Christian Scholar Wrestles With Uncomfortable Evidence
The Gospels Contradict Each Other
1. Jesus never claimed to be God
2. His prophecy of imminent apocalypse failed
3. The Gospels contradict each other
4. The historical evidence for resurrection is inconclusive
These are the beliefs of my guest, Princeton’s Dale Allison, after a lifetime of study.
These are not uncommon positions among New Testament historians as methods of historical criticism have overturned orthodox belief. What is uncommon here is how Allison has responded to his new beliefs. Whereas most scholars who arrive at these positions become atheist, Allison remains a practicing, devoted christian who follows Jesus. In a way, his religious practice has become even stronger due to these beliefs.
In this interview, you are going to learn how Professor Allison, after much struggle, came to these uncomfortable critical positions and what Christianity means for him now.
Topics:
0:42 Jesus Never Claimed to Be God
13:42 The Gospels are Not Theological Treaties
18:04 What Did Jesus Think of Himself?
24:20 Between Gnosticism and Heresy
26:41 Do You Need the Nicene Creed to Be Christian?
29:57 The End of the World is 2,000 Years Late
54:28 God Must Win
1:00:54 The Historical Evidence of the Resurrection
1:23:23 History vs. Theology