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I vividly recall the interview for my book, A Deadly Misunderstanding, with Harper Collins Publishers. I had just read one of their published books, Jesus Misquoted, written by Prof. Bart Ehrman of Duke University. His main claim was that the Bible is inconsistent and contradicts itself.
I told the editor of Harper that presenting the understanding of the Aramaic Bible could refute most of Ehrman’s critical comments. While they snickered and indicated they would publish a response if I wrote it, I insisted they focus on my book proposal in hand.
In April, Bart Ehrman appeared on the Easter week Colbert Report TV show, defending his newest book Jesus Interrupted.[1] As his other book, this one attacks the Bible as “full of contradictions.”
On the show, Ehrman’s main point dealt with how “very differently” each Gospel describes the crucifixion. During a “holy week” he ironically argues Mark’s Gospel offers Greek text quoting Jesus in agony as saying “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” In Luke, he says, “Jesus is not in agony at all” and John “is the combination of the others.”
What we find when studying the passages in question in the Aramaic Bible is that Jesus actually said, “My God, my God, for this is why I was spared.” This is an ancient Eastern way of saying “this was my destiny.” This might give Dr. Ehrman some food for thought!
The Bible says over 70 times that God will not forsake us and is with us always![2] Moreover, if God will not “forsake” us, how could He “forsake” his own unique son? Such a conclusion is indeed illogical and inconsistent. Thankfully, the Aramaic clarifies in a new fascinating way that which has been confusing for generations.
When reviewed with this lens, all Gospels reflect a consistent attitude of Jesus during this horrific time of suffering and sacrifice.
Others criticisms and perceived inconsistencies by Dr. Ehrman made on the Colbert TV show included issues regarding the Trinity, and Jesus as the “son of God” (as a divine being). I look forward to discussing each of these provocative subjects with you to share answers from the Aramaic Bible text in future blogs.