How Jesus Became God

“How Jesus Became God” is another book by Bart D. Ehrman, which explores the early Christian beliefs about Jesus and how they evolved over time. In this book, Ehrman investigates the historical development of the belief in Jesus’ divinity from its origins in Jewish messianic expectations to its proclamation by the early Christian community.

Ehrman begins by examining the historical Jesus and the diverse understandings of his identity during his lifetime. He argues that Jesus himself did not claim to be divine in the way that later Christianity would define it, but rather his followers came to interpret him as such after his death.

The book traces the gradual transformation of Jesus from a Jewish apocalyptic preacher to the divine figure worshipped by Christians. Ehrman explores the various factors that contributed to this transformation, including the influence of Hellenistic and Roman religious beliefs, the interpretation of Old Testament prophecies, and the experiences of Jesus’ followers, particularly his resurrection.

Ehrman also examines the development of theological doctrines such as the Trinity and the divinity of Christ in early Christian writings, highlighting the debates and controversies surrounding these ideas. He argues that the belief in Jesus’ divinity was not a monolithic or universally accepted doctrine in early Christianity, but rather a complex and contested concept that evolved over several centuries.

Overall, “How Jesus Became God” offers a detailed examination of the historical process by which Jesus came to be regarded as divine in Christian theology. It sheds light on the diverse beliefs and interpretations within early Christianity and challenges readers to reconsider their understanding of the origins of Christian doctrine.