Who Wrote the Bible? Searching for Its Origins and Authors

De: Joel S. Baden, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Joel S. Baden

From the first centuries CE to the present, the question of who wrote the Bible has fascinated readers, theologians, and scholars. While countless viewpoints have circulated, the matter of who wrote the Bible remains a compelling issue.

In these 24 eye-opening lectures, Professor Baden takes you deeply into the history of both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, as you explore essential topics such as:

• The Foundations of the Torah. Discover that the Bible’s first five books contain four independent and contrasting texts woven together and honoring multiple perspectives on Israel’s relationship with God.
• The Writing of the Prophets. Learn that the book of Isaiah is composed of two distinct prophetic texts; in Jeremiah, learn about the writing of the book by Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe.
• Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Investigate their attribution to Solomon and note that the books’ wholly divergent worldviews (spiritual wisdom vs. pessimism) demonstrate that the Bible holds disparate and contrasting perspectives at the same time.
• Chronicles. In this second biblical telling of the history of the Israelites, observe how the writing whitewashes events of the reigns of Israel’s kings, as Chronicles tells Israel’s history from its own vantage point, for its own time.
• Luke and the Book of Acts. Trace the connections between the writing of the Gospel of Luke and Acts; grasp how the texts recount historical events to communicate something larger—a call for the founding of the Christian church.
• Revelation. Investigate the identity of “John,” whose name appears as the author of the book. Note the ways in which Revelation offers a vision of divine victory to Christians suffering brutal oppression by Rome.

In shedding light on core questions about the Bible’s writing, Who Wrote the Bible? Searching for Its Origins and Authors offers you a provocative and enlightening look at the creation of this beloved book—a foundational document of our culture and civilization.

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

©2025 The Great Courses (P)2025 The Teaching Company, LLC

Engaging yet sober

Clear and engaging lecturer. Does not indulge in wild speculation or personal hobby horses like many Biblical scholars, conservative or liberal.

The question “Why?”

Dr B’s course delivery is interesting, clear and understandable - but not an easy topic. It challenges the listener to think - and to ponder questions that are not obvious on the surface. He is not satisfied with just presenting the information and telling you what you think you should know. He continues to ask the listener questions - with the hardest one being “why”. This course is not just a transfer of knowledge, but an invitation to expand the knowledge of yourself. Along the way, you get the treat of listening to an expert in the field, with a sharp wit (I swear his one-liners are used to determine if you are paying attention), walk through the minefield of Biblical historical criticism with respect for both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. If you are ready to hear what he has to say - it might be that next step you have been waiting to take in addressing issues you might have with those books. I was for me. Thank you Dr. B.