Did Paul and Jesus Have the Same Religion?

Did Paul transform the Jewish religion OF Jesus to the Christian religion ABOUT Jesus? Why does Paul not mention the life of Jesus outside of the death and resurrection? Do Jesus and Paul's teachings on following the Law of God contradict each other? If you're interested in exploring this topic, Bart has a new 8 part lecture in his "How Scholars Read the Bible" series that you'll love! You get 8 30-40 minute lectures, PDF lesson guides, a Q&A, audio downloads, FAQ's and a further reading list to really dig deep, plus discounts on other lectures in the series. Sign up for Bart's course using my affiliate link here! emmathorne--ehrman.thrivecart.com/paul/

The differences between Paul and Jesus teachings is what first led me away from Christianity. Wonderful to hear from a scholar on the subject. Great interview!

This discussion made me think of the film The Last Temptation of Christ. Many Christians were extremely offended by the depiction of Jesus as someone who struggled, had doubts, and at one point wanting to choose to marry and have children rather than be crucified. However, I felt that there was a part of the story that (in my opinion) was far more subversive than that, which was that Paul was falsely claiming that the death and resurrection happened. Paul was a charlatan. Seeing this film was the first time that it had occurred to me that so much of the belief system of modern Christianity (at least that I was exposed to) was based on Paul, not Jesus. And with this realization, I found it rather surprising that Christians didn't seem to be bothered by the depiction of Paul as a fraud in that movie. It seemed to me that folks were getting upset over some details that aren't really that important to the religion (such as did Jesus ever have doubts, struggles, or (god forbid) sex but glossed over the implications that the foundation of the modern church could be founded by a liar.

The fact that Paul didn't get along with Jesus's top 2 disciples, one of which was Jesus's own brother, is pretty significant as to whether or not he followed the teachings of Jesus.

Am I alone in feeling a little burst of pride for our lovely person Emma when Dr Ehrman genuflects on what a good question she just asked?

Two of my most favourite humans talking together. Thanks so much Emma and Bart.

I can't help but think that Jesus and Paul were very different fellows, and both Emma and Bart alluded to this as one reason Christianity lacks any real consistency. If I was a Christian, I would be even more confused than I am already! 🙂

I remember as a child being dragged to church and being bored so I would look at these things. (I was already a non-believer at this point) But I remember thinking and wondering why Paul's writings were even included in the bible, his entire story seemed like a sham, and he was extremely misogynistic which was when I realized why his writings were included in the bible

I'd never even considered the question of whether it was in fact Paul who founded Christianity - it makes logical sense. Fascinating topic. Love your channel Emma ❤

I've learned so much more about Christianity since I became an atheist than I was ever taught in 30 years of going to church

It's noticeable that Fundies rely much more on Paul than the Gospels.

Jesus: "Call no man your Father..." Saul: "Have I not been a Father to you?"

I used to be Catholic. After 9 years of Catholic school, I believed that Jesus was preaching a kinder, gentler form of Judaism. Paul's message--which is the one that stuck--was that, no, this is its own new thing.

Wow. The Clark Kent Effect is real. I barely recognise Ehrman without his glasses!

👍👍 I love these insights, they're so fascinating! Thank you for the upload!

This helped to answer questions that have been at the back of my mind for decades. Thank you.

Loved this conversation! Thanks for your approach to the topic

Emma thank you so much for this. It’s a question I have been wrestling with. ❤

Thank you, Emma. I really appreciate your interviews.:pride-heart-rainbow-philly::pride-heart-rainbow-philly::pride-heart-rainbow-philly:

That was a very fascinating conversation. Thank you