The New Testament may be the most misunderstood book in the history of Western civilization. It contains enormous historical and interpretive problems. This seminar looks at some of these problems and considers the diverging voices of the New Testament, which often make it difficult to hear the voice of the historical Jesus himself.

9:30 to 10:45 a.m. A World of Contradictions

The New Testament contains numerous accounts of the same events, often in contradictory detail.Moreover, the authors present different views of such important matters as who Jesus was, why he died, and how to attain salvation.

11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Finding the Historical Jesus

Given all the discrepancies in the Gospels, it is difficult to know what Jesus actually said and did. Scholars have devised rigid criteria to help find Jesus himself.

12:15 to 1:45 p.m. Lunch

Participants provide their own lunch.

1:45 to 3 p.m. Is the New Testament Forged?

Scholars have long recognized that a number of the books of the New Testament were not written by their alleged authors. Some, such as the four Gospels, were written anonymously, only later to be wrongly ascribed to Jesus’ apostles; others were written in the names of famous apostles (e.g., Paul) by later followers.

3:15 to 4:30 p.m. Who Invented Christianity?

Some of Christianity’s most important doctrines—the divinity of Christ, the Trinity, the doctrine of heaven and hell—were not found on the lips of Jesus or his earliest followers. They instead represent later developments, as Christianity moved out into the world and changed its overarching emphases.

Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor in the department of religious studies at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His book Jesus Interrupted (HarperOne) is available for signing after the program.

Connect with the Authors is a continuously updated listing of past, present, and future author visits. Through this site, each publication can be purchased in advance of, or following, the program.