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How Jesus Became God summary
Brief summary
How Jesus Became God by Bart D. Ehrman explores the historical evolution of early Christian beliefs about Jesus's divinity. Ehrman delves into the controversies and debates that ultimately led to the orthodox Christian view of Jesus as God.
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How Jesus Became God
Summary of key ideas
The Historical Jesus
In How Jesus Became God, Bart D. Ehrman starts by painting a picture of the historical Jesus, a Jewish preacher from Nazareth. He emphasizes that Jesus didn't consider himself divine, but saw himself as a human being chosen by God to bring about the Kingdom of God. Ehrman argues that Jesus' crucifixion was a result of his radical teachings and his claim to be the future king of the Jews.
Ehrman then delves into the earliest Christian beliefs about Jesus, which he maintains, were influenced by the Jewish belief in resurrection. He explains that the earliest followers of Jesus believed he had been raised from the dead and exalted to heaven, not as God, but as the future ruler of the coming Kingdom of God.
Developing Christological Beliefs
The second part of the book explores how the earliest followers of Jesus' teachings came to believe in his divinity. Ehrman argues that the belief in Jesus' divinity was a gradual process, influenced by a variety of factors such as the interpretation of Jewish scriptures, the influence of Greco-Roman religious beliefs, and the experiences of the resurrected Jesus by his followers.
According to Ehrman, these factors led to the development of different Christological beliefs among early Christian communities. Some believed that Jesus became divine at his resurrection, others at his baptism, and still others at his birth. Ehrman also discusses the role of the Apostle Paul in shaping these early Christological beliefs and spreading them among various Christian communities.
The Councils and Creedal Formulations
In the third part, Ehrman examines the formalization of Christological beliefs through a series of church councils and creedal formulations. He discusses the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, where the divinity of Jesus was officially declared in the Nicene Creed. Ehrman emphasizes that the decision was not unanimous and that it took several decades and more councils to establish the orthodox Christian belief in the Trinity.
Ehrman also highlights the role of political and social factors in these creedal formulations, arguing that the Roman Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity and his desire for religious unity greatly influenced the outcome of these councils. The author stresses that these developments were not just about theology, but also about power, politics, and social control.
Christology in the Early Christian Communities
In the final part of the book, Ehrman returns to the early Christian communities to examine how the newly established Christological beliefs affected their understanding of Jesus. He argues that the belief in Jesus' divinity as formulated in the creeds was not universally accepted, and that different Christian groups continued to hold diverse beliefs about Jesus for centuries.
He also discusses the emergence of the New Testament canon and how the inclusion of certain texts and exclusion of others helped solidify the orthodox Christian beliefs about Jesus' divinity. Ehrman concludes by emphasizing that the belief in Jesus' divinity was a complex and evolving process, shaped by a variety of historical, social, and theological factors.
Final Thoughts
In How Jesus Became God, Bart D. Ehrman provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the historical development of Christological beliefs in early Christianity. He challenges the traditional view of Jesus as a divine figure and presents a nuanced understanding of the complex and evolving nature of early Christian beliefs about Jesus' identity. Ehrman's work invites readers to critically examine the historical context of religious beliefs and the diverse interpretations of Jesus in the early Christian tradition.
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What is How Jesus Became God about?
How Jesus Became God by Bart D. Ehrman explores the historical journey of Jesus from a Jewish preacher to the divine figure worshipped by billions. Ehrman delves into the early Christian beliefs and the debates that led to the development of the doctrine of the divinity of Jesus. Drawing on extensive research, this book offers a thought-provoking perspective on one of the central tenets of Christianity.
How Jesus Became God Review
How Jesus Became God (2014) explores the historical journey of Jesus from a mere mortal to being considered divine. Here's why this book is worth diving into:
- Unveiling the intriguing transformation of Jesus' identity over time, it sheds light on the early Christian beliefs and controversies.
- By delving into historical context and scholarly debates, it offers a deep understanding of the complex evolution of Christian theology.
- Through a compelling analysis of ancient texts and religious ideologies, it presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges conventional beliefs.
Who should read How Jesus Became God?
Individuals who are curious about the historical development of Christian beliefs
Readers who want to explore different perspectives on the divinity of Jesus
Those who are open to challenging their existing beliefs and expanding their understanding of religious history
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How Jesus Became God FAQs
What is the main message of How Jesus Became God?
The main message is how the belief in Jesus' divinity evolved in early Christianity.
How long does it take to read How Jesus Became God?
Reading time varies, but to read the full book takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is How Jesus Became God a good book? Is it worth reading?
How Jesus Became God is worth reading for its insights into early Christian beliefs and historical context.
Who is the author of How Jesus Became God?
The author of How Jesus Became God is Bart D. Ehrman.
What to read after How Jesus Became God?
If you're wondering what to read next after How Jesus Became God, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama
- On Being by Peter Atkins
- The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton
- Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson
- Choose Yourself by James Altucher
- Going Clear by Lawrence Wright
- The Power of No by James Altucher & Claudia Azula Altucher
- The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan