Are the Gospels Historically Reliable? The Problem of Contradictions

Whenever there are multiple accounts of a past event – any past event – that are not simply different, but actually contradictory, they cannot all be historically accurate. So what does one do with the contradictions in the biblical accounts of Jesus’s life?

This talk was delivered in October 2019 at The Defenders Conference, an annual evangelical Christian event that offers different perspectives on one particular issue.

© Defenders Media 501(c)(3), posted with permission. Defenders Media provides media solutions for Christian apologists & apologetic ministries and works to bridge the gap from the academy to the church.

[MrArdytube]

One thing that I find striking is that many of the issues that Ehrman raises are things that I remember noticing in my Christian youth. I Remember having similar thoughts, but dismissing those concerns since I expected that there would be a reasonable explanation, And I remember that when I did ask such questions... there always were “explanations”. And, I remember that these explanations were frequently not particularly satisfying; but I did not want to make a scene by questioning an authority figure.

[marome]

The horizontal reading of the gospels is exactly what I did when I tried to strengthen my faith in god but ended up losing my faith instead.

[artemiosnicola]

Judging from Professor Bart's tone in this lecture I get the sense that the crowd gave him some weird looks at times. He seems to be pressing on his points a little more than usual, due to the theological views of the audience.
Got to love that man.

[pamcurtis]

My biggest issue has always been with the Trial of Jesus. All the disciples had fled. Who was there to witness the event?
The accounts differ so wildly, it’s a glaring contradiction.

[sphagbog]

From a Christian about to listen to this because I don't have blind faith . Really pleased Bart was invited. One reason I believe is that I am able to question our faith.

[jacuz]

Dr Ehrman, I am a member of your blog. I've listened to many of your lectures on youtube over the years, some several times. I never tire of hearing and learning from your lectures. Most of all I appreciate the humor and good-naturedness that are a hallmark (imo) of your lectures. Thanks!!!

[ChubieUjah]

I Really Love and appreciate Bart's Sincerity.

[Seeds-Of-The-Wayside]

He talks with the cadence of a preacher. I like it. Easy listening. Like a sermon that makes you more athiest.

[geoffmallett]

excellent lecture, difficult crowd, good questions and answers. Well done Dr Ehrman.

[berosi]

I have been telling about these discrepancies to my friends for years now. No one wanted to search and see for themselves! That's what blind faith is doing to people!

[TheBeingReal]

It is amazing how many people will either hold to being ignorant or flat out lie to themselves to never admit they were wrong.

[Jamie-Russell-CME]

I have honestly grown to appreciate this man. Dr. Ehrman, I love your work. You are a fascinating and entertaining man. Your enthusiasm is contagious and intellectual prowess something to be admired. "If you had a nickel for everytime you heard that..." Another charity would receive funds from Dr. Ehrman, I would wager.

[essenceofwisdom]

funny how the Evangelical apologists were always labeling Ahmed Deedat as someone who's lying and someone who's misrepresenting the Bible, but they were actually those individuals who were lying and deceiving . the majority of them are still trying to twist the reality by putting a square into the circle till this day on, which is nothing else than ridiculous. a simple cross examination of arguments lead only to one rational conclusion in this case and that conclusion is that Mr . Deedat and Mr. Ehrman provided a truthful explanation verse by verse and gospel by gospel .

[Markos]

Mr. Bart
You changed my life and made me see the truth. Thanks

[tommonk]

I've always wondered why Joseph's genealogy matters. Joseph isn't Jesus' father. What's the point? It is totally irrelevant. His genealogy doesn't link back to David because Joseph wasn't his father. Jesus is not "the son of David."

[DiscoverALLAH]

Exactly! Use your Head! Be Sincere to God!

[OhManTFE]

Keeping fighting the good fight against ignorance and superstition, Bart.

[pauljimerson]

Kudos to those in attendance for bringing in a different viewpoint that isn't "faith" building.

[demiurgeHater]

Looking at the cruelty, ignorance, and contradiction of modern evangelical Christians, and the past 1600 years of blood and persecution wrought by Catholics, including the crusade, the massacre of the Cathars, Spanish Inquisition, and the Indulgences, I wish the Marcionites and the Valentinians had won the theological battle. If that was the case, Christianity could have been a knowledge-seeking religion that constantly adapts and coexists with the ever-changing scientific community that constantly refines & improves their worldview with more elegant and accurate understanding of the universe with each passing generation, instead of blindingly believing in a tiny subset of early Christian writings and one specific way to interpret those texts inherited 1700 years ago from Irenaues, Tertullian, Polycarp, and Origen.

[KamranSher]

Professor Dr. Bart Ahrman is Real Gentleman and a great scholar of our era.
''It's much better to be intelligent believers than to be ignorant believer'' Dr. Ehramn