Bart Ehrman vs Justin Bass • Did Jesus of Nazareth rise from the dead?

The Big Conversation - Episode 1 | Season 5

The rise of Christianity has shaped the modern world, but are its historical origins best explained in purely naturalistic terms, or the explanation the first followers gave – that Jesus had risen from the dead?
 
New Testament historian Bart Ehrman doesn’t believe in the miraculous claims of the New Testament, including the resurrection of Jesus. New Testament scholar Justin Bass argues in his book ‘The Bedrock of Christianity’ for a number of facts concerning the death and resurrection of Jesus, that point to its truth. They debate scripture, history and the resurrection.

The Big Conversation is a video series from Premier Unbelievable? featuring world-class thinkers across the religious and non-religious community. Exploring science, faith, philosophy and what it means to be human. The Big Conversation is produced by Premier Unbelievable? in partnership with John Templeton Foundation.

[DARTHCROSS]

Please, for the love of god, never allow Justin bass to debate ever again. Bart Ehrman deserves so much respect for the amount of patience he had with this guy. Put Justin Bass and Ben Shapiro in a room together to discuss any topic and maybe they’ll leave everyone else alone.

[your_alter_ego]

It sounds like a debate between a college professor and an elementary school kid 😂

[alexmaksimov]

I’m a Christian, but man, Bart’s patience here is almost Christ-like.

[philliproyal]

I believe the audience was misled. I watched the debate because I thought it was about whether one had evidence that Jesus was risen from the dead. What I heard instead was Justin Bass ramble on about his Christian faith. Bart Ehrman exhibited scholarship and emotional control. As a curious christian person, Professor Ehrman won this debate hands down.

[cynthiaboyd]

Justin Bass and his actions of continously interrupting Bart Ehrmam convinces me that Justin Bass might be afraid that his argument isn't strong enough.

[kurtjohnson]

This was an absolute bloodbath…. Justin was more interested in trying to “score points” than actually listening and engaging with Bart

[joelrolandojj]

Bart Ehrman: "are you really using that as an a historic argument???" 😂😂😂😂

[marklord]

Bart is confirming why it is pointless for a historian to debate a Christian theologian about the truthfulness of Christianity.

[GimbaGoyo]

Bart is more convincing. He listens more, does not cut off the other speaker, brings more evidence-based points, and says "I don't know" more often. To me that makes him a much more honest conversationist, and Justin seems to be looking for a "Gatcha moment". I am a Christain, and I said this.

[chrisc]

Bart Ehrman has forgotten more about Religious History than Justin Bass has ever learned

[adozera]

It is beyond me how a guy like Justin Bass can be called a scholar. I was able to rattle off the names of the logical fallacies he committed as he spoke. I'm so glad I took my blood pressure medicine this morning.

[findingfuscta]

I’ve never been more convinced there is no evidence of the resurrection.

[Arven]

Bart had smoked Bass for dinner. Wow. Bass came across arrogant, defensive, and condescending. Not to mention, his arguments were full of holes. I laughed at how exasperated Bart got. I admire his patience in dealing with all of Bass's interruptions, sarcasm, and inability to just shut up and listen.

[micatnight]

"To claim that something is historical requires a critical evaluation of all the sources and all the information and to establish levels of probability."
Ehrman's patient and unfailingly logical approach to establish what is truth is the real "bedrock" in this conversation.

[johnbostrom]

Bart Ehrman demonstrates the beauty of rational and polite discourse. His knowledge of history is impressive.

[TerriblyNice_Not]

I googled Justin Bass's claim that there is no literature on post-mortem visions of enemies. There are multiple pshyciatric and psychological studies on exactly that topic. If I were a Christian, I would be extremely annoyed that someone like Justin Bass was arguing my point

[tiberbaker]

As an ex-mormon, I loved Bart's points against Justin's uniqueness claims. Bart was more accurate about mormon theology than most religious debaters.

[edwardpolenzani]

Feels like Bart is trying to have a honest discussion and Justin is trying to win an argument

[kaneohehaole]

Justin is more focused on getting a gotcha, rather than listening to the argument. Barts points were clear and they somehow went right over Justin’s head.

[RenéSchiffer]

Thanks again, Justin, to make my departure of the church that much easier.