another dimension hell

[@ANAV-t3h]

How is this lecture just 23 likes?? 😳

[@johnpro2847]

.would you listen to their ancient people on covid 19 remedies for example. These folk, were clueless in most areas.

[@theartofsiku]

I would listen to them ancient lot on the definition of happiness though😂

[@Instant4real]

Eternal fire mean Eternal death? Noone else thinks that. Thats not what is says Bart.

[@Lazarett]

Heaven is when you are en light en , and Hell is when you are ig nor ant , so damn . The intelligence of the heart . The sacred heart . Put your heart in your head and your head in your heart , Jesus .

[@richardgregory3684]

The heart is nothing but a pump for your blood. In fact, the idea that the heart is the organ of thought and emotion comes from acnient Egypt, they thought it was so because the heart responds to emotions. Your bible quote is literally Jesus telling people to turn their brains off and just go with their feelings. Now of course it;s no surprise that the bible tells people not to think about things lol

[@stevennurahmed5105]

Plato is the greatest philosopher we have a record of. He studied in ancient Egypt according to his accounts. Much of what we read in his writings is a reflection of Egyptian Wisdom teachings. Same as Thales.

[@ztimbo]

Yeah. Giant lies should be the basis for a society. Which noble lie do you like most?

[@dancahill9585]

@@ztimbo Well a lot of Christians believe that the lies of Christian Mythology should be the basis for society.

[@ztimbo]

@@dancahill9585 So the lesson should be, don’t listen to ancient idiots when constructing a moral society.

[@scrumpymanjack]

This is really interesting and, as always, Ehrman provides amazing insight. But there's one problem - or, at least, one issue that makes me question the analysis. At about 45minutes, Ehrman claims that the later Gospels start talking more in terms of heaven and hell because they were written by people who came from the Greek world view, didn't know Jesus etc. etc. That supposes that the later Gospels are less reliable than the Mathew and John. Is that Ehrman's view? I thought his view was that all of the Gospels were unreliable because they were ALL written by people who never knew Jesus, never spoke his language and were writing decades after he died. Anyone care to shed light on this, please?

[@lepidoptera9337]

What is "reliable" about Mark 16:19??? Seriously? Dude, it's all religious fiction.

[@scrumpymanjack]

@@lepidoptera9337 yeah, I know. It’s all BS. BUT…I just want a bit more detail on what Bart’s view is on this.

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@scrumpymanjack That's it's bullshit, of course. What do you think? The man is way past the point where he takes any of it seriously, other than as an entry point in history.

[@scrumpymanjack]

@@lepidoptera9337 which goes back to my original question. We’re not making headway here.

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@scrumpymanjack What about "It's all bullshit!" did you not understand? There is no such thing as "more reliable, less reliable " in fiction. It's made up. ;-)

[@billweir8824]

No man can go to heaven except the son of man John 3:13 Gods purpose and plan is to send Jesus Christ back from heaven Psalm 110:1-3 to setup the 'everlasting kingdom of God on earth Daniel chapter 2:44 and Jesus Christ will reveal himself to his brothers Judah Simeon and Levi the ones who had him crucified using Pilate (Zechariah chapter 12 -14

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

Bart is an example of those who intensely study the scriptures but like the Pharisees and scribes miss the point and do not know the power of God

[@magdifarahat756]

i DONT DISAGREE WITH DR. E, BUT I WOULD HAVE STARTED WITH THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS AND THE SUMERIANS WHO HAD A TRADITION OF HEAVEN AND HELL MUCH BEFORE. THESE ARE THE SOURCES FOR LATER GREEK AND HEBREW THINKERS

[@Pax-Africana]

@curbroadshow If you want to know how your theory of "Document hypothesis" and the Protestants' "Sola Scriptura" are both the two sides of the same coin and why they are both worthless, read the article below... ------------------ ISRAEL AND THE NATIONS PAGAN Paul(Romans 11 thru 9) The Qur'an in the Qur'an(Reminder) refers to the Law of Moses. If anyone couldn't figure out that the title Qur'an on the cover of the book is a fraudulent one, then it is safe to argue that, that person doesn't understand the polemical exchanges between the pagans and the believers not even the content of the Bible for that matter. "We have given you the 7 oft-repeated verses and the glorious Qur'an..." Translation: We have given you the Fatiha and the Law of Moses as the basis for your legislations in rejection of the Roman pagan Law, the papal sacraments, and Trinity. Here is another one: "What! If this Qur'an is from God you believe not but a Rabbi among the Children of Israel attests to its similitude and believe while you proudly reject it..." Does this look like some words from God? What was the Rabbi doing in Mekka messing with Allah's revelation? LOL... Or was he just comparing two translations of the same Torah, one in Hebrew and the other in Arabic? The dude was a Prince-Legislator, a Founding Father, and a statesman "Hear O Israel Jesus is the Messiah, i.e. Christ..." FALSE REPELLENT ! Jesus is Muhammad(the Praised-One), fools. A point was made but you guys missed it altogether due your poor reading skills. But the adults and the Sufis in the room know that Muhammad is not a given or personal name but a substitute title, a euphemism for Christ/Messiah. Since Jesus is said to be that Christ, then Jesus is Muhammad. We make the difference between Islam and the Arab-Qureishites propaganda contained in the Hadiths, and the "Sira Rassul Allah," etc... That marketing gimmick was meant to capitalize on the pilgrimage to Mekka and not as historical facts. Kaabahism therefore is not Islam! For the "stone that the Mekkan builders rejected and exiled had become the cornerstone..." and it is our Lord doing. We also know that when someone promulgates a Constitution like the Constitution of Medina, receives embassies, passes legislations, proclaims a tax Codes, raises armies, signs treaties, etc... with some neighborhood nations, etc..., that person is in a role of a Founding Father like George Washington, Emperor Constantine, Cyrus the Great, Caesar Augustus or Alexander the Great, etc... We don't take the word "Prophet" in the literal sense. So, If you have ever wondered why a substitute title was needed for Jesus and a name shifting for the Arabian Founding Father, here you have it: "Your people don't want to hear about Jesus. And when His name is mentioned, lo! your people burst into clamor thereby..." That is why an OPTICAL ILLUSION was created: We(the Children of Israel) send you, O Abu Quasim, among your own people so that they may believe in our God and His Messiah/Muhammad/Christ/Al-Massih, help Him, praise Him(Muhammad=the Praised-One), sing for Him evening and morning...." "Remember when Jesus asked, "who will assist me in the way of God? The disciples replied: 'we shall be the helpers of God. Bear witness we are Muslims.'" By the way, According to Acts 11:26 is a Christian he who believes Jesus to be the Messiah, that is to say Christ, foretold by Moses in the Torah but rejected by Israel. "I will send the Christ/Messiah, a Prophet/Messenger like you Moses, Him, they must listen...." Deut.18:15-19; Acts 3:22-25; Acts 7 ; John 4:24-26, etc... The word CHRISTIAN was coined in Antioch of Syria and not in Athens, Rome, or Boston. In that sense, Muslims are Christians because for Islam Jesus is the Christ announced in the Law and the Prophets, born of the Virgin Mary. You may as well check the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-13 where Jesus "oversees" a meeting between Moses the Lawgiver and someone who would ratify the same Law for the Arabs(the descendants of Ishmael). In Genesis, Abraham was promised many Princes for Ishmael. So the Muslims are Christians certainly not of Paul's Tradition, yet still Christians but the Americans are not... Every American should know, then, that If Jesus is Lord, it stands to reason that Nature's god is NOT. Yet, Nature's god in the Jefferson Bible and in the so-called 'Declaration Of Independence" claims just that... And this is the official position of the American government because Thomas Jefferson was the 3rd President of the United States and is the one who penned the so-called "declaration of independence" which became the Law of the land in the Constitution. Nature's god in the Jefferson Bible inspired the "Bill Of rights" and specially the First Amendment which states that every religion under nature is as valid as the next; this is why polytheism and Idol worship enjoy special protection under Natural Law which pushed out Canonical Law or Sharia Law. Nature's god states that Jesus did not resurrect because there is no such thing as resurrection of the dead; men die and worms take care of their bodies and that, most surely, wild dogs took care of Jesus' body. Nature's god claims that there is no supernatural, no miracles, no virginal birth, no revealed Law since Laws are a construct of societies and each society makes its own laws in accordance with its need. That the Ten Commandments were not revealed and are no better than the Law of Hammurabi. For Thomas Jefferson, the Apostle of Nature's god, Nature's god instituted government on earth to distribute rights without responsibility: right to liberty from morality, right to pursue happiness, happiness for all(We wonder how government will enforce happiness which is not a tangible good), and right to life... Paul, Jesus-Christ's Apostle to the "Pax Romana," on other hand instructed us that Government was instituted on earth by God to keep order, render Justice for the equality of the Children of God in view of the Last Judgment. Nature's god insists that Life stops here and that there is NO immortality: "Let's eat and drink for tomorrow we die, and nothing awaits us after death. Don't be missing out..." Jesus said man was born corrupted and can purify himself with the means God put at his disposal. Nature's god however holds that man was born perfect but got corrupted by government. We wonder If all the jails built across their lands are only for members of government. Nature's god is truly Satan who set out to contradict the True God on every single line! So If you are an American you should worry about the subversive nature of the American founding documents, America's Nature's god, and the fate of your impious founding fathers who worked hard to mislead mankind away from the Gospel. Enough of that circular reasoning. Please worry not about Islam; it has been around for more than 1000 years. I am just wondering If America would be around that long...!!! Worry about the disastrous fate of America, that house built in the sand...!!!

[@anthonytoomer353]

According to the Torah/Bible, it was written for the Israelites, so why are other nations attempting to apply it to their lives when it conflicts with their nature? The Other Nation's gods are Idols “For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the Lord made the heavens.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭96‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJVAAE‬‬ The children of God/the Most High we're not called Jews but Israelites.

[@schmetterling4477]

The Catholic view is that god made a new covenant with everybody, not just Israel. That's total bullshit, of course, but it has been filling the koffers of the church for 1600 years. ;-)

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

Bart: the Jews never tried to make converts? The Bible: “Woe to you teachers of the law and Pharisees… you travel over land and sea to win a single convert…” (Matthew 23:15).

[@Allothersweretakenn]

Matthew 23:15 is typically not seen as an instruction for jews to make converts, but rather as a critique of the way the Pharisees and scribes were making converts during Jesus’ time. Jesus criticizes them for their hypocrisy and for focusing on outward conformity to religious law while neglecting the deeper, moral and ethical demands of the faith. You HAVE to read the passages if you hope to stand any chance of understanding the text

[@Andy_Pandy2000]

Jesus was forcing the rich young ruler to confront the fact that it is impossible to keep all the commandments, thus needing to follow Jesus

[@Joseph-fw6xx]

The good news is there is no hell the bad news is there is no heaven. Death is the same as before u were born u knew nothing

[@schmetterling4477]

What's bad about that? I have never heard a version of heaven that wasn't a worse form of psychological torture than hell.

[@BrentKrohn]

​@@schmetterling4477 it is a bummer this is all there is. If there was a such thing as a paradise and eternal bliss after this life. Nothing like the biblical story though.

[@schmetterling4477]

@@BrentKrohn Why is that a bummer? What would you do with an infinite amount of time? Do you really imagine that you would be using it any better than the finite amount that you have now?

[@Pax-Africana]

Let Bart read Paul's speech at Mars Hill in Athens If he can comprehend before jumping to a wrong conclusion.... it is in Acts 17:22-33 How about the Epistle to the Ephesians?

[@busyb8676]

Did the early Christians believe in the doctine o

[@MasterSethern]

Some of the stuff he is talking about seems like he is jumping through hoops to believe what he is believing, and making a lot of assumptions.... "I don't think he said that, because it doesn't seem like something he'd say." -- basically that.

[@ATT-02]

I love how Dr Ehrman explains all of this biblical scripture in the Old Testament and the New Testament, in a professional scholarly way. Interpreting everything as it was written down and making as much sense out of it, as any other scholars in the world could. But at the same time recognizing that most of it is pure nonsense.

[@schmetterling4477]

Whether it is nonsense or not depends on the context. If you want to see a context similar to that of the ancient Israelites, look at the Palestinians today. They, too, have developed this religious idea that the land belongs to them and that Israel has to be driven into the sea. They, too, are doing absolutely crazy things because of their religion... no different from the Israelites 2000 years ago. With similar results, by the way.

[@mikejurney9102]

Jesus said to the thief on the cross, "This day you will be with me in paradise." And Jesus related the story about Lazarus and the rich man who found themselves in heaven and hell after death.

[@larriveeman]

@@babycherie5874 No God can't lie

[@mastergunzz]

@@larriveeman thata odd because I recall Jesus telling his disciples that he was coming back before all of them died. Most would classify that as lies. 🤣

[@JacquesduPlessis11]

Interesting thing about that passage is that that is a passage that has a lot of debate. There were no punctuation marks in the writings and depending on where the comma would go the passage reads differently. Unsurprisingly, this leads to different interpretations. Using the KJV translation for ease - Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise. - reads the way you state it. But as there were no punctuations the passage could be interpreted as - Assuredly, I say to you today, you will be with Me in Paradise. Notice how this changes the meaning and is perfectly compatible with Ehrman's interpretation. It really is a fascinating thing - hope you take this in the correct spirit.

[@mikejurney9102]

@@JacquesduPlessis11 On many occasions Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you...", where he does not say today after that. This give us some reason to interpret it as I expect. Can you show anywhere else where Jesus says, "Assuredly, I say to you today, ...."?

[@JohnJesus]

That is in Luke. Luke copied Mark and added stuff to fit a specific narrative - namely, the belief construct of "heaven and hell". That line fits that belief construct. In Mark - the first Gospel and the one that served as a foundation for Luke, Matthew and John - Jesus only says one thing on the Cross: "God, why have you forsaken me". Although, I have heard this was a mistranslation and in the Aramaic language Jesus actually said: God, this is my destiny" Who knows.....

[@glendagaskin151]

I have heard you. I’m so sorry that you feel the way you do. I will pray for you. We do not have the right to question God. He is THE POTTER. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IN THIS LIFE there is an eternity to consider. How did Jesus feel on the cross that he created for us to use against Him? I have a very powerful physical situation that creates pain that never subsided. He is coming back for His church and all things will be new.

[@JeffEyges]

It's three years later and he's still an atheist. I guess prayer doesn't work - or at least your prayers don't.

[@tedgrant2]

According to Jesus the poor will go to Heaven and the rich to Hell. When he comes back, I hope I get classed as a poor person ! (Luke 16:22)

[@exaucemayunga22]

Where will heaven be?

[@tedgrant2]

@@exaucemayunga22 That's an ecumenical question

[@exaucemayunga22]

@@tedgrant2 you can't answer it?

[@tedgrant2]

@@exaucemayunga22 Well I can, based on evidence in the Bible. It's above.

[@johnpro2847]

heaven and hell were not mentioned in my last exam questions ....i suspect science teachers have doubts about this wishful/hopeful thinking ?

[@blynkers1411]

Science teachers who teach that science has any real answers, or can tell us what is right/wrong or which way to go, or even where to find anything resembling hope outside of human experience and observation, generally have nothing to offer when it comes to hopeful thinking - and they corrupt their objectivism with wishes or desires. Hope isn't the point of science. Neither is morality. Science is simply about observations and trying to understand phenomena around us at a given moment in time. It is a subcategory of learning and knowledge severely limited by human perception. Get over yourself.

[@Jd-808]

I suspect it’s not their field, since this is history.

[@freddiesimmons1394]

@@Jd-808 history of the story as it has been told. Not history

[@mervynstephens2808]

@@Jd-808 History is born out by factual data, archeological findings which can be verified and carbon dated. Stories are fictional, just because it is written down does not make it factual if it cannot be verified if this were the case then the Canaanite, Egyptian and Grecian gods would not be mythical as they predate the Jewish god by a couple of Millenia.

[@PopGoesTheology]

11:05

[@cosmin3997]

B.Ehrman he never knows when to laugh 😅😅

[@stevehoward1980]

I dismiss evolution without help especially Clanging rocks together making us as Just grown biology !

[@ensanrahim1395]

Dear Dr. D EHRMAN: Heaven & Hell started from IRAN, with the ZOROASTER , the same Zarathustra of 3-6000years ago, where the three Persian KINGS were looking for the birth of the JESUS came from to bring gifts to find the Jesus following the star from the EAST came to find JESUS. from the same land where EBREHAM left towards the WEST passing the RIVER of JODAN, and from then were called IBRANI/ EBRI, and later HIBRO. by the calculation of REV. William Miller calculation for the year of JESUs return was 1844, when nothing happened in AMERICA, , but in the other side of the world the BAB(=the GATE to new PARADDIGM), Tahireh (=The Purest one. the first ever female- scholar-believer of this revelation-the most important for the EQUITY&EQUALITY of human kind and abolishing compulsory HIJAB/Covering face of women and dress code of women.) and Bahaullah(= The Glory of GOD=Return of the Father JESUS)...in 1844 as it had been promised in all previous religions for the day of GOD, in END of TIME, which does not mean the time for death in every one but THE END of the old paradigm ,( the old value system and old way of thinking = DEATH of the old value system). this was the first ever religion which abolished ownership of any human, abuse or control, physical or emotional abuse of any human, hence abolishing SLAVERY, -and ordered the complete EQUITY&EQUALITY of every human child or slave or sexes . 1-Independent Individual , Investigation of TRUTH in everything specially to chose an ideology or Religion, which must be logical based on updated logic, science, SECULARISM and reasoning of the man of this time, not based on 6000-year-old superstition prejudices and LYING TALES. 2-Banning abolishing any superstition, prejudices, discrimination, and Superstition or LYING TALE, of old symbolisms. 3-Equality of WOMEN and men" human rights" and privileges and freedom of clothing and grooming of hair and beard. 4-Compulsary common equal and same universal education for every person, sexes male and female before maturity same all sexes =age 16. preferring education of women and girls, since mothers are the educators of the new generation of the world. 5- Choosing or inventing a common universal language for communication and writing to facilitate PEACE& UNITY . EQUITY& EQUALITY for every nation, every one for ONENESS of HUMANITY. 6- Solving ECONOMY, FINANCIAL condition to provide minimum of life possibility for every human. with more encouragement for hard working and educated intelligent ones. 7- UNITY and ONENESS of humanity by : understanding that other humans are such as ones arms and legs for every one , as limbs and cells of one body, essential for betterment , happiness of each other, and advanced CIVILIZATION. 8- Banning of WAR, fighting and HOLY- WAR under the name of religion , 9- to start the International court of LAW, Universal value system to stop war and atrocity by countries of the world getting united against the aggressor. 10- The nature of soul is a great understanding of justice, and pain and suffering is only in the nature of regret and shame, since no more material needs or reasoning for doing to earn material things. by loosing our body ,hunger, and bodily needs the eyes of wisdom gets open and the value system makes the awareness join the highest of justice awareness looking back on ones mistakes, or opportunity to help someone, doing good and the ripple effects of loosing the opportunity causing regret and shame . and more to change the world to the heaven as dominion of GOD, promised in HOLY books for the day of GOD. To learn more STUDY: bahaireferencelibrary.org bahai.org oceanoflight.org bahaiteachings.org .

[@coconutmacaroon4907]

It seems the devil takes your earthly offenses against god quite personally. He and God are working together.

[@broski365]

The Bible is written in a way where they assume understanding. everybody knows what's going on except the reader. " it's so obvious to the three Magi about a Christ figure" or the idea of baptism in water ( contrary to Jewish traditions in Scripture) The message to the reader is that you should learn and keep up with the Joneses (jesus')

[@michelhaineault6654]

Jesus kingdom came at the Pentecost. Plato was the one who influenced the council of Nicaea concerning THE TRINITY OF THEE PERSONS , this never been a biblical concept.

[@christianmiranda3404]

What about Islam? Their scripture describe clearly hevean and hell

[@lepidoptera9337]

Yes, that's the third book of stupid. So what?

[@christianmiranda3404]

Its book is written in Arabic. The closest Semitic language to Aramaic -which Jesus spoke. And for ex. here Dr. Ehrman uses the term Gehenna; similar word in arabic Jahannan to refer to hell... I don't know. Guess is a linguistic exchange of concepts... Not sure.

[@lepidoptera9337]

@@christianmiranda3404 Yes, the Quran was revealed to Mohammed by the archangel Gabriel. Would you like a Nigerian Prince with that? How about a seer stone in a hat? I can also serve you with the operating thetan of the talking donkey. It's all the same to me. ;-)

[@vincentlattuca3763]

I put my faith in the apparitions of the Virgin Mary I believe in heaven because of the testimony of the children of Fatima and the saints Our job is to create heaven on Earth but make no mistake we are in the domain of the bad angels

[@freddiesimmons1394]

What? What apparitions? What is the testimony of the children of Fatima? And why would there be a domain of bad angels?

[@vincentlattuca3763]

@@freddiesimmons1394 ah yes my friend read about Fatima 1917. The Walsh book is good. Finding fatima is on youtube. That was not secret Nazi tech. God is real..Follow forward to Garabandal Spain 1962 or back 500 years to Mexico. Our Lady is warning us. We create the world. The book of Enoch tells the story. The bad angels were banished here. Blessings

[@freddiesimmons1394]

@@vincentlattuca3763 I mean, gods don't seem to be real, and any good god worth his salt wouldn't trap us here with a bunch of bad angels and birth defects, so I'm good

[@barnsweb52]

Job discusses it, and it predates the Hebrew "Bible". Ancient Hebrews have nothing to do with modern Judaism.

[@salvadoremarinaro6350]

Forget about heaven and hell, where did you come from? How is anything made? Information only comes from a mind. NOT MILLIONS OF YEARS OF RAIN ON ROCKS OR ROCKS SMASHING TOGETHER...

[@davidmanning1724]

Ermas should move on to new oersuits. Like did Noah really build a ark did Moses really go up to mountain to get the 10 commandments did the Buddha really exist followed up with a book on cynicism as a life philosophy

[@dancahill9585]

Why? He is in his late 60s and is one of the foremost New Testament scholars in the world. Why start something new when he is still publishing in his field?