Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman Did Jesus Invent Charity?
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Mar 10, 2026 
Bart Ehrman, six-time NYT bestselling scholar of the New Testament, discusses his book Love Thy Stranger. He traces how Jesus reshaped moral concern for strangers. He links ancient views on wealth, love, and altruism to the rise of hospitals and systematic charity. He also explores limits where family- and prestige-driven giving persisted.
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Potluck Comment That Made Bart Cringe
- Bart recalls a TV interview where he likened early Christian meals to a "potluck supper," which embarrassed him when his partner laughed.
- He avoids watching interviews because producers clip the funniest or dumbest moments into short soundbites.
Deconversion Didn’t Erase Moral Compass
- Leaving the faith didn't erase Ehrman's moral sense; his ethical outlook remained and in some ways strengthened.
- He says morality isn't solely dependent on religious belief, though Jesus' teachings influenced cultural norms he still values.
Study Jesus’ Rejection Of Dominance
- If you want to explore Jesus' rejection of social dominance, attend lectures or courses that analyze his ideology.
- Ehrman recommends his Biblical Studies Academy lecture 'Jesus and the Ideology of Dominance' for deeper study.
