– Understanding the formation of the biblical canon.
: Debates regarding his birthplace (Bethlehem vs. Nazareth), his family (did he have a twin?), and his relationship with figures like Mary Magdalene . TTC - The Greatest Controversies of Early Chris...
: Investigations into who was legally responsible for Jesus's death , the shifting portrayal of Pontius Pilate from a ruthless governor to an exonerated figure, and conflicting Gospel accounts of the resurrection. – Understanding the formation of the biblical canon
– Examining early Roman persecution.
– Exploring contradictions between Matthew and Luke. TTC - The Greatest Controversies of Early Chris...
Professor Ehrman emphasizes that while many of these issues are encountered in religious contexts, his goal is to use "academic rigor" to uncover how these controversies helped Christianity evolve from a tiny sect into a major world religion.