Unbelievable? 8 May 2010 - Philip Pullman on the historical Jesus
Playback speed
"The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ" is the latest book from the pen of prominent atheist author Philip Pullman. It re-imagines the story of Jesus as the story of two twins - one called Jesus, the other Christ. It is the twin Christ who writes the history of Jesus, turning him into the God-man of the Gospels.
Philip Pullman joins Justin Brierley to discuss whether we should believe the Biblical stories of Jesus as historical fact or whether myth and invention are inevitable in the 2000 year old Gospel accounts.
Christian journalist Martin Saunders engages Pullman on his view of the Church and his scepticism of the miraculous while Bible Scholar Anthony McRoy challenges Pullman's view that the Gospels are the product of the mythologising and interpretation of its historical core. He particularly takes issue with Pullman's recasting of the resurrection as a fabricated trick to create the foundation of the future church.
For "The book of Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ" see http://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Jesus-Scoundrel-Christ-Myths/dp/1847678254
For a further debate between Philip Pullman and Rt Revd Lord Richard Harries courtesy of English Pen go to http://www.premierradio.org.uk/shows/saturday/unbelievable/features.aspx
For Philip Pullman see http://www.philip-pullman.com/
Martin Saunders is a contributor to Christianity Magazine and reviews the book in their June edition http://www.christianitymagazine.co.uk/
For Anthony McRoy on the historical Jesus see http://www.bethinking.org/bible-jesus/introductory/debunking-channel-4s-conspiracy-theory.htm
If you enjoyed this programme you may also enjoy:
Unbelievable? 3 Jan 2009 Bart Ehrman & Peter Williams - "Misquoting Jesus: Do we have the original writings of the New Testament?"
Unbelievable? 29 Aug 2009 - and the Eyewitnesses part 1 : Richard Bauckham and James Crossley
Unbelievable? 6 Sep 2008 Christianity on trial pt 1: Can I trust the Bible? Atheist lawyer Ed Turner vs Theologian Andy Bannister
Jon the discussion at the Premier Community http://www.premiercommunity.org.uk/group/unbelievable
Released on 23 Jun 2014
Coming up next
Unbelievable? 29 May 2010 - Homosexuality and the Bible
In response to listener requests Justin hosts two shows dealing with Homosexuality and Christian faith. This first show addresses the main scriptural passages that relate to homosexuality. Are the prohibitions against same sex acts in the Old Testa....
Unbelievable? 22 May 2010 - Sex outside Marriage debate
Evangelical Christians hold that sexual relations outside of marriage are against Biblical mandate and have negative moral and social consequences. In modern society, as marriage becomes less common and most people are sexually active from their tee....
Unbelievable? 5 Jun 2010 - Homosexuality and the church
In response to listener requests Justin hosts two shows dealing with Homosexuality and Christian faith. This second show addresses whether the church is homophobic in its attitude towards gay people. Would a gay person feel welcome at an evangelical...