New York Times bestselling author and Bible expert Bart Ehrman reveals how Jesus’s divinity became dogma in the first few centuries of the early church.The claim at the heart of the Christian faith is that Jesus of Nazareth was; and is; God. But this is not what the original disciples believed during Jesus’s lifetime—and it is not what Jesus claimed about himself. How Jesus Became God tells the story of an idea that shaped Christianity; and of the evolution of a belief that looked very different in the fourth century than it did in the first.A master explainer of Christian history; texts; and traditions; Ehrman reveals how an apocalyptic prophet from the backwaters of rural Galilee crucified for crimes against the state came to be thought of as equal with the one God Almighty; Creator of all things. But how did he move from being a Jewish prophet to being God? In a book that took eight years to research and write; Ehrman sketches Jesus’s transformation from a human prophet to the Son of God exalted to divine status at his resurrection. Only when some of Jesus’s followers had visions of him after his death—alive again—did anyone come to think that he; the prophet from Galilee; had become God. And what they meant by that was not at all what people mean today.Written for secular historians of religion and believers alike; How Jesus Became God will engage anyone interested in the historical developments that led to the affirmation at the heart of Christianity: Jesus was; and is; God.
#897894 in Books HarperCollins e-books 2009-09-01 2009-09-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .70 x 5.31l; .52 #File Name: 0061732761304 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great read. Packed with interesting information.By Tom ConnallyThe mention of the word Inquisition requires reaction. What happens to Galilio? Cervantes? Many names; many horrors. Read this book and discover organized hatred and the result.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must read.By Bruce AltshulerThis is a classic thorough history of the Inquisition. Well researched and fascinating . No one delves into thehistory of religion better than Kirsch. The Inquisition was not just about 15th Century Spain; it covered much ofCatholic Europe and spread through the Spanish and Portugese New World ; and did not just involve hapless Jewishvictims . This is a must read .0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Before I read this book I was limited to my knowledge of the term Inquisition. After reading the book my eyes have been completeBy Dr. Robert EubanksBefore I read this book my knowledge of the Inquisition was limited. After reading this book I now understand how destructive and corrupt this method is in controlling people. A must read for any student who wants a better understanding of how Religion and governments can justify their harsh treatment of humanity.
