Forged
Book Description
Biblical scholar Bart D. Ehrman invites readers into a fascinating exploration of one of Christianity's most closely guarded secrets. For generations, biblical scholars have understood something that remains largely unknown to the general public: many books in the New Testament were not written by the apostles and disciples traditionally credited as their authors.
This revelation carries profound implications for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of Christian faith. If the Gospels and letters attributed to Jesus's closest followers were actually composed by later writers with their own theological agendas, what does this mean for the authority and authenticity of these sacred texts?
Ehrman guides readers through the ancient world of the Roman Empire, where the practice of writing under false names created ongoing battles over authenticity. Contrary to popular belief, he demonstrates that forgery was considered just as scandalous in antiquity as it is today. Yet in an era when all documents were hand-copied and circulated without authorial oversight, determining true authorship presented enormous challenges.
Through careful examination of historical evidence, this work reveals how forged letters written in the names of Jesus's disciples were strategically created to gain acceptance within early Christian communities. These fabricated texts succeeded in their purpose, ultimately shaping the biblical canon that millions read today.
For spiritual seekers interested in understanding the complex human processes behind sacred literature, this scholarly investigation offers eye-opening insights into how religious texts actually came to be.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 307 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Controversial literature
- ✓ Explore Criticism, interpretation
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore HISTORY
- ✓ Explore Bible, authorship
- ✓ Explore Authority
- ✓ Explore Bible, evidences, authority, etc., n. t.
