Jesus, Interrupted

One can't get more evangelical in credentials than Moody Bible Institute (as in a school so conservative Jesus may not get accepted in) and Wheaton College (home o' Billy Graham).

But suffice to say he is not teaching at either alma mater!

And it's kind of a shame this book will be sold at Borders, and not Berean(:

After writing "The Problem with God" and "Misqouting Jesus," (and making a hilarious "cameo" on Jesus' Facebook feed),

Bart Ehrman has come out with "Jesus, Interrupted" Click that title at left, and see the clip below for previews:

The book argues:

· Only 8 of the 27 books of the New Testament were actually written by the authors to whom they’re attributed. Others are likely forgeries.
· The gospels provide remarkably divergent portrayals of Jesus. As an example, the crucifixion story varies greatly between the gospels of Mark and Luke. Mark’s account depicts a suffering Jesus crying out “My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?” as he dies. Luke, however, portrays a calm Jesus who simply says “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
· The message of the Apostle Paul and the message of gospel writer Matthew are completely at odds over the question of whether a follower of Jesus also had to observe the Jewish law.
· The Nicene Creed and the Trinity were constructs of the later church and are not found in the Bible.
· Traditional doctrines such as the suffering Messiah, the divinity of Christ, and the notion of heaven and hell are not based on the teachings of the historical Jesus

-Link

I have a review copy of the book on the way, and will blog-review it soon.

There is not much doubt I wll disagree radically with some of his conclusions.

But there is also doubt the fact that his discussions are fantastic doorways for us to actually talk about/grapple with/work through those theological/textual issues that we all know are there. And that we have often opted out/copped out of intelligent conversations that are being had over them.

Denial is not just a river in Egypt.

This book is recommended to wrestle with, no matter what your pastor told you ("He must be an antichrist, boycott it!"

Order it, grab a coffee, and talk it over with Mark DeRaud (I plan to do an interview with Mark about it, hear a podcast with him on related topics accessible from 6:10-8:03 here. )..

just don't tell everyone the company you keep(: