Probably, my favorite Biblical literary critic is Bart Ehrman, who, presently is the Chair for the Department of Religious Studies in the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Of course, I disagree with his conclusions, but I really like to read things he wrote and listen to him discuss and debate on the internet. I’ve been a fan since his book, Misquoting Jesus. He is a scholar, who knows how to make himself understood by laypeople like myself. I believe he is an honorable man, an honest and formidable opponent, but not an enemy of the Gospel. In contrast, I’ve seen other critics, who are friendly enough, but they make it a mission in life to oppose Christianity. They aren’t satisfied with disagreeing with the Christian worldview, and don’t seem to be happy, unless they, either convince their Christian opponents of erroneous faith, or publicly embarrass them in a discussion or debate. I believe one such person is responsible for the shipwreck of a young Christian, whose faith was lost at college to his professor. I discuss what occurred there, and how wrong conclusions were drawn in the study below: From Christ to Atheism.
Other, older, arguments are discussed in my studies of other faiths, not that I’m an enemy to opposing beliefs, but I am an opponent to folks who try to claim Christianity copied the beliefs of other faiths.I am an advocate of folks having the freedom to believe, according to their hearts. Freewill is a gift from God and needs to be respected, not overthrown.
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- Textual Criticism — (30 studies)
- Pagan Myths and Jesus — (14 studies)
- From Christ to Atheism — (37 studies)
Smoodock's Blog 