Helpful, biased, informative, broad

I'm impressed with Ehrman's breadth, but his depth is lacking. He manages to give an overview of a vast range of topics, but he often selects narrow possibilities and makes them probabilities and then builds whole theories on them, without properly considering other options or acknowledging the potential flaws in his conclusions. But overall I enjoyed hearing his insights into the writings of the earliest Apostolic fathers and their impact on the development of early Christianity.

14 people found this helpful

Academically sterile and vague treatment of Christianity

As the title of my review states, this treatment of the early Christian church is vague and excludes common acceptances of doctrine and protocol doctrine. For example, he claims that Jesus was a follower of John the Baptist which is why he was baptized and this is just not supported by the Bible nor how any Christian denomination believes that relationship. There are so many statements that go completely against what is commonly believed and every vague statement makes it sound like these are facts and that the beliefs are in error. This is not a good course for a believer who wants a primer on the early church.

5 people found this helpful

Intriguing and engaging

I found this lecture series to be a really helpful guide into early Christianity in terms of development of doctrine, hierarchy, and the rise of orthodoxy. While he may challenge certain people's faith through the lecture, I think the work is in the end a growing experience for both the believer and nonbeliever.

4 people found this helpful

Typical Ehrmanish account of the Apostolic Fathers

Would you try another book from The Great Courses and/or Professor Bart D. Ehrman?

Definitely yes. I have tried a few Great Courses and found them to be very interesting and informative. I have read or listened almost all prof. Ehrman's popular books. At this point it feels that a lot of what he teaches is just presented in new packaging.

What aspect of Professor Bart D. Ehrman’s performance would you have changed?

I think he sometimes fall over his words and begins to 'uhm' especially when he says something that might be a bit controversial. It could be that speaking to an imaginative crowd could enhance his uncertainty.

Was After the New Testament: The Writings of the Apostolic Fathers worth the listening time?

Yes, though a lot seems to be ideas that I have come across in some of his other works. I hoped to learn more about the Apostolic Fathers than the brief summaries he would give of each book. That said, there are some very interesting comments and facts that made it worthwhile.

Any additional comments?

While not the best Great Courses lectures series, it is well worth the time to listen to.

8 people found this helpful

Great historical study and theological/ecclesiastical expounding

Such an interesting and crucial time period to examine and Bart is the guy to do it. I like how this course is divided up with an exegetical expounding of each document and then following each book with a chapter explaining the circumstances, issues, and theological perspectives that led to that writing.

Bart has a natural delivery. He sounds human and alive, rather than perfect and sterile. This makes it more personal and approachable with some humor.

Great insight into the early church

Great insight into the early christianity and overview of the aposlitic father's. I would recommend to people interested in the early church

Essential historical information.

It's fine for an individual to have their own personal theology, but if they insist on pushing those beliefs onto others, they need to understand where their doctrines originated. Dr. Ehrman explores texts that have had a profound effect on modern day Christianity in this lecture series. It is essential that one considers this data and how Christianity evolved since the death of Jesus before they judge and attempt to push their beliefs in others.

Awesome historical context and great introduction overall

I’d just wish he believing for getting an even greater rich theology as part of this course! Overall very nice book

I can't wait to listen to it a second time.

Professor Ehrman makes a complex subject easy and fun! It is engaging and relevant.

Wow! VERY disappointed. Was hoping for better

Would you try another book from The Great Courses and/or Professor Bart D. Ehrman?

Yes to the great courses - in fact, I have listened to several and have several more in my wishlist. My reviews of them have been favorable.

No to Ehrman. He is too subjective and far and away too repetitive. His theological, ideological and historical perspectives could have been stated in about half the time, which would make the actual material only take 1/4 of the time recorded.

In other words, he is awfully wrapped up in his own views and his (almost arrogant) take on history the early church and Christianity.

I understand that the church and Christianity was a theological and spiritual evolutionary process. There are certain paths taken that could have gone another direction - so state it once and move on. Not everyone is an impressionable, malleable college freshman who needs to be convinced that Prof. Ehrman's understanding is the only correct one.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Please, Modern scholar - stop this man before he teaches again!

What three words best describe Professor Bart D. Ehrman’s voice?

understandable, tolerable and average

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No - it would make a lousy movie - but the biased take is just fanciful enough to make it as a History Channel 'documentary'

Any additional comments?

Honestly - I cannot recommend this book to Christians, agnostics or atheists. It is so biased toward his 'Historical Jesus' claims that the authority or genuineness of any writings from the Church Fathers cannot come through untarnished.

Overall, I thought this was one of the worst Modern Scholar lectures I have ever listened to and I have listened to a lot from them.

19 people found this helpful