logo
episode-header-image
Jul 1
48m 52s

Did Christianity Make the World More Mor...

Bart Ehrman
About this episode

Jesus’ ethical teachings are often touted as being revolutionary in the ancient world. The pagan cultures that preceded Christianity are commonly understood as being immoral, full of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll. Well, 2 out of three isn’t bad… But just how close to historical reality are these views? Today, Dr. Bart Ehrman joins me for the first of a special two-part episode to dive into ancient ethics, and whether Jesus actually changed anything.

Up next
Yesterday
Is Christianity Good for the World?
Has Christianity been a net positive or negative for humanity? If you wander into an online debate between an atheist and a Christian apologist, you may hear an enthusiastic discussion on just this topic, with the Christian arguing that Jesus’ teachings led to the development of ... Show More
50m 56s
Jun 24
Did Jesus Actually Claim to be God?
One of the main tenets of Christianity is Jesus’ divinity - most denominations hold him to be fully divine (and also fully mortal, but what’s a whole other conversation). History is littered with humans who claimed to be gods - think Egyptian kings, for example. Is this something ... Show More
44m 38s
Jun 17
The Wild Wild West of Early Christianity
What if everything you thought you knew about the origins of Christianity was just one version of a much wilder, more chaotic story? In this episode, Megan Lewis and renowned scholar Paula Fredrickson dive into the glorious mess of competing beliefs, hidden gospels, and theologic ... Show More
29m 47s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
Day 196: Destruction of Israel (2024)
Fr. Mike talks about the destruction of Israel and explains how Jesus becoming man is the fulfillment of this prophesy we hear in Isaiah. He also points out the importance of God's anger with the Assyrians destroying Israel, even though he will bring the greatest blessings ou ... Show More
26m 22s
Mar 2025
Day 76: War Against Midian (2025)
Fr. Mike breaks down the battle against Midian and explains why God would allow destruction and warfare that can seem brutal. He also highlights how we can learn from Israel's weakness by destroying the things in our lives that lead us away from God. Today's readings are ... Show More
21m 3s
Feb 2025
Day 39: Slavery in the Old Testament (2025)
Fr. Mike gives us the historical context around the commandments on slavery to help us better grasp the concept of slavery in the Old Testament. Today we read from Exodus 21, Leviticus 14, and Psalm 75. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please ... Show More
21m 38s
Feb 2022
Galatians - part 2 - Unlocking The Bible
Part 74 of the David Pawson 'Unlocking the Bible' Podcast series David Pawson says that many Christians love the letter to the Galatians while others don’t like it. Paul was emotional about its subjects. Galatians ‘strips off all spiritual veneer’. It was this book which triggere ... Show More
36m 35s
Aug 2024
Day 232: Glory in Knowing God (2024)
Fr. Mike reflects on Jeremiah’s sorrow for the people of Israel while reminding us that the one thing we ought to find glory in, is in understanding and knowing God. In our reading of Ezekiel, we hear about God's ongoing promise to restore Israel. Today’s readings are Jeremia ... Show More
20m 33s
Jul 2024
Are Old Testament Laws Sexist and Oppressive Toward Women? w/ Katie McCoy PhD
182 - Have you every read a passage in the Old Testament and thought, "What?! Does God even care about women?" If so, you're not alone. As modern Christian women it's crucial that we dig deeper to understand the context, history, and culture of what is happening in anci ... Show More
49m 6s
Mar 2024
Day 78: The Song of Moses (2024)
In today's readings, we trace the route of the Israelites in Numbers and hear the song of Moses in Deuteronomy. Fr. Mike reflects on a hard lesson from these passages; that God will allow us to choose something other than him, even though it hurts us. The readings are Numbers ... Show More
23m 5s
Oct 2024
Day 276: Haman's Plan (2024)
As Fr. Mike reads from Nehemiah today, we hear about how the hearts of the people of Israel were moved as Ezra reads the book of the law of Moses to them. In our reading of Esther, we have the beginning of the crisis that will unfold throughout the book as Haman, backed by the ki ... Show More
18m 17s
Mar 2024
Day 65: Revolt Against Moses (2024)
Fr. Mike dives into the recurring issue of the Israelites rebelling against God and remaining stuck in their past as we read about the revolt of Korah, Dathan and Abiram against Moses and Aaron. Today's readings are Numbers 16, Deuteronomy 15-16, and Psalm 97. For the complet ... Show More
25m 51s