ePub How Jesus Became God: The Exaltation of a Jewish Preacher from Galilee by Bart D. Ehrman in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting ReadBy K.NejdlVery interesting book; which explores and explains how it is that Jesus came to be perceived as and called God. Goes into the history surrounding the time that Jesus was believed to have lived. Written by a theologian.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. however wise or good he may have been)By Luis H. RomeroWell outside the dispute of Jesus' historical existence lies the big question: How/when did he become so close to being God; then to being God himself. It is a revelation to this reader that Jesus' life (if indeed he lived at all--and Ehrman claims he did in another work) came and went almost unnoticed but thanks to some of the early advocates (Paul; for instance; claims a resurrection) of the Movement he began to get a special identity; from quasi-divinity; to divinity in the coming centuries. To gain adherents to the Way Jesus indeed; had to be special (you wouldn't venerate/worship a plain human being; however wise or good he may have been); so writers like John (from the beginning he was The Word) to Luke (miracles and a special genealogy) and others that came later; his divinity was assured and the rest; as they say; is history.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Good introduction to Christological debateBy Jeffrey Van WagonerThis is a book that my study group decided to read and discuss. This group is made up of religious and non-religious people. Overall most of us found this book quite interesting and a useful introduction to Christological debate.Ehrman has a very good writing style and explains things rather clearly. This is written more for a popular audience than a scholarly audience; so all of his arguments are not documented; but many are.He makes four main points; the first of which is found if the first two chapters which we found the most interesting: that ancient Greco-Roman and early Jewish literature showed that they believed that there was a continuum of divine beings and not a ontological gap between humans and God as most religious people believe today. I’ve studied a lot of ancient writings and have seen that and believe that the Bible supports this. An example is the difference between God (the Father); the Son; and angels as another tier of divine being.The second point he makes is a discussion of the historical Jesus. In the next three chapters; he asks whether Jesus recognized Himself as God. Ehrman thinks that He did not. It is clear that Christ always refers to the Father as God and separate from Himself. He claims to be the Son of God. In the next chapter he questions whether Jesus was actually buried and then missing from the tomb. I did not find his arguments convincing. The next chapter is a discussion of how people could have visions of the resurrected Jesus (he does not doubt that people had visions; but discusses what scientifically could cause a vision).The third topic is presented in the next two chapters. He points out that there is a difference of how the Synoptic gospels; the Gospel of John; and the letters of Paul portray the divinity of Jesus. He brings out some interesting points. He differentiates between exaltation Christology and incarnation Christology. This was another interesting point; though he did not seem to consider that they could both be compatible given his first point.The fourth topic is in the last two chapters. He discusses the evolution of early Christology from the time of Christ to the time of the Nicene council and beyond. This was well documented with quotes from several early Christian leaders.Overall; I found the book to be very enjoyable and it got me thinking more about this subject.