How Jesus Became God

By: Bart D. Ehrman, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Bart D. Ehrman

Length: 12 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

The early Christian claim that Jesus of Nazareth was God completely changed the course of Western civilization. What exactly happened, such that Jesus came to be considered God?

To ask this question is to delve into a fascinating, multilayered historical puzzle - one that offers a richly illuminating look into the origins of the Western worldview and the theological underpinnings of our civilization. This fundamental historical question and its complex answer speak penetratingly to the spiritual impulses, concerns, and beliefs that have played a seminal role in our world, even as they reveal the foundation of history’s most global religious movement, and fresh insights into the Western world's single most influential human being.

Tackling all of these matters and more, Great Courses favorite Professor Ehrman returns with the unprecedented historical inquiry of How Jesus Became God. In 24 provocative lectures, Professor Ehrman takes you deep into the process by which the divinity of Jesus was first conceived by his followers, demonstrating how this conception was refined over time to become the core of the Christian theology. A distinguished scholar of Christianity and New York Times best-selling author, Professor Ehrman develops the inquiry with meticulous research and in-depth analysis of texts. In these lectures, Ehrman reveals that the theological understanding of Jesus as God came about through a complex series of factors and events, each of which must be understood in order to grasp this most extraordinary and historically pivotal story.

In the enthralling inquiry of How Jesus Became God Professor Ehrman lays bare the diverse elements that combined to produce both an astonishing true-life story and one of history’s most significant developments. Join a renowned biblical scholar in grappling with this pivot.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2014 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2014 The Great Courses

A good history

I liked the history. It put facts together for me that were individual pieces of information in my head. I did not agree with all his conclusions, since I did not agree with some of his history. But his perspective was interesting and colored some aspects of my own thought. I found his accent difficult to take and I had to put the lecture down several times. Now I know how others feel when I speak with a southern accent, but it won't stop me; I'm incurable!

A must read!!

The truth will set you free! Very informative lectures. Holds your attention. A very good speaking voice.

Interesting topic, but the narration?

I love Dr. Ehrman's books. His scholarship and writing are outstanding. I have emailed him some follow-up questions, and he has always responded promptly and graciously.

Many of Dr. Ehrman's books are narrated by other people. I was curious to hear from Dr. Ehrman himself, so I purchased this course. Now I understand. Unfortunately, Dr. Ehrman's speaking/lecturing voice can be grating to my ears. That couldn't help but detract from my interest in what he was saying.

I continue to respect Dr. Ehrman's scholarship and writing, but I can't recommend his lectures. Maybe he can take some voice lessons to learn to modulate his tones when lecturing. Until then, I strongly recommend his books that are read by others, but not necessarily the lectures he does himself.

Finally, here is someone making sense of it all.

What made the experience of listening to How Jesus Became God the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed listening to an expert who really would like to believe what we were taught find out the truth piece by piece. He presents his findings not as an attack but as a deep understanding of how the human need to believe and the natural habit of exaggeration started a whole movement which now no one questions.

What was one of the most memorable moments of How Jesus Became God?

When I finally realised that it's OKAY to question and not believe and that nothing bad will happen as a result. I also learned that it is futile and not necessary to argue about religion to people who really want and need to believe in their faith. It is a prized and sacred possession for them and I have no business in trying to crack that belief...as long as they leave me alone too.

Any additional comments?

"The truth shall set you free."

Excellent scholarship and presentation

Here we have a bona fide New Testament critical scholar who also happens to be engaging, marketable, and possessed of a powerful intellect. Good choice for listeners who are relatively unfamiliar with historical-critical analysis and also for those who have already done considerable reading or received classroom instruction on the topic.

Enlightening

As a Christian I feel as though I now know "the rest of the story."

good listen

good recital of historical events but final conclusions seem to be opinion based and biased

A must for every Christian.

Would you listen to How Jesus Became God again? Why?

Yes, it has so much information and so many insights.

What did you like best about this story?

The section from Constantine forward was a real revelation for me.

What does Professor Bart D. Ehrman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He obviously has a passion for the subject that brings what could sometimes be considered dry facts alive.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and I did.

Any additional comments?

I would definitely buy other works from this author.

Good dive into Jesus legend.

Bart Ehrman is an excellent scholar, and writes a good book/ course. Tons of information in this course.

Enlightening!

You will know more about the roots of Christendom than most Christians. That said, most Christians that listen will have to question what they truly believe about Jesus and the "God inspired" text they say is the Truth.