Summary
In "Misquoting Jesus," Bart D. Ehrman embarks on a compelling exploration of the textual history of the New Testament, revealing how scribes, through accidental errors and intentional alterations, have shaped the scriptures we read today. Drawing from his decades of experience as a New Testament scholar, Ehrman illuminates the fascinating world of textual criticism, a discipline dedicated to reconstructing the original words of the Bible from the thousands of variant manuscripts that have survived.
Ehrman begins by establishing the paramount importance of books in early Christianity, contrasting it with the non-bookish nature of other religions in the Roman Empire. He then delves into the role of scribes in copying and transmitting the Christian scriptures, highlighting the challenges and opportunities inherent in this manual process. The book meticulously examines the types of alterations that occurred, ranging from unintentional errors to theologically motivated changes, and provides concrete examples to illustrate the impact of these variations on our understanding of key biblical passages.
The author guides readers through the evolution of the Christian canon, the formation of the Latin Vulgate, and the advent of printed editions, including the groundbreaking work of Erasmus. He introduces readers to the key figures who have shaped the field of textual criticism, including John Mill, Richard Bentley, and Brooke Foss Westcott and Fenton John Anthony Hort, showcasing their methodologies and contributions to the quest for the original text. Ehrman emphasizes that textual criticism is not merely an academic exercise, but a pursuit of real importance for anyone interested in the Bible.
Ehrman also addresses the implications of textual variants for our understanding of Christian theology and history, as well as the importance of knowing the original words of the New Testament. Through careful analysis and engaging storytelling, "Misquoting Jesus" invites readers to grapple with the complexities of the biblical text and to consider how these complexities shape our interpretations and beliefs.