Christians MUST Stop Lying...

I was a fundamentalist kid, and when I I was a fundamentalist kid, and when I was growing up, there was one name, one was growing up, there was one name, one was growing up, there was one name, one person, one Bible scholar who struck person, one Bible scholar who struck person, one Bible scholar who struck fear in my heart, and I knew that I had fear in my heart, and I knew that I had fear in my heart, and I knew that I had to be careful of Bart Ehrman. And it's to be careful of Bart Ehrman. And it's to be careful of Bart Ehrman. And it's ironic now because I've realized with ironic now because I've realized with ironic now because I've realized with time that Bart Ehrman was right about time that Bart Ehrman was right about time that Bart Ehrman was right about everything. And the people who told me everything. And the people who told me everything. And the people who told me what I was supposed to think about Bart what I was supposed to think about Bart what I was supposed to think about Bart Ehrman were actually the ones who were Ehrman were actually the ones who were Ehrman were actually the ones who were lying to me, and dare I even say lying to me, and dare I even say lying to me, and dare I even say brainwashing me. This is the story of brainwashing me. This is the story of brainwashing me. This is the story of how I went from somebody who hated Bart how I went from somebody who hated Bart how I went from somebody who hated Bart Ehrman to last week getting to interview Ehrman to last week getting to interview Ehrman to last week getting to interview Bart Ehrman, which Can I just say Bart Ehrman, which Can I just say Bart Ehrman, which Can I just say fantastic interview? I'll link it below. fantastic interview? I'll link it below. fantastic interview? I'll link it below. Do give it a watch. Oh my goodness, Bart Do give it a watch. Oh my goodness, Bart Do give it a watch. Oh my goodness, Bart gives such incredible insight even over gives such incredible insight even over gives such incredible insight even over simplistic topics he speaks about, and simplistic topics he speaks about, and simplistic topics he speaks about, and even he gives this new branch of even he gives this new branch of even he gives this new branch of atonement, and I mean, it's very atonement, and I mean, it's very atonement, and I mean, it's very controversial, but I found it absolutely controversial, but I found it absolutely controversial, but I found it absolutely exhilarating to watch. So, hats off to exhilarating to watch. So, hats off to exhilarating to watch. So, hats off to him. was quite an honor. And it's weird, him. was quite an honor. And it's weird, him. was quite an honor. And it's weird, and I think kind of unlikely if you and I think kind of unlikely if you and I think kind of unlikely if you would have told me as a 17-year-old that would have told me as a 17-year-old that would have told me as a 17-year-old that I would someday see the world like Bart I would someday see the world like Bart I would someday see the world like Bart Ehrman sees the world, that I would Ehrman sees the world, that I would Ehrman sees the world, that I would agree with Bart on a lot of things, and agree with Bart on a lot of things, and agree with Bart on a lot of things, and that I would even be interviewing Bart that I would even be interviewing Bart that I would even be interviewing Bart and really enjoying the conversation, I and really enjoying the conversation, I and really enjoying the conversation, I would have said to get out of town, and would have said to get out of town, and would have said to get out of town, and I probably would have thought that you I probably would have thought that you I probably would have thought that you were influenced by Satan or something were influenced by Satan or something were influenced by Satan or something like that. But over time, my mind like that. But over time, my mind like that. But over time, my mind changed, and ironically, it didn't changed, and ironically, it didn't changed, and ironically, it didn't change from reading Bart Ehrman's books.

change from reading Bart Ehrman's books. change from reading Bart Ehrman's books. That would all come much, much later. It That would all come much, much later. It That would all come much, much later. It came from studying the Bible and came from studying the Bible and came from studying the Bible and realizing that apologists were lying to realizing that apologists were lying to realizing that apologists were lying to me, and that Bart Ehrman was telling the me, and that Bart Ehrman was telling the me, and that Bart Ehrman was telling the truth. This is the story of how it truth. This is the story of how it truth. This is the story of how it happened. Before we start, my name is happened. Before we start, my name is happened. Before we start, my name is Chris. I have a PhD in religious studies Chris. I have a PhD in religious studies Chris. I have a PhD in religious studies with a specialty in Christian origins. I with a specialty in Christian origins. I with a specialty in Christian origins. I want to take you back to when I was just want to take you back to when I was just want to take you back to when I was just a little kid because I had certainly a little kid because I had certainly a little kid because I had certainly never heard the name of Bart Ehrman. I never heard the name of Bart Ehrman. I never heard the name of Bart Ehrman. I wasn't actually all that interested in wasn't actually all that interested in wasn't actually all that interested in biblical scholarship. I was just biblical scholarship. I was just biblical scholarship. I was just interested in reading the Bible. I was interested in reading the Bible. I was interested in reading the Bible. I was raised in an extreme fundamentalist raised in an extreme fundamentalist raised in an extreme fundamentalist church known as a Plymouth Brethren church known as a Plymouth Brethren church known as a Plymouth Brethren Church. Um Plymouth Brethren don't have Church. Um Plymouth Brethren don't have Church. Um Plymouth Brethren don't have any pastors. They believe in lay any pastors. They believe in lay any pastors. They believe in lay leadership, and they believe that all leadership, and they believe that all leadership, and they believe that all males, which was me, they believe that males, which was me, they believe that males, which was me, they believe that all males have the right and the all males have the right and the all males have the right and the God-given responsibility to teach the God-given responsibility to teach the God-given responsibility to teach the Bible. I remember asking Jesus into my Bible. I remember asking Jesus into my Bible. I remember asking Jesus into my heart when I was seven or eight years heart when I was seven or eight years heart when I was seven or eight years old. There was an evangelist came to old. There was an evangelist came to old. There was an evangelist came to town. He gave um he gave an invitation town. He gave um he gave an invitation town. He gave um he gave an invitation after to come up to the front and accept after to come up to the front and accept after to come up to the front and accept Jesus. I didn't do that at the time, but Jesus. I didn't do that at the time, but Jesus. I didn't do that at the time, but I realized that I had probably missed I realized that I had probably missed I realized that I had probably missed out on something. And I knew that I out on something. And I knew that I out on something. And I knew that I wanted to be a Christian and I didn't wanted to be a Christian and I didn't wanted to be a Christian and I didn't want to go to hell and I thought that want to go to hell and I thought that want to go to hell and I thought that Jesus had offered me this free gift of Jesus had offered me this free gift of Jesus had offered me this free gift of salvation. So, I went outside and I salvation. So, I went outside and I salvation. So, I went outside and I knelt down and like this little thicket knelt down and like this little thicket knelt down and like this little thicket of trees and I asked Jesus into my of trees and I asked Jesus into my of trees and I asked Jesus into my heart. It was a real thing. It it was heart. It was a real thing. It it was heart. It was a real thing. It it was real for all of my young life. Like that real for all of my young life. Like that real for all of my young life. Like that was a real conversion moment. Um towards was a real conversion moment. Um towards was a real conversion moment. Um towards being essentially what I thought God was being essentially what I thought God was being essentially what I thought God was calling me to be and that was somebody calling me to be and that was somebody calling me to be and that was somebody who could win souls for Christ and you who could win souls for Christ and you who could win souls for Christ and you know, spread the good news of the know, spread the good news of the know, spread the good news of the kingdom. Still hadn't heard of Bart kingdom. Still hadn't heard of Bart kingdom. Still hadn't heard of Bart Ehrman by this point. I went to way to Ehrman by this point. I went to way to Ehrman by this point. I went to way to school in another city and during this school in another city and during this school in another city and during this time I was also playing in a Christian time I was also playing in a Christian time I was also playing in a Christian uh metal band. At this time, I also

uh metal band. At this time, I also uh metal band. At this time, I also became a youth pastor. So, the Baptist became a youth pastor. So, the Baptist became a youth pastor. So, the Baptist church that I was attending came to me church that I was attending came to me church that I was attending came to me when I was like I was 19 and they said, when I was like I was 19 and they said, when I was like I was 19 and they said, "We think you should be our youth "We think you should be our youth "We think you should be our youth pastor. We think God is calling you to pastor. We think God is calling you to pastor. We think God is calling you to be a youth pastor." And as a be a youth pastor." And as a be a youth pastor." And as a 19-year-old, that's like that's a thing 19-year-old, that's like that's a thing 19-year-old, that's like that's a thing you take seriously. I remember always you take seriously. I remember always you take seriously. I remember always looking for those clues about where God looking for those clues about where God looking for those clues about where God might be leading my life and I took that might be leading my life and I took that might be leading my life and I took that calling very seriously and I did become calling very seriously and I did become calling very seriously and I did become a youth pastor. I was a youth pastor for a youth pastor. I was a youth pastor for a youth pastor. I was a youth pastor for 10 years and I led a youth group. I grew 10 years and I led a youth group. I grew 10 years and I led a youth group. I grew a youth group. I worked at a church. I a youth group. I worked at a church. I a youth group. I worked at a church. I you know, worked under the pastor, was you know, worked under the pastor, was you know, worked under the pastor, was mentored by the pastor, all that sort of mentored by the pastor, all that sort of mentored by the pastor, all that sort of thing. That's that's all part of my thing. That's that's all part of my thing. That's that's all part of my story. Ironically, I think that the story. Ironically, I think that the story. Ironically, I think that the point of my deconstruction actually point of my deconstruction actually point of my deconstruction actually began with reading the book The Case for began with reading the book The Case for began with reading the book The Case for Christ. Now, this sounds really Christ. Now, this sounds really Christ. Now, this sounds really counterintuitive because the book The counterintuitive because the book The counterintuitive because the book The Case for Christ, as I understand it, was Case for Christ, as I understand it, was Case for Christ, as I understand it, was actually written to keep people in actually written to keep people in actually written to keep people in Christianity and even bring more people Christianity and even bring more people Christianity and even bring more people to Christianity. I think that was the to Christianity. I think that was the to Christianity. I think that was the point that Lee Strobel was trying to point that Lee Strobel was trying to point that Lee Strobel was trying to make with that book. Um but The Case for make with that book. Um but The Case for make with that book. Um but The Case for Christ was a book that for the first Christ was a book that for the first Christ was a book that for the first time convinced me that having my faith time convinced me that having my faith time convinced me that having my faith could be reasonable. That having a faith could be reasonable. That having a faith could be reasonable. That having a faith was the best evidence of the world and I was the best evidence of the world and I was the best evidence of the world and I Sorry for anyone who doesn't know The Sorry for anyone who doesn't know The Sorry for anyone who doesn't know The Case for Christ is basically where a Case for Christ is basically where a Case for Christ is basically where a atheist person's wife becomes a atheist person's wife becomes a atheist person's wife becomes a Christian and he's a really famous Christian and he's a really famous Christian and he's a really famous I think New York journalist and he I think New York journalist and he I think New York journalist and he basically investigates the evidence for basically investigates the evidence for basically investigates the evidence for the resurrection.

the resurrection. the resurrection. And you know, is Jesus God? And he comes And you know, is Jesus God? And he comes And you know, is Jesus God? And he comes to conclusion he is and then becomes to conclusion he is and then becomes to conclusion he is and then becomes Christian and there's a film on it on Christian and there's a film on it on Christian and there's a film on it on Amazon. I I did actually really enjoy Amazon. I I did actually really enjoy Amazon. I I did actually really enjoy the film. I've read the book so I can't the film. I've read the book so I can't the film. I've read the book so I can't really comment too much but Lee Strobel really comment too much but Lee Strobel really comment too much but Lee Strobel is fair to say is somebody who is fair to say is somebody who is fair to say is somebody who is a bit hyperbolic. is a bit hyperbolic. is a bit hyperbolic. To say the least. I mean, you know, God To say the least. I mean, you know, God To say the least. I mean, you know, God bless him. I've seen some stuff he does bless him. I've seen some stuff he does bless him. I've seen some stuff he does which I have really enjoyed about which I have really enjoyed about which I have really enjoyed about miracles and stuff but he'll he'll speak miracles and stuff but he'll he'll speak miracles and stuff but he'll he'll speak about this because it's quite a country about this because it's quite a country about this because it's quite a country thing to say you read Lee Strobel's book thing to say you read Lee Strobel's book thing to say you read Lee Strobel's book and then that kind of questions stuff and then that kind of questions stuff and then that kind of questions stuff for you. It's quite a for you. It's quite a for you. It's quite a quite an inversion of the average bloke quite an inversion of the average bloke quite an inversion of the average bloke or woman who like or woman who like or woman who like reads that kind of thing you'd think cuz reads that kind of thing you'd think cuz reads that kind of thing you'd think cuz Lee Strobel is so assertive Lee Strobel is so assertive Lee Strobel is so assertive to his beliefs. Like he really is like, to his beliefs. Like he really is like, to his beliefs. Like he really is like, no, this is it kind of thing. Um so it's no, this is it kind of thing. Um so it's no, this is it kind of thing. Um so it's quite fascinating that he says that was quite fascinating that he says that was quite fascinating that he says that was the turning point. But yeah, we'll we'll the turning point. But yeah, we'll we'll the turning point. But yeah, we'll we'll see more of this deconversion. Like I see more of this deconversion. Like I see more of this deconversion. Like I was engaging with other viewpoints that was engaging with other viewpoints that was engaging with other viewpoints that were challenging to the things that I were challenging to the things that I were challenging to the things that I believed. And having this book that believed. And having this book that believed. And having this book that essentially took biblical scholarship essentially took biblical scholarship essentially took biblical scholarship and and like took some theology and like and and like took some theology and like and and like took some theology and like took different philosophers and like took different philosophers and like took different philosophers and like having this book that interviewed a lot having this book that interviewed a lot having this book that interviewed a lot of really smart people and told me of really smart people and told me of really smart people and told me that these really smart people all kind that these really smart people all kind that these really smart people all kind of agreed that the evidence for of agreed that the evidence for of agreed that the evidence for Christianity was, you know, true and and Christianity was, you know, true and and Christianity was, you know, true and and you know, basically the thing to you know, basically the thing to you know, basically the thing to believe. That was really powerful for me believe. That was really powerful for me believe. That was really powerful for me and I remember reading this book but it and I remember reading this book but it and I remember reading this book but it also turned the lights on because it also turned the lights on because it also turned the lights on because it turned the lights on that I could use my turned the lights on that I could use my turned the lights on that I could use my brain and start to study things and

brain and start to study things and brain and start to study things and become a person who defended the truth become a person who defended the truth become a person who defended the truth of Christianity. And this is about the of Christianity. And this is about the of Christianity. And this is about the time, you can kind of see where this is time, you can kind of see where this is time, you can kind of see where this is coming. This is about the time I think coming. This is about the time I think coming. This is about the time I think where I probably discovered Bart Ehrman. where I probably discovered Bart Ehrman. where I probably discovered Bart Ehrman. I don't remember reading any of Bart's I don't remember reading any of Bart's I don't remember reading any of Bart's books when I was still a Christian. I books when I was still a Christian. I books when I was still a Christian. I like why would I? I knew Bart was wrong like why would I? I knew Bart was wrong like why would I? I knew Bart was wrong in my head. Um, I'd been told Bart was in my head. Um, I'd been told Bart was in my head. Um, I'd been told Bart was wrong. So, if I did have exposure to wrong. So, if I did have exposure to wrong. So, if I did have exposure to Bart Ehrman, it was usually through Bart Ehrman, it was usually through Bart Ehrman, it was usually through watching Bart in a debate with somebody watching Bart in a debate with somebody watching Bart in a debate with somebody else, where I was basically expecting else, where I was basically expecting else, where I was basically expecting him to get trounced by this other person him to get trounced by this other person him to get trounced by this other person because I was sure that Bart Ehrman was because I was sure that Bart Ehrman was because I was sure that Bart Ehrman was wrong. And slowly I saw this name, this wrong. And slowly I saw this name, this wrong. And slowly I saw this name, this name of Bart Ehrman, as basically like name of Bart Ehrman, as basically like name of Bart Ehrman, as basically like the quintessential enemy Bible scholar. the quintessential enemy Bible scholar. the quintessential enemy Bible scholar. I still see it used a lot like that I still see it used a lot like that I still see it used a lot like that today by different people. And Bart was today by different people. And Bart was today by different people. And Bart was somebody that I knew, because I'd been somebody that I knew, because I'd been somebody that I knew, because I'd been told, that I was pretty sure that was told, that I was pretty sure that was told, that I was pretty sure that was somebody who was kind of dangerous and somebody who was kind of dangerous and somebody who was kind of dangerous and had some dangerous ideas. One thing that had some dangerous ideas. One thing that had some dangerous ideas. One thing that goes to the heart, I think, of goes to the heart, I think, of goes to the heart, I think, of my quest for knowledge and everything of my quest for knowledge and everything of my quest for knowledge and everything of this, the amount of people, especially this, the amount of people, especially this, the amount of people, especially Christians, this is my own life, who Christians, this is my own life, who Christians, this is my own life, who have said, "Be careful with Bart Ehrman, have said, "Be careful with Bart Ehrman, have said, "Be careful with Bart Ehrman, you know, be careful, you shouldn't be you know, be careful, you shouldn't be you know, be careful, you shouldn't be listening to that." Because if you are listening to that." Because if you are listening to that." Because if you are genuinely, with your heart, seeking the genuinely, with your heart, seeking the genuinely, with your heart, seeking the truth, what is true, you should not be truth, what is true, you should not be truth, what is true, you should not be afraid of people like Bart Ehrman. Bart afraid of people like Bart Ehrman. Bart afraid of people like Bart Ehrman. Bart Ehrman is an absolute genius. Bart Ehrman is an absolute genius. Bart Ehrman is an absolute genius. Bart Ehrman is a is a world-renowned expert.

Ehrman is a is a world-renowned expert. Ehrman is a is a world-renowned expert. I always speak about it, but with the I always speak about it, but with the I always speak about it, but with the Gospel of Judas, which I think was found Gospel of Judas, which I think was found Gospel of Judas, which I think was found in 2004 in New York, and when National in 2004 in New York, and when National in 2004 in New York, and when National Geographic got it, Bart Ehrman was one Geographic got it, Bart Ehrman was one Geographic got it, Bart Ehrman was one of the first people to ever see the of the first people to ever see the of the first people to ever see the Gospel of Judas. Like, this isn't just Gospel of Judas. Like, this isn't just Gospel of Judas. Like, this isn't just some random bloke who has some edgy some random bloke who has some edgy some random bloke who has some edgy views on the internet. Bart Ehrman is a views on the internet. Bart Ehrman is a views on the internet. Bart Ehrman is a you know, super highly esteemed you know, super highly esteemed you know, super highly esteemed historian. And to act like he's not, to historian. And to act like he's not, to historian. And to act like he's not, to act like he's some sort of fringe act like he's some sort of fringe act like he's some sort of fringe nutter, who, you know, Christians should nutter, who, you know, Christians should nutter, who, you know, Christians should be careful, is just nonsense, right? He be careful, is just nonsense, right? He be careful, is just nonsense, right? He He has given me insight to Jesus that I He has given me insight to Jesus that I He has given me insight to Jesus that I would have never ever in my life known would have never ever in my life known would have never ever in my life known or gone down those avenues. I've become or gone down those avenues. I've become or gone down those avenues. I've become closer to my belief in Jesus from closer to my belief in Jesus from closer to my belief in Jesus from listening to Bart. I I truly believe listening to Bart. I I truly believe listening to Bart. I I truly believe with all my heart that if you are coming with all my heart that if you are coming with all my heart that if you are coming to to to listen to the truth, listen to different listen to the truth, listen to different listen to the truth, listen to different people, the truth will set you free, people, the truth will set you free, people, the truth will set you free, right? And and I I saw this comment right? And and I I saw this comment right? And and I I saw this comment actually on my YouTube channel and I actually on my YouTube channel and I actually on my YouTube channel and I thought it's such a brilliant comment thought it's such a brilliant comment thought it's such a brilliant comment recently where someone said, recently where someone said, recently where someone said, "Um I completely agree." And then they "Um I completely agree." And then they "Um I completely agree." And then they said, "The notion that God wants us to said, "The notion that God wants us to said, "The notion that God wants us to kind of live in blissful ignorance or kind of live in blissful ignorance or kind of live in blissful ignorance or kind of defend things defend God that kind of defend things defend God that kind of defend things defend God that way with things that aren't true. The way with things that aren't true. The way with things that aren't true. The notion that God wants us to do that is notion that God wants us to do that is notion that God wants us to do that is nonsense, right? If you do believe that nonsense, right? If you do believe that nonsense, right? If you do believe that Jesus is Lord, that Jesus claimed to be Jesus is Lord, that Jesus claimed to be Jesus is Lord, that Jesus claimed to be God, that Jesus was God, he was divine, God, that Jesus was God, he was divine, God, that Jesus was God, he was divine, he did perform miracles, he did walk on he did perform miracles, he did walk on he did perform miracles, he did walk on all these things, right? You don't need all these things, right? You don't need all these things, right? You don't need to You don't need to like be scared of to You don't need to like be scared of to You don't need to like be scared of things that go against that. All right?

things that go against that. All right? things that go against that. All right? You don't need to like inconvenient You don't need to like inconvenient You don't need to like inconvenient truth just basically just ignore it, truth just basically just ignore it, truth just basically just ignore it, right? And this is what I see so many right? And this is what I see so many right? And this is what I see so many Christian apologists do and it's such a Christian apologists do and it's such a Christian apologists do and it's such a disservice to the faith and it and it disservice to the faith and it and it disservice to the faith and it and it does deconstruct people because look, does deconstruct people because look, does deconstruct people because look, I'm a baby in my knowledge, right? I I'm a baby in my knowledge, right? I I'm a baby in my knowledge, right? I haven't gone to uni. I've I barely have haven't gone to uni. I've I barely have haven't gone to uni. I've I barely have any GCSEs. I am not a smart bloke, any GCSEs. I am not a smart bloke, any GCSEs. I am not a smart bloke, right? I just I all my stuff is just right? I just I all my stuff is just right? I just I all my stuff is just self-taught, listening stuff, reading a self-taught, listening stuff, reading a self-taught, listening stuff, reading a Bible, all this stuff, right? But Bible, all this stuff, right? But Bible, all this stuff, right? But there's people who know way more than me there's people who know way more than me there's people who know way more than me who if you're going down that road, who if you're going down that road, who if you're going down that road, you've got to go with an honest heart, you've got to go with an honest heart, you've got to go with an honest heart, all right? And I think when people don't all right? And I think when people don't all right? And I think when people don't go with an honest heart, it just brings go with an honest heart, it just brings go with an honest heart, it just brings people out the faith. It it just And people out the faith. It it just And people out the faith. It it just And people like Bart such a good example, people like Bart such a good example, people like Bart such a good example, you know? Now, I know the reason main you know? Now, I know the reason main you know? Now, I know the reason main reason he deconverted was actually reason he deconverted was actually reason he deconverted was actually because of suffering. It wasn't actually because of suffering. It wasn't actually because of suffering. It wasn't actually because of what he discovered, but that because of what he discovered, but that because of what he discovered, but that did make him kind of more liberal from did make him kind of more liberal from did make him kind of more liberal from conservative. But anyway, or or less or conservative. But anyway, or or less or conservative. But anyway, or or less or more cuz more cuz more cuz we we want to kind of give grace to this we we want to kind of give grace to this we we want to kind of give grace to this guy whose deconversion story. And by the guy whose deconversion story. And by the guy whose deconversion story. And by the way, this guy is class. I love his way, this guy is class. I love his way, this guy is class. I love his channel. I actually set out to defend channel. I actually set out to defend channel. I actually set out to defend the faith from people like Bart Ehrman, the faith from people like Bart Ehrman, the faith from people like Bart Ehrman, I thought. And in my corner, I started I thought. And in my corner, I started I thought. And in my corner, I started reading Christian apologetics. I reading Christian apologetics. I reading Christian apologetics. I remember reading Evidence That Demands a remember reading Evidence That Demands a remember reading Evidence That Demands a a Verdict, standing in the library of my a Verdict, standing in the library of my a Verdict, standing in the library of my church when I was just standing there church when I was just standing there church when I was just standing there and reading it. And for the first time and reading it. And for the first time and reading it. And for the first time seeing like, "Oh, people say that there seeing like, "Oh, people say that there seeing like, "Oh, people say that there are contradictions in the Bible or are contradictions in the Bible or are contradictions in the Bible or people say that different manuscripts people say that different manuscripts people say that different manuscripts say different things. And this was my say different things. And this was my say different things. And this was my introduction to these problems I had introduction to these problems I had introduction to these problems I had never even thought about before. And never even thought about before. And never even thought about before. And honestly, if I hadn't thought about honestly, if I hadn't thought about honestly, if I hadn't thought about them, I mean, I'm sure I would have

them, I mean, I'm sure I would have them, I mean, I'm sure I would have figured them out somewhere, but I'm not figured them out somewhere, but I'm not figured them out somewhere, but I'm not sure that if I had thought about them, I sure that if I had thought about them, I sure that if I had thought about them, I really would have even cared that much. really would have even cared that much. really would have even cared that much. I was just doing my thing. I was I was just doing my thing. I was I was just doing my thing. I was practicing my faith. But the world of practicing my faith. But the world of practicing my faith. But the world of Christian apologetics offered me Christian apologetics offered me Christian apologetics offered me something that was really seductive and something that was really seductive and something that was really seductive and I still think today is really seductive I still think today is really seductive I still think today is really seductive for people. It offered me a way to prove for people. It offered me a way to prove for people. It offered me a way to prove essentially to prove that my faith was essentially to prove that my faith was essentially to prove that my faith was rock like the most certain thing. To rock like the most certain thing. To rock like the most certain thing. To prove that my faith was true. And I prove that my faith was true. And I prove that my faith was true. And I started to read the work of Christian started to read the work of Christian started to read the work of Christian apologists and that was the first step. apologists and that was the first step. apologists and that was the first step. I remember going to seminary. Still I remember going to seminary. Still I remember going to seminary. Still hadn't read a Bart Ehrman book, for the hadn't read a Bart Ehrman book, for the hadn't read a Bart Ehrman book, for the record. Going to seminary. And when I record. Going to seminary. And when I record. Going to seminary. And when I got to seminary, I started looking at got to seminary, I started looking at got to seminary, I started looking at biblical studies. And I didn't end up biblical studies. And I didn't end up biblical studies. And I didn't end up like deconverting. I didn't end up like like deconverting. I didn't end up like like deconverting. I didn't end up like I didn't I didn't deconvert because I I didn't I didn't deconvert because I I didn't I didn't deconvert because I read liberals. I deconverted because I read liberals. I deconverted because I read liberals. I deconverted because I read the Bible. I didn't deconvert read the Bible. I didn't deconvert read the Bible. I didn't deconvert because I read Bart Ehrman. Still hadn't because I read Bart Ehrman. Still hadn't because I read Bart Ehrman. Still hadn't read Bart Ehrman. But what happened is I read Bart Ehrman. But what happened is I read Bart Ehrman. But what happened is I learned how to look at manuscripts. I learned how to look at manuscripts. I learned how to look at manuscripts. I learned how to look at the tradition. I learned how to look at the tradition. I learned how to look at the tradition. I realized like how to use a critical realized like how to use a critical realized like how to use a critical edition of the Bible and see that there edition of the Bible and see that there edition of the Bible and see that there were there were different problems in were there were different problems in were there were different problems in manuscripts. Things that I had never manuscripts. Things that I had never manuscripts. Things that I had never really thought that much about before. I really thought that much about before. I really thought that much about before. I remember back to the case for Christ.

remember back to the case for Christ. remember back to the case for Christ. These arguments about like oh there is These arguments about like oh there is These arguments about like oh there is thousand 25,000 or 5,000 manuscripts thousand 25,000 or 5,000 manuscripts thousand 25,000 or 5,000 manuscripts depending on how you count of of the New depending on how you count of of the New depending on how you count of of the New Testament and they're all so accurate. Testament and they're all so accurate. Testament and they're all so accurate. And then I remember realizing well yeah, And then I remember realizing well yeah, And then I remember realizing well yeah, but then the earliest ones aren't. Like but then the earliest ones aren't. Like but then the earliest ones aren't. Like the later ones are, but the earliest the later ones are, but the earliest the later ones are, but the earliest ones are quite a bit different. And what ones are quite a bit different. And what ones are quite a bit different. And what do we do with those differences? Or it do we do with those differences? Or it do we do with those differences? Or it was things like recognizing that there was things like recognizing that there was things like recognizing that there were different different books in the were different different books in the were different different books in the earliest Bibles. What do we do with that earliest Bibles. What do we do with that earliest Bibles. What do we do with that kind of stuff? Or of course recognizing kind of stuff? Or of course recognizing kind of stuff? Or of course recognizing that the earliest Christians didn't that the earliest Christians didn't that the earliest Christians didn't apparently see Jesus as divine. I mean, apparently see Jesus as divine. I mean, apparently see Jesus as divine. I mean, probably the author of the book of John probably the author of the book of John probably the author of the book of John did in a certain way, but I don't know did in a certain way, but I don't know did in a certain way, but I don't know that the other gospel writers did or if that the other gospel writers did or if that the other gospel writers did or if they did, it certainly wasn't like the they did, it certainly wasn't like the they did, it certainly wasn't like the Trinity and I couldn't find the Trinity Trinity and I couldn't find the Trinity Trinity and I couldn't find the Trinity in the New Testament at all. And these in the New Testament at all. And these in the New Testament at all. And these were the types of things that I realized were the types of things that I realized were the types of things that I realized for myself, and it's important to say for myself, and it's important to say for myself, and it's important to say that. I didn't read a Bart Ehrman book that. I didn't read a Bart Ehrman book that. I didn't read a Bart Ehrman book and realize there were problems with the and realize there were problems with the and realize there were problems with the Orthodox corrupting scripture. I read Orthodox corrupting scripture. I read Orthodox corrupting scripture. I read the critical edition of the Greek New the critical edition of the Greek New the critical edition of the Greek New Testament. I read biblical scholarship Testament. I read biblical scholarship Testament. I read biblical scholarship and realized that there was a problem and realized that there was a problem and realized that there was a problem with the manuscripts. I just read the with the manuscripts. I just read the with the manuscripts. I just read the Bible and I realized for the first time Bible and I realized for the first time Bible and I realized for the first time that the Bible had problems I had never that the Bible had problems I had never that the Bible had problems I had never seen before. I started to see seen before. I started to see seen before. I started to see contradictions, like the famous one in contradictions, like the famous one in contradictions, like the famous one in the Judas story between Matthew and the Judas story between Matthew and the Judas story between Matthew and Acts, where you have a very clear Acts, where you have a very clear Acts, where you have a very clear contradiction about how Judas died in contradiction about how Judas died in contradiction about how Judas died in about five different ways.

about five different ways. about five different ways. >> were also many, like look at Matthew >> were also many, like look at Matthew >> were also many, like look at Matthew with the tombs opening, but then, you with the tombs opening, but then, you with the tombs opening, but then, you know, tombs opening, dead people walking know, tombs opening, dead people walking know, tombs opening, dead people walking to Jerusalem, none of the other gospels. to Jerusalem, none of the other gospels. to Jerusalem, none of the other gospels. I've done a video on it. It's people I've done a video on it. It's people I've done a video on it. It's people like Cliff Knechtly and Shute Knechtly like Cliff Knechtly and Shute Knechtly like Cliff Knechtly and Shute Knechtly defending that. And I I I kind of was defending that. And I I I kind of was defending that. And I I I kind of was like they shouldn't be defending that. like they shouldn't be defending that. like they shouldn't be defending that. This is like if you were like And I I This is like if you were like And I I This is like if you were like And I I think this goes to the heart of so much think this goes to the heart of so much think this goes to the heart of so much of this because it's like Christians of this because it's like Christians of this because it's like Christians would prefer to dupe someone into faith would prefer to dupe someone into faith would prefer to dupe someone into faith than say something that than say something that than say something that changes their faith in some way. And changes their faith in some way. And changes their faith in some way. And and like for me, right, when I speak to and like for me, right, when I speak to and like for me, right, when I speak to someone, I like to speak about things someone, I like to speak about things someone, I like to speak about things from the honesty of my heart, right? from the honesty of my heart, right? from the honesty of my heart, right? When it comes to When it comes to When it comes to inerrancies or stuff like that, because inerrancies or stuff like that, because inerrancies or stuff like that, because I'll tell you what, if you want people I'll tell you what, if you want people I'll tell you what, if you want people to come away from the faith, the best to come away from the faith, the best to come away from the faith, the best thing you can do is not address any of thing you can do is not address any of thing you can do is not address any of these things, and the only people you'll these things, and the only people you'll these things, and the only people you'll ever hear it from are people who don't ever hear it from are people who don't ever hear it from are people who don't believe in Jesus. And this is what so believe in Jesus. And this is what so believe in Jesus. And this is what so many people who deconstruct experience, many people who deconstruct experience, many people who deconstruct experience, they experience the only people who they experience the only people who they experience the only people who speak about these truths about speak about these truths about speak about these truths about inerrancies with the early manuscripts. inerrancies with the early manuscripts. inerrancies with the early manuscripts. And while there's an incredible amount And while there's an incredible amount And while there's an incredible amount of manuscripts later, and compared to of manuscripts later, and compared to of manuscripts later, and compared to any other historical document, it is any other historical document, it is any other historical document, it is bonkers, it's absolutely bonkers. But bonkers, it's absolutely bonkers. But bonkers, it's absolutely bonkers. But the actual start of all that where the actual start of all that where the actual start of all that where there's a fair point, or the the whole there's a fair point, or the the whole there's a fair point, or the the whole issue with the synoptics issue with the synoptics issue with the synoptics and Jesus's divinity being dimmed down and Jesus's divinity being dimmed down and Jesus's divinity being dimmed down compared to John, and like all these compared to John, and like all these compared to John, and like all these issues, if if people say, "Oh, no, it's issues, if if people say, "Oh, no, it's issues, if if people say, "Oh, no, it's super clear that Jesus claimed to be God super clear that Jesus claimed to be God super clear that Jesus claimed to be God in every single gospel, and there's no in every single gospel, and there's no in every single gospel, and there's no issue there." Like if if you're not issue there." Like if if you're not issue there." Like if if you're not going to address it, if you're not going going to address it, if you're not going going to address it, if you're not going to speak about that to to your fellow to speak about that to to your fellow to speak about that to to your fellow brother and sister, brother and sister, brother and sister, if they do come across it, it's not only

if they do come across it, it's not only if they do come across it, it's not only me from a Christian. And that's not even me from a Christian. And that's not even me from a Christian. And that's not even a reason to speak about it because a reason to speak about it because a reason to speak about it because again, if you are being honest, if you again, if you are being honest, if you again, if you are being honest, if you are seeking truth, if you are doing what are seeking truth, if you are doing what are seeking truth, if you are doing what Jesus said, you know, the truth will set Jesus said, you know, the truth will set Jesus said, you know, the truth will set you free. It speaks about it throughout you free. It speaks about it throughout you free. It speaks about it throughout the Bible about seeking the truth with a the Bible about seeking the truth with a the Bible about seeking the truth with a genuine heart, right? If you are doing genuine heart, right? If you are doing genuine heart, right? If you are doing that, that, that, then why should you just basically then why should you just basically then why should you just basically ignore something? It is your duty as a ignore something? It is your duty as a ignore something? It is your duty as a fellow Christian to fellow Christian to fellow Christian to be honest. To truly be honest. And look, be honest. To truly be honest. And look, be honest. To truly be honest. And look, it's crazy as Christians that we believe it's crazy as Christians that we believe it's crazy as Christians that we believe that a man from Nazareth that a man from Nazareth that a man from Nazareth went round and was God. Like imagine went round and was God. Like imagine went round and was God. Like imagine you're walk imagine your mate, like I my you're walk imagine your mate, like I my you're walk imagine your mate, like I my favorite of all the Gospels is when favorite of all the Gospels is when favorite of all the Gospels is when Jesus goes back to Nazareth and he reads Jesus goes back to Nazareth and he reads Jesus goes back to Nazareth and he reads Isaiah in the temple and they almost Isaiah in the temple and they almost Isaiah in the temple and they almost push him off a cliff. And that for me, push him off a cliff. And that for me, push him off a cliff. And that for me, that is my that is my that is my I know I'll do another video on this, I know I'll do another video on this, I know I'll do another video on this, but that is my favorite moment in but that is my favorite moment in but that is my favorite moment in one of the whole Bible almost to be one of the whole Bible almost to be one of the whole Bible almost to be honest because it really culminates in honest because it really culminates in honest because it really culminates in the fact that basically, just really the fact that basically, just really the fact that basically, just really think about being that person. Think think about being that person. Think think about being that person. Think about being about being about being growing up with Jesus, being like I growing up with Jesus, being like I growing up with Jesus, being like I don't know. Like just picture your mate.

don't know. Like just picture your mate. don't know. Like just picture your mate. Like I got a mate called Ollie and I I Like I got a mate called Ollie and I I Like I got a mate called Ollie and I I was thinking to myself, imagine I went was thinking to myself, imagine I went was thinking to myself, imagine I went to a church and I saw Ollie saying, to a church and I saw Ollie saying, to a church and I saw Ollie saying, "Yeah, I'm God. I'm the person you've "Yeah, I'm God. I'm the person you've "Yeah, I'm God. I'm the person you've been waiting for." And I grew up with been waiting for." And I grew up with been waiting for." And I grew up with him. I ate with him. I played football him. I ate with him. I played football him. I ate with him. I played football with him. I went to school. Just imagine with him. I went to school. Just imagine with him. I went to school. Just imagine how bonkers that would be. It is bonkers how bonkers that would be. It is bonkers how bonkers that would be. It is bonkers to be a Christian, ladies and gentlemen. to be a Christian, ladies and gentlemen. to be a Christian, ladies and gentlemen. I'm a Christian and I believe in my I'm a Christian and I believe in my I'm a Christian and I believe in my heart, right, completely that Jesus is heart, right, completely that Jesus is heart, right, completely that Jesus is Lord. Jesus was divine. I do believe he Lord. Jesus was divine. I do believe he Lord. Jesus was divine. I do believe he is a parent's people. I have so many is a parent's people. I have so many is a parent's people. I have so many doubts. Don't get wrong, there are right doubts. Don't get wrong, there are right doubts. Don't get wrong, there are right inherencies in the scripture. There are inherencies in the scripture. There are inherencies in the scripture. There are so many different things, right? I mean, so many different things, right? I mean, so many different things, right? I mean, I guess it depends what you mean by I guess it depends what you mean by I guess it depends what you mean by inherencies cuz or like I mean, Alex inherencies cuz or like I mean, Alex inherencies cuz or like I mean, Alex O'Connor speaks about how, you know, the O'Connor speaks about how, you know, the O'Connor speaks about how, you know, the gospel writers like Matthew or whatever, gospel writers like Matthew or whatever, gospel writers like Matthew or whatever, if we know that they did things for a if we know that they did things for a if we know that they did things for a theological purpose, that does question theological purpose, that does question theological purpose, that does question other things. But we know like Luke for other things. But we know like Luke for other things. But we know like Luke for instance, the doctor, the way he writes, instance, the doctor, the way he writes, instance, the doctor, the way he writes, if it was Luke who wrote it, obviously, if it was Luke who wrote it, obviously, if it was Luke who wrote it, obviously, a lot of you know, a lot of historians a lot of you know, a lot of historians a lot of you know, a lot of historians don't think any of the gospel writers don't think any of the gospel writers don't think any of the gospel writers were the people who wrote them. I I need were the people who wrote them. I I need were the people who wrote them. I I need to know more about that to be honest, to know more about that to be honest, to know more about that to be honest, but um like but um like but um like Luke's very literal in the sense that he Luke's very literal in the sense that he Luke's very literal in the sense that he wants to wants to wants to present it as a very kind of present it as a very kind of present it as a very kind of autobiographical autobiographical autobiographical account in speaking about kings, places, account in speaking about kings, places, account in speaking about kings, places, times, like he wants to make it very times, like he wants to make it very times, like he wants to make it very specific. But we also got to remember, specific. But we also got to remember, specific. But we also got to remember, you know, each of the gospel writers, you know, each of the gospel writers, you know, each of the gospel writers, they were writing to a certain sector of they were writing to a certain sector of they were writing to a certain sector of people. They were writing to people to people. They were writing to people to people. They were writing to people to make them believe. So there is bias make them believe. So there is bias make them believe. So there is bias there. And then the but through that there. And then the but through that there. And then the but through that bias, you can interpret certain things bias, you can interpret certain things bias, you can interpret certain things like who they include, that means the like who they include, that means the like who they include, that means the weight that they have, or like if they weight that they have, or like if they weight that they have, or like if they include somebody who wasn't convenient

include somebody who wasn't convenient include somebody who wasn't convenient to the narrative of Jesus, and if they to the narrative of Jesus, and if they to the narrative of Jesus, and if they include them, well, that shows that include them, well, that shows that include them, well, that shows that person really was an incredible person, person really was an incredible person, person really was an incredible person, or really was very important to the or really was very important to the or really was very important to the story kind of thing. So that you know, story kind of thing. So that you know, story kind of thing. So that you know, that there's so it's such a complex, that there's so it's such a complex, that there's so it's such a complex, incredible thing, and people spend incredible thing, and people spend incredible thing, and people spend decades working on this. decades working on this. decades working on this. And I think when people just go and come And I think when people just go and come And I think when people just go and come and say, "Oh yeah, it's it's obvious. We and say, "Oh yeah, it's it's obvious. We and say, "Oh yeah, it's it's obvious. We got, you know, 5 and 1/2 thousand got, you know, 5 and 1/2 thousand got, you know, 5 and 1/2 thousand manuscripts or whatever, like, you know, manuscripts or whatever, like, you know, manuscripts or whatever, like, you know, everything's cushy. You're an idiot if everything's cushy. You're an idiot if everything's cushy. You're an idiot if you don't believe this." When people say you don't believe this." When people say you don't believe this." When people say stuff like that, there are people who stuff like that, there are people who stuff like that, there are people who are so unbelievably smart who who, you are so unbelievably smart who who, you are so unbelievably smart who who, you know, look at textual criticism and like know, look at textual criticism and like know, look at textual criticism and like it's it's so complex, right? So when it's it's so complex, right? So when it's it's so complex, right? So when people give these really sweeping people give these really sweeping people give these really sweeping assertions, especially people who who assertions, especially people who who assertions, especially people who who aren't part of authority to say that, I aren't part of authority to say that, I aren't part of authority to say that, I think that really turns people off. think that really turns people off. think that really turns people off. Because when people do go to a place Because when people do go to a place Because when people do go to a place where there is a real authority, they where there is a real authority, they where there is a real authority, they are turned off, and they're like, "Oh, are turned off, and they're like, "Oh, are turned off, and they're like, "Oh, these people are just lying, or they're these people are just lying, or they're these people are just lying, or they're exaggerating, or they're living in exaggerating, or they're living in exaggerating, or they're living in blissful ignorance." Whatever it is. But blissful ignorance." Whatever it is. But blissful ignorance." Whatever it is. But yeah, we'll see what else he has. yeah, we'll see what else he has. yeah, we'll see what else he has. The mentalist cited, "No, I can The mentalist cited, "No, I can The mentalist cited, "No, I can reconcile like I can work it out." But I reconcile like I can work it out." But I reconcile like I can work it out." But I couldn't. And it's funny that as I began couldn't. And it's funny that as I began couldn't. And it's funny that as I began to study in biblical scholarship, like to study in biblical scholarship, like to study in biblical scholarship, like as I came to seminary and started to get as I came to seminary and started to get as I came to seminary and started to get trained to actually understand biblical trained to actually understand biblical trained to actually understand biblical studies and theology, I still hadn't studies and theology, I still hadn't studies and theology, I still hadn't read a Bart Ehrman book. But I had by read a Bart Ehrman book. But I had by read a Bart Ehrman book. But I had by this point read a lot of the basic this point read a lot of the basic this point read a lot of the basic introductory stuff to biblical studies introductory stuff to biblical studies introductory stuff to biblical studies and started to realize intuitively what and started to realize intuitively what and started to realize intuitively what those Bart Ehrman books would later tell those Bart Ehrman books would later tell those Bart Ehrman books would later tell me. All of these types of problems. I me. All of these types of problems. I me. All of these types of problems. I remember a minute as I was encountering remember a minute as I was encountering remember a minute as I was encountering these problems with the Bible, these these problems with the Bible, these these problems with the Bible, these contradictions, problems with contradictions, problems with contradictions, problems with manuscripts, scribes who changed the manuscripts, scribes who changed the manuscripts, scribes who changed the Bible, whatever. I was encountering this Bible, whatever. I was encountering this Bible, whatever. I was encountering this kind of stuff. And I remember a minute

kind of stuff. And I remember a minute kind of stuff. And I remember a minute of like flailing and going back to of like flailing and going back to of like flailing and going back to apologetics and trying to find a apologetics and trying to find a apologetics and trying to find a satisfactory answers that could keep my satisfactory answers that could keep my satisfactory answers that could keep my faith intact. And ultimately, they all faith intact. And ultimately, they all faith intact. And ultimately, they all fell flat. And ultimately, I realized fell flat. And ultimately, I realized fell flat. And ultimately, I realized that Bart Ehrman was right. And this was that Bart Ehrman was right. And this was that Bart Ehrman was right. And this was the point that I went and finally read the point that I went and finally read the point that I went and finally read my first Bart Ehrman book. I think it my first Bart Ehrman book. I think it my first Bart Ehrman book. I think it was Misquoting Jesus was the first one I was Misquoting Jesus was the first one I was Misquoting Jesus was the first one I read. And by the time I read that Bart read. And by the time I read that Bart read. And by the time I read that Bart Ehrman book, there wasn't really Ehrman book, there wasn't really Ehrman book, there wasn't really anything all that shocking about it anything all that shocking about it anything all that shocking about it because it was already things that I had because it was already things that I had because it was already things that I had discovered for myself. It was already discovered for myself. It was already discovered for myself. It was already things that I had seen just by things that I had seen just by things that I had seen just by faithfully studying the manuscripts and faithfully studying the manuscripts and faithfully studying the manuscripts and the tradition and the tradition and the tradition and for lack of better word, studying the for lack of better word, studying the for lack of better word, studying the Bible. And one day I woke up and I Bible. And one day I woke up and I Bible. And one day I woke up and I realized Bart Ehrman was not the one who realized Bart Ehrman was not the one who realized Bart Ehrman was not the one who was lying to me. The apologists were was lying to me. The apologists were was lying to me. The apologists were lying to me. And this is really lying to me. And this is really lying to me. And this is really mind-bending. To this day, like it's mind-bending. To this day, like it's mind-bending. To this day, like it's just it's mind-bending that these people just it's mind-bending that these people just it's mind-bending that these people spend their lives lying to children. And spend their lives lying to children. And spend their lives lying to children. And I can try to assign these apologists I can try to assign these apologists I can try to assign these apologists like the best possible intentions and like the best possible intentions and like the best possible intentions and say, "Well, maybe they kind of have an say, "Well, maybe they kind of have an say, "Well, maybe they kind of have an like they're they're emotionally like they're they're emotionally like they're they're emotionally committed to one certain outcome and committed to one certain outcome and committed to one certain outcome and they tend to just kind of overlook the they tend to just kind of overlook the they tend to just kind of overlook the evidence that really contradicts them." evidence that really contradicts them." evidence that really contradicts them." But it's really hard when you look at But it's really hard when you look at But it's really hard when you look at the fame that apologists get in the fame that apologists get in the fame that apologists get in Christian circles. The best-selling Christian circles. The best-selling Christian circles. The best-selling authors. These people like William Lane authors. These people like William Lane authors. These people like William Lane Craig or the Canuckles or whatever their Craig or the Canuckles or whatever their Craig or the Canuckles or whatever their name is or Lee Strobel. And these are name is or Lee Strobel. And these are name is or Lee Strobel. And these are people who lie to children for a living.

people who lie to children for a living. people who lie to children for a living. That's essentially what they are. They That's essentially what they are. They That's essentially what they are. They lie to children for a living. And I can lie to children for a living. And I can lie to children for a living. And I can say that because I was one of the say that because I was one of the say that because I was one of the children that they lied to. I remember children that they lied to. I remember children that they lied to. I remember reading The Case for Christ and coming reading The Case for Christ and coming reading The Case for Christ and coming away with this kind of like nice little away with this kind of like nice little away with this kind of like nice little package that Lee Strobel likes to package that Lee Strobel likes to package that Lee Strobel likes to pretend was hard-hitting journalism. I pretend was hard-hitting journalism. I pretend was hard-hitting journalism. I don't know if you've ever read that don't know if you've ever read that don't know if you've ever read that book, but it's it's kind of funny. At book, but it's it's kind of funny. At book, but it's it's kind of funny. At least Rubel be like, "Oh, I had this least Rubel be like, "Oh, I had this least Rubel be like, "Oh, I had this problem." But then he goes and like problem." But then he goes and like problem." But then he goes and like pretends to ask a few questions to a pretends to ask a few questions to a pretends to ask a few questions to a Bible scholar and then says, "Okay, my Bible scholar and then says, "Okay, my Bible scholar and then says, "Okay, my answer, you know, my problems are all answer, you know, my problems are all answer, you know, my problems are all answered." If you ever pay attention, answered." If you ever pay attention, answered." If you ever pay attention, his actual objections or his actual his actual objections or his actual his actual objections or his actual journalistic integrity is not very journalistic integrity is not very journalistic integrity is not very strong in that book, which is he wrote strong in that book, which is he wrote strong in that book, which is he wrote it long after he was already a pastor it long after he was already a pastor it long after he was already a pastor and it's basically anyway. But and it's basically anyway. But and it's basically anyway. But you really have to ask the question, why you really have to ask the question, why you really have to ask the question, why do these people lie to children? Why did do these people lie to children? Why did do these people lie to children? Why did these people lie to me? That's like the these people lie to me? That's like the these people lie to me? That's like the question that I came away with. And it's question that I came away with. And it's question that I came away with. And it's funny now because I do this on YouTube a funny now because I do this on YouTube a funny now because I do this on YouTube a lot and I see kids in my comment who lot and I see kids in my comment who lot and I see kids in my comment who look like I used to look like and look like I used to look like and look like I used to look like and they're angry. They're like they're they're angry. They're like they're they're angry. They're like they're angry at me because I'm the angry at me because I'm the angry at me because I'm the quote-unquote skeptical scholar. I'm the quote-unquote skeptical scholar. I'm the quote-unquote skeptical scholar. I'm the one who they see as attacking their one who they see as attacking their one who they see as attacking their faith. Ironically, the things that I faith. Ironically, the things that I faith. Ironically, the things that I used to say about Bart Ehrman are now used to say about Bart Ehrman are now used to say about Bart Ehrman are now things that people say about me. And things that people say about me. And things that people say about me. And even more ironically probably people even more ironically probably people even more ironically probably people compare me to Bart Ehrman, which is also compare me to Bart Ehrman, which is also compare me to Bart Ehrman, which is also kind of funny and flattering in kind of funny and flattering in kind of funny and flattering in retrospect, but um kind of ironic. He's retrospect, but um kind of ironic. He's retrospect, but um kind of ironic. He's obviously gone through this process and obviously gone through this process and obviously gone through this process and it's completely understandable how angry it's completely understandable how angry it's completely understandable how angry he is as a apologist. I wouldn't say he is as a apologist. I wouldn't say he is as a apologist. I wouldn't say it's quite fair to characterize all of it's quite fair to characterize all of it's quite fair to characterize all of them as simply lying to children because them as simply lying to children because them as simply lying to children because I think a lot of apologists, even if I think a lot of apologists, even if I think a lot of apologists, even if they say things that aren't true, are they say things that aren't true, are they say things that aren't true, are only nuances. I think they are coming only nuances. I think they are coming only nuances. I think they are coming from a good place in the sense that they from a good place in the sense that they from a good place in the sense that they the way their theology works is they the way their theology works is they the way their theology works is they think that if they exaggerate, if they think that if they exaggerate, if they think that if they exaggerate, if they do some like almost the ends justify the

do some like almost the ends justify the do some like almost the ends justify the means a little bit. Um and clearly this means a little bit. Um and clearly this means a little bit. Um and clearly this man feels like he's been lied to, he's man feels like he's been lied to, he's man feels like he's been lied to, he's been duped. So, it's understandable he been duped. So, it's understandable he been duped. So, it's understandable he is very angry at this. And he's right, is very angry at this. And he's right, is very angry at this. And he's right, Steungel Cliff Connect I think the way Steungel Cliff Connect I think the way Steungel Cliff Connect I think the way they display arguments is I I'm not a they display arguments is I I'm not a they display arguments is I I'm not a fan of it to be honest. Then they really fan of it to be honest. Then they really fan of it to be honest. Then they really aren't up there for my aren't up there for my aren't up there for my favorite apologist. There's a There's a favorite apologist. There's a There's a favorite apologist. There's a There's a scholar I think called Matt Petey. I scholar I think called Matt Petey. I scholar I think called Matt Petey. I Petey I I can't Petey I I can't Petey I I can't I'm I'm butchering that, but he he um he I'm I'm butchering that, but he he um he I'm I'm butchering that, but he he um he he went on Alex O'Connor recently and he he went on Alex O'Connor recently and he he went on Alex O'Connor recently and he basically gave the case that Jesus basically gave the case that Jesus basically gave the case that Jesus claimed to be God. And he is an amazing claimed to be God. And he is an amazing claimed to be God. And he is an amazing scholar and I'd highly recommend him. scholar and I'd highly recommend him. scholar and I'd highly recommend him. And there's some amazing Christian And there's some amazing Christian And there's some amazing Christian apologist or Christians who I think apologist or Christians who I think apologist or Christians who I think really do come with a good heart in what really do come with a good heart in what really do come with a good heart in what they do. Like E.P. Sanders, for they do. Like E.P. Sanders, for they do. Like E.P. Sanders, for instance, incredible historian. Like he instance, incredible historian. Like he instance, incredible historian. Like he was technically a Christian, he says, was technically a Christian, he says, was technically a Christian, he says, and he is rigorous. Like if you read and he is rigorous. Like if you read and he is rigorous. Like if you read some of his stuff, like he is some of his stuff, like he is some of his stuff, like he is he is not, he is not, he is not, dancing around the truth remotely. Um, dancing around the truth remotely. Um, dancing around the truth remotely. Um, and I'm not sure if when he died he and I'm not sure if when he died he and I'm not sure if when he died he actually was a Christian at all. But, actually was a Christian at all. But, actually was a Christian at all. But, um, um, um, you know, you know, you know, again, again, again, we need to be honest.

we need to be honest. we need to be honest. It's it's crazy. Like I see comments in It's it's crazy. Like I see comments in It's it's crazy. Like I see comments in my channel where it's like, "Thank you my channel where it's like, "Thank you my channel where it's like, "Thank you for just being honest and saying that for just being honest and saying that for just being honest and saying that when you don't know and stuff." when you don't know and stuff." when you don't know and stuff." And I'm like, I feel really my heart is And I'm like, I feel really my heart is And I'm like, I feel really my heart is warmed when I see that. But, part of me warmed when I see that. But, part of me warmed when I see that. But, part of me hurts where I'm like, "Oh my goodness, hurts where I'm like, "Oh my goodness, hurts where I'm like, "Oh my goodness, like what I'm saying on my channel where like what I'm saying on my channel where like what I'm saying on my channel where I just basically say if there's good I just basically say if there's good I just basically say if there's good argument for Mormonism, if there's an argument for Mormonism, if there's an argument for Mormonism, if there's an inherent season scripture, did Jesus inherent season scripture, did Jesus inherent season scripture, did Jesus want Christianity, you know, did Jesus want Christianity, you know, did Jesus want Christianity, you know, did Jesus come to God?" All these things. come to God?" All these things. come to God?" All these things. I just basically say what's on my mind, I just basically say what's on my mind, I just basically say what's on my mind, what's in my head. I do get a lot of what's in my head. I do get a lot of what's in my head. I do get a lot of hate sometimes where it's like, "You're hate sometimes where it's like, "You're hate sometimes where it's like, "You're heretical and all this." But, it's heretical and all this." But, it's heretical and all this." But, it's incredible. I just basically say what I incredible. I just basically say what I incredible. I just basically say what I think to be true, and that's radical think to be true, and that's radical think to be true, and that's radical because I'm not like bending the truth because I'm not like bending the truth because I'm not like bending the truth to fit my narrative. I mean, obviously I to fit my narrative. I mean, obviously I to fit my narrative. I mean, obviously I am. I'm a Christian. I'm completely am. I'm a Christian. I'm completely am. I'm a Christian. I'm completely biased in this. But, like I try to be as biased in this. But, like I try to be as biased in this. But, like I try to be as least biased as possible, and that's least biased as possible, and that's least biased as possible, and that's radical. radical. radical. Like that's a bit edgy online. And Like that's a bit edgy online. And Like that's a bit edgy online. And obviously I I have an absolute mini obviously I I have an absolute mini obviously I I have an absolute mini miniature audience compared to almost miniature audience compared to almost miniature audience compared to almost any Christian online, right?

any Christian online, right? any Christian online, right? But, the fact that I'd basically just But, the fact that I'd basically just But, the fact that I'd basically just say say say what I think, and I don't try and what I what I think, and I don't try and what I what I think, and I don't try and what I I I am sure I do to anyone who's I I am sure I do to anyone who's I I am sure I do to anyone who's watching, but I don't I don't intend to watching, but I don't I don't intend to watching, but I don't I don't intend to anyway try and like bend the truth to anyway try and like bend the truth to anyway try and like bend the truth to how I want it to look. And like if if how I want it to look. And like if if how I want it to look. And like if if Bart says something or some Bart says something or some Bart says something or some historian or something says something historian or something says something historian or something says something that I think is a great point against that I think is a great point against that I think is a great point against Christianity, I will say it. I'm I don't Christianity, I will say it. I'm I don't Christianity, I will say it. I'm I don't care if there's a bunch of Christians care if there's a bunch of Christians care if there's a bunch of Christians watching who follow the channel who are watching who follow the channel who are watching who follow the channel who are like, "Oh my goodness, this blasphemer." like, "Oh my goodness, this blasphemer." like, "Oh my goodness, this blasphemer." I I don't care because I'm not doing I I don't care because I'm not doing I I don't care because I'm not doing this to appease anybody. I'm just this to appease anybody. I'm just this to appease anybody. I'm just speaking from my heart. If people speaking from my heart. If people speaking from my heart. If people resonate with it, absolutely fantastic. resonate with it, absolutely fantastic. resonate with it, absolutely fantastic. And I'm so blessed for support that's And I'm so blessed for support that's And I'm so blessed for support that's been I get It really has made me so been I get It really has made me so been I get It really has made me so happy for the past few months. So, thank happy for the past few months. So, thank happy for the past few months. So, thank you anyone who's watching. I love it. Um you anyone who's watching. I love it. Um you anyone who's watching. I love it. Um but like you know, it's it's bonkers, but like you know, it's it's bonkers, but like you know, it's it's bonkers, isn't it? Just telling the truth isn't it? Just telling the truth isn't it? Just telling the truth is now a kind of edgy position is now a kind of edgy position is now a kind of edgy position in 2026. in 2026. in 2026. You know, we got to do better than this, You know, we got to do better than this, You know, we got to do better than this, ladies and gentlemen. Like, we got to as ladies and gentlemen. Like, we got to as ladies and gentlemen. Like, we got to as Christians, we got to stop lying.

Christians, we got to stop lying. Christians, we got to stop lying. Like stop lying. We're Christians. Like stop lying. We're Christians. Like stop lying. We're Christians. I I I And people like Bart Ehrman, I think act And people like Bart Ehrman, I think act And people like Bart Ehrman, I think act more like they are more Christian like more like they are more Christian like more like they are more Christian like he's got a he's got a blog post, right? he's got a he's got a blog post, right? he's got a he's got a blog post, right? Where he donates every penny to charity. Where he donates every penny to charity. Where he donates every penny to charity. I can just see how Bart is a fantastic I can just see how Bart is a fantastic I can just see how Bart is a fantastic man. You can just picture him in his man. You can just picture him in his man. You can just picture him in his life how life how life how You can just You can just see the good You can just You can just see the good You can just You can just see the good in Bart Ehrman. in Bart Ehrman. in Bart Ehrman. And he is genuinely coming from a good And he is genuinely coming from a good And he is genuinely coming from a good place. And that is why he is my favorite place. And that is why he is my favorite place. And that is why he is my favorite historian. He is the person I go to for historian. He is the person I go to for historian. He is the person I go to for almost all of my Christianity. I mean, almost all of my Christianity. I mean, almost all of my Christianity. I mean, there's loads of people I go to like there's loads of people I go to like there's loads of people I go to like Shawn McDowell, William Lane Craig, Shawn McDowell, William Lane Craig, Shawn McDowell, William Lane Craig, um Alex O'Connor, Bart Ehrman. I read um Alex O'Connor, Bart Ehrman. I read um Alex O'Connor, Bart Ehrman. I read E.P. Sanders. E.P. Sanders. E.P. Sanders. Um I listen to a bit of John Lennox. I Um I listen to a bit of John Lennox. I Um I listen to a bit of John Lennox. I listen to a plethora of things and loads listen to a plethora of things and loads listen to a plethora of things and loads of stuff I disagree with loads of of stuff I disagree with loads of of stuff I disagree with loads of things. They're too hyperbolical. Like, things. They're too hyperbolical. Like, things. They're too hyperbolical. Like, one thing I hate is when people use the one thing I hate is when people use the one thing I hate is when people use the apologetic tool of, you know, Jesus was apologetic tool of, you know, Jesus was apologetic tool of, you know, Jesus was followed by 500 people, you know, says followed by 500 people, you know, says followed by 500 people, you know, says that in I think Corinthians. And people that in I think Corinthians. And people that in I think Corinthians. And people use that as an argument. But then use that as an argument. But then use that as an argument. But then they'll be like they'll be like they'll be like eight eyewitnesses to Mormonism in the eight eyewitnesses to Mormonism in the eight eyewitnesses to Mormonism in the plates and it's like plates and it's like plates and it's like which is way sooner and that's disputed which is way sooner and that's disputed which is way sooner and that's disputed or there'll be apparitions of masses or there'll be apparitions of masses or there'll be apparitions of masses amount of people, of kings, of emperors amount of people, of kings, of emperors amount of people, of kings, of emperors written maybe one or two manuscripts.

written maybe one or two manuscripts. written maybe one or two manuscripts. But then that's dismissed. Like, there's But then that's dismissed. Like, there's But then that's dismissed. Like, there's there's so many issues when people use there's so many issues when people use there's so many issues when people use that as a argument, I think. And people that as a argument, I think. And people that as a argument, I think. And people say, "Oh, well, they could have asked say, "Oh, well, they could have asked say, "Oh, well, they could have asked the people there because when Paul was the people there because when Paul was the people there because when Paul was writing." But, I I But, you There's so writing." But, I I But, you There's so writing." But, I I But, you There's so many instances where that exact thing many instances where that exact thing many instances where that exact thing could be applied to other people. So, could be applied to other people. So, could be applied to other people. So, and it's again, it's the honesty of and it's again, it's the honesty of and it's again, it's the honesty of heart. If you're going to use an heart. If you're going to use an heart. If you're going to use an argument If you're going to say argument If you're going to say argument If you're going to say something as a reason to believe, you something as a reason to believe, you something as a reason to believe, you have to apply that for everything. And have to apply that for everything. And have to apply that for everything. And if you don't, if you don't, if you don't, you you you you know, you don't really value the you know, you don't really value the you know, you don't really value the truth. You just want to be right. You truth. You just want to be right. You truth. You just want to be right. You just want to be um have your own just want to be um have your own just want to be um have your own blissful ignorance blissful ignorance blissful ignorance pushed in more. You know, that that's pushed in more. You know, that that's pushed in more. You know, that that's that's the truth. And I I see so much of that's the truth. And I I see so much of that's the truth. And I I see so much of it. But, yeah, well, see more of what it. But, yeah, well, see more of what it. But, yeah, well, see more of what he's saying here. In the world of he's saying here. In the world of he's saying here. In the world of evangelical fundamentalism, Ehrman is evangelical fundamentalism, Ehrman is evangelical fundamentalism, Ehrman is kind of propped up as the boogeyman. And kind of propped up as the boogeyman. And kind of propped up as the boogeyman. And I remember Like Like I kind of noticed I remember Like Like I kind of noticed I remember Like Like I kind of noticed this recently because people started this recently because people started this recently because people started saying this to me in my videos. People saying this to me in my videos. People saying this to me in my videos. People would say it that I was a skeptical would say it that I was a skeptical would say it that I was a skeptical scholar. And I remember I probably said scholar. And I remember I probably said scholar. And I remember I probably said that to Ehrman once, too. But, the irony that to Ehrman once, too. But, the irony that to Ehrman once, too. But, the irony about this whole thing is that skeptical about this whole thing is that skeptical about this whole thing is that skeptical scholar is a way of framing Apologists scholar is a way of framing Apologists scholar is a way of framing Apologists use this all the time. Apologists talk use this all the time. Apologists talk use this all the time. Apologists talk about skeptical scholar as if the about skeptical scholar as if the about skeptical scholar as if the evidence is really strong for evidence is really strong for evidence is really strong for Christianity, but scholars are just Christianity, but scholars are just Christianity, but scholars are just predisposed to disbelief because they're predisposed to disbelief because they're predisposed to disbelief because they're skeptic. You see what that does? It's a skeptic. You see what that does? It's a skeptic. You see what that does? It's a really subtle thing. It's a subtle really subtle thing. It's a subtle really subtle thing. It's a subtle rhetorical move. But, what it does is by rhetorical move. But, what it does is by rhetorical move. But, what it does is by calling somebody a skeptical scholar, calling somebody a skeptical scholar, calling somebody a skeptical scholar, you can pretend that they're the one you can pretend that they're the one you can pretend that they're the one with the axe to grind, that they're the with the axe to grind, that they're the with the axe to grind, that they're the one who's looking at historical evidence one who's looking at historical evidence one who's looking at historical evidence and seeing something that doesn't prove and seeing something that doesn't prove and seeing something that doesn't prove your point. That's kind of gross. That's your point. That's kind of gross. That's your point. That's kind of gross. That's actually a rhetorical play that actually a rhetorical play that actually a rhetorical play that apologists do. But, yeah, I mean, all of apologists do. But, yeah, I mean, all of apologists do. But, yeah, I mean, all of a sudden, I'm being called a skeptical

a sudden, I'm being called a skeptical a sudden, I'm being called a skeptical scholar, which is kind of weird because scholar, which is kind of weird because scholar, which is kind of weird because I've been on both sides of this. I I've been on both sides of this. I I've been on both sides of this. I walked that road as somebody who thought walked that road as somebody who thought walked that road as somebody who thought Ehrman was the enemy. And then as I Ehrman was the enemy. And then as I Ehrman was the enemy. And then as I studied the Bible, I realized Ehrman was studied the Bible, I realized Ehrman was studied the Bible, I realized Ehrman was telling the truth. telling the truth. telling the truth. And everybody else was lying. Why? Why And everybody else was lying. Why? Why And everybody else was lying. Why? Why were they lying to me? were they lying to me? were they lying to me? >> I I would say Bart Ehrman says what he >> I I would say Bart Ehrman says what he >> I I would say Bart Ehrman says what he believes to be true. Now, believes to be true. Now, believes to be true. Now, when he says Jesus didn't claim to be when he says Jesus didn't claim to be when he says Jesus didn't claim to be God, God, God, I I do actually think Jesus did claim to I I do actually think Jesus did claim to I I do actually think Jesus did claim to be God, and there's an amazing Christian be God, and there's an amazing Christian be God, and there's an amazing Christian scholar scholar scholar I need to I need to get his uh name. I need to I need to get his uh name. I need to I need to get his uh name. It's something Pete, but he gives a It's something Pete, but he gives a It's something Pete, but he gives a brilliant argument about how in Mark um brilliant argument about how in Mark um brilliant argument about how in Mark um I think it's Mark where he says, you I think it's Mark where he says, you I think it's Mark where he says, you know, you'll see me sitting at the right know, you'll see me sitting at the right know, you'll see me sitting at the right hand of the Father coming in the clouds hand of the Father coming in the clouds hand of the Father coming in the clouds of heaven. And he he speaks about when of heaven. And he he speaks about when of heaven. And he he speaks about when Jesus is in the Sanhedrin and how he Jesus is in the Sanhedrin and how he Jesus is in the Sanhedrin and how he actually claims to be God three times actually claims to be God three times actually claims to be God three times throughout it. And it is a brilliant throughout it. And it is a brilliant throughout it. And it is a brilliant argument. And that's not to say that I argument. And that's not to say that I argument. And that's not to say that I don't think Bart has incredible point in don't think Bart has incredible point in don't think Bart has incredible point in what he says. And also, I don't I don't what he says. And also, I don't I don't what he says. And also, I don't I don't know enough, to be honest, to say know enough, to be honest, to say know enough, to be honest, to say who what I think is objectively true in who what I think is objectively true in who what I think is objectively true in that sense.

that sense. that sense. Um now, I would I would say Jesus did Um now, I would I would say Jesus did Um now, I would I would say Jesus did claim to be God. I do really believe claim to be God. I do really believe claim to be God. I do really believe that. From everything I've looked at, that. From everything I've looked at, that. From everything I've looked at, all the Bart stuff I've looked at all the Bart stuff I've looked at all the Bart stuff I've looked at and the truth is I've listened to so and the truth is I've listened to so and the truth is I've listened to so many lectures of Bart, right? And loads many lectures of Bart, right? And loads many lectures of Bart, right? And loads of his like core stuff and all this. I of his like core stuff and all this. I of his like core stuff and all this. I need to read his books cuz I haven't and need to read his books cuz I haven't and need to read his books cuz I haven't and so I'm at a massive fault in what I'm so I'm at a massive fault in what I'm so I'm at a massive fault in what I'm saying here, right? But saying here, right? But saying here, right? But with Bart Ehrman with Bart Ehrman with Bart Ehrman I think he has he has he has insight I think he has he has he has insight I think he has he has he has insight that I don't have. He has knowledge. He, that I don't have. He has knowledge. He, that I don't have. He has knowledge. He, you know, he's read the Bible in Greek. you know, he's read the Bible in Greek. you know, he's read the Bible in Greek. I haven't. I can barely spell English. I haven't. I can barely spell English. I haven't. I can barely spell English. So So So what I I I need to trust people, other what I I I need to trust people, other what I I I need to trust people, other Christians or whoever, who have who has Christians or whoever, who have who has Christians or whoever, who have who has also read the Bible in Greek because my also read the Bible in Greek because my also read the Bible in Greek because my way is is not a lot, right? But based on way is is not a lot, right? But based on way is is not a lot, right? But based on what I know, I think Jesus did claim to what I know, I think Jesus did claim to what I know, I think Jesus did claim to be God. And I do really believe Jesus be God. And I do really believe Jesus be God. And I do really believe Jesus was Messiah. And I believe it's just too was Messiah. And I believe it's just too was Messiah. And I believe it's just too magical. The whole everything about magical. The whole everything about magical. The whole everything about Christianity, it's too magical. And I Christianity, it's too magical. And I Christianity, it's too magical. And I bring it to emotion. I bring it to the bring it to emotion. I bring it to the bring it to emotion. I bring it to the least rational thing ever, not least rational thing ever, not least rational thing ever, not manuscripts, not political philosophical manuscripts, not political philosophical manuscripts, not political philosophical arguments. For me it's when I see arguments. For me it's when I see arguments. For me it's when I see somebody somebody somebody be kind be kind be kind and I see someone hurting and I see someone hurting and I see someone hurting and then being helped. When someone does and then being helped. When someone does and then being helped. When someone does a acts of kindness, for me a acts of kindness, for me a acts of kindness, for me that moves my heart more than anything.

that moves my heart more than anything. that moves my heart more than anything. And And And the things she just spoke about, right? the things she just spoke about, right? the things she just spoke about, right? Which Which Which historians do conclude like speaks about historians do conclude like speaks about historians do conclude like speaks about what Jesus spoke about. When what Jesus spoke about. When what Jesus spoke about. When non-Christian historians speak about non-Christian historians speak about non-Christian historians speak about what Jesus preached, right? And I know what Jesus preached, right? And I know what Jesus preached, right? And I know loads of people preach, but there were loads of people preach, but there were loads of people preach, but there were certain unique things about Jesus in the certain unique things about Jesus in the certain unique things about Jesus in the sense of helping anybody in need, right? sense of helping anybody in need, right? sense of helping anybody in need, right? My heart screams that's true. And it My heart screams that's true. And it My heart screams that's true. And it feel My gut tells me that's true. If feel My gut tells me that's true. If feel My gut tells me that's true. If anything is true in the world, that's anything is true in the world, that's anything is true in the world, that's true. You And I know that's so true. You And I know that's so true. You And I know that's so irrational. I know that's not irrational. I know that's not irrational. I know that's not that's not an apologetic tool remotely. that's not an apologetic tool remotely. that's not an apologetic tool remotely. But for me, But for me, But for me, that has massive weight. Now, I there that has massive weight. Now, I there that has massive weight. Now, I there are loads of other apologetic arguments are loads of other apologetic arguments are loads of other apologetic arguments that I do know. That I do think have that I do know. That I do think have that I do know. That I do think have some weight, you know, Jesus was the some weight, you know, Jesus was the some weight, you know, Jesus was the most written about person in the whole most written about person in the whole most written about person in the whole of of of his more than anyone in history, which I his more than anyone in history, which I his more than anyone in history, which I find phenomenal. And you could say, find phenomenal. And you could say, find phenomenal. And you could say, "Well, look at history. Look at the "Well, look at history. Look at the "Well, look at history. Look at the Crusades. Look at Constantine where it's Crusades. Look at Constantine where it's Crusades. Look at Constantine where it's all because of this." But I find it all because of this." But I find it all because of this." But I find it incredible that that managed to happen. incredible that that managed to happen. incredible that that managed to happen. Now, you could say, "Well, it could have Now, you could say, "Well, it could have Now, you could say, "Well, it could have been some other guy from Palestine or been some other guy from Palestine or been some other guy from Palestine or whatever." And whatever." And whatever." And it just happened to be Jesus.

it just happened to be Jesus. it just happened to be Jesus. But for me, the fact of what he said But for me, the fact of what he said But for me, the fact of what he said combined with all these other things, I combined with all these other things, I combined with all these other things, I find find find it's just too perfect. It's like anybody it's just too perfect. It's like anybody it's just too perfect. It's like anybody It could have been in history that we're It could have been in history that we're It could have been in history that we're still talking about today. Anybody who still talking about today. Anybody who still talking about today. Anybody who could have changed the world, you know, could have changed the world, you know, could have changed the world, you know, Isaac Newton, you know, Isaac Newton, you know, Isaac Newton, you know, Galileo, you know, like there's just so Galileo, you know, like there's just so Galileo, you know, like there's just so many incredible people and I think many incredible people and I think many incredible people and I think Jesus somehow changed the world. Jesus somehow changed the world. Jesus somehow changed the world. And And And I find it so magical. I find it so magical. I find it so magical. I do. And I do. And I do. And you can say, "Well, the the the Jesus you can say, "Well, the the the Jesus you can say, "Well, the the the Jesus I'm thinking about in my head is the I'm thinking about in my head is the I'm thinking about in my head is the Jesus that has been that has been Jesus that has been that has been Jesus that has been that has been processed, that has been changed, that processed, that has been changed, that processed, that has been changed, that has been, you know, the Council of has been, you know, the Council of has been, you know, the Council of Nicaea, the early church fathers, you Nicaea, the early church fathers, you Nicaea, the early church fathers, you know, the narrative is divinity and know, the narrative is divinity and know, the narrative is divinity and you could say that the Jesus I'm you could say that the Jesus I'm you could say that the Jesus I'm picturing in my head is that. But, the picturing in my head is that. But, the picturing in my head is that. But, the more I find out about the Jesus who Bart more I find out about the Jesus who Bart more I find out about the Jesus who Bart speaks about, who historians who aren't speaks about, who historians who aren't speaks about, who historians who aren't Christians speak about, Christians speak about, Christians speak about, I fall more in love.

I fall more in love. I fall more in love. And I feel it's more true. And I feel it's more true. And I feel it's more true. You can say I'm irrational, you can say You can say I'm irrational, you can say You can say I'm irrational, you can say I'm an idiot, but from the bottom of my I'm an idiot, but from the bottom of my I'm an idiot, but from the bottom of my heart, that is what I believe. But, heart, that is what I believe. But, heart, that is what I believe. But, anyway, we'll hear more from this anyway, we'll hear more from this anyway, we'll hear more from this amazing testimony. I was watching this amazing testimony. I was watching this amazing testimony. I was watching this reaction on Paul and Paul had Bart reaction on Paul and Paul had Bart reaction on Paul and Paul had Bart Ehrman on to do a reaction to William Ehrman on to do a reaction to William Ehrman on to do a reaction to William Lane Craig. Lane Craig. Lane Craig. And it was interesting to watch William And it was interesting to watch William And it was interesting to watch William Lane Craig, who's also come after me, Lane Craig, who's also come after me, Lane Craig, who's also come after me, too, and watch him treat Bart like Bart too, and watch him treat Bart like Bart too, and watch him treat Bart like Bart is the one who's, you know, basically is the one who's, you know, basically is the one who's, you know, basically has an axe to grind. Like Bart is the has an axe to grind. Like Bart is the has an axe to grind. Like Bart is the one who's can't think very clearly or one who's can't think very clearly or one who's can't think very clearly or who isn't a very, you know, isn't very who isn't a very, you know, isn't very who isn't a very, you know, isn't very intelligent, whatever. You see this kind intelligent, whatever. You see this kind intelligent, whatever. You see this kind of framing. And it's wild to me, having of framing. And it's wild to me, having of framing. And it's wild to me, having been on both sides of this, that people been on both sides of this, that people been on both sides of this, that people like William Lane Craig are the liars. like William Lane Craig are the liars. like William Lane Craig are the liars. People like William Lane Craig are the People like William Lane Craig are the People like William Lane Craig are the ones who are misleading people. And you ones who are misleading people. And you ones who are misleading people. And you can't even see it. I mean, if you're a can't even see it. I mean, if you're a can't even see it. I mean, if you're a kid, if you're a teenager, and you grew kid, if you're a teenager, and you grew kid, if you're a teenager, and you grew up in this world, up in this world, up in this world, you're looking for some sort of you're looking for some sort of you're looking for some sort of coherence. Like you're looking for coherence. Like you're looking for coherence. Like you're looking for narrative coherence that helps you make narrative coherence that helps you make narrative coherence that helps you make sense of the world you live in. And when sense of the world you live in. And when sense of the world you live in. And when you're raised your whole life to believe you're raised your whole life to believe you're raised your whole life to believe that one thing is true, you know, that one thing is true, you know, that one thing is true, you know, evangelical Christianity is true, for evangelical Christianity is true, for evangelical Christianity is true, for example, the Bible's the word of God, example, the Bible's the word of God, example, the Bible's the word of God, it's inherent, all this kind of thing, it's inherent, all this kind of thing, it's inherent, all this kind of thing, you latch on to people like William Lane you latch on to people like William Lane you latch on to people like William Lane Craig because they help you feel that Craig because they help you feel that Craig because they help you feel that those pre-existing conclusions, they those pre-existing conclusions, they those pre-existing conclusions, they help you feel like your pre-existing help you feel like your pre-existing help you feel like your pre-existing conclusions about faith have been conclusions about faith have been conclusions about faith have been thought out. They help you feel really thought out. They help you feel really thought out. They help you feel really good, and I think this is actually the good, and I think this is actually the good, and I think this is actually the role of Christian apologetics. It's to role of Christian apologetics. It's to role of Christian apologetics. It's to And I I think there's some truth in that And I I think there's some truth in that And I I think there's some truth in that because I really do believe, and the because I really do believe, and the because I really do believe, and the more I get into this whole apologetic more I get into this whole apologetic more I get into this whole apologetic world, question my faith, finding out world, question my faith, finding out world, question my faith, finding out more about what's actually true, not more about what's actually true, not more about what's actually true, not what I want to be true, the more I'm what I want to be true, the more I'm what I want to be true, the more I'm like, most people don't actually

like, most people don't actually like, most people don't actually want to find out what's true. want to find out what's true. want to find out what's true. They really don't. They They are so They really don't. They They are so They really don't. They They are so insecure about what they believe. It's insecure about what they believe. It's insecure about what they believe. It's unbelievable. Like they they're almost unbelievable. Like they they're almost unbelievable. Like they they're almost scared of inconvenient truths. And this scared of inconvenient truths. And this scared of inconvenient truths. And this goes right through to politics to goes right through to politics to goes right through to politics to you know, just social aspects of people. you know, just social aspects of people. you know, just social aspects of people. Like most people would prefer as Lewis Like most people would prefer as Lewis Like most people would prefer as Lewis says, you know, to live says, you know, to live says, you know, to live in in in the hell and misery of their own choice the hell and misery of their own choice the hell and misery of their own choice than the joy and the wonder of something than the joy and the wonder of something than the joy and the wonder of something they don't control. And I think this they don't control. And I think this they don't control. And I think this kind of applies to truth and everything. kind of applies to truth and everything. kind of applies to truth and everything. And And And look, if you're watching this, just let look, if you're watching this, just let look, if you're watching this, just let go. Just follow the truth. I don't know go. Just follow the truth. I don't know go. Just follow the truth. I don't know it can be scary. I don't know it can be it can be scary. I don't know it can be it can be scary. I don't know it can be like terrifying to know what's what. But like terrifying to know what's what. But like terrifying to know what's what. But like just go to things with a pure like just go to things with a pure like just go to things with a pure heart. And there's something magical heart. And there's something magical heart. And there's something magical about that. There is something so about that. There is something so about that. There is something so beautiful about somebody who really does beautiful about somebody who really does beautiful about somebody who really does that, I think. You know, I love Rowan that, I think. You know, I love Rowan that, I think. You know, I love Rowan Williams because he has such humbleness Williams because he has such humbleness Williams because he has such humbleness and such intellect. and such intellect. and such intellect. But he really does believe. And he also But he really does believe. And he also But he really does believe. And he also he's smart enough to know all these he's smart enough to know all these he's smart enough to know all these things. And when he does know all these things. And when he does know all these things. And when he does know all these things, you know, he's things, you know, he's things, you know, he's he's an incredible theologian. Um, but he's an incredible theologian. Um, but he's an incredible theologian. Um, but he's he's not arrogant. He's not putting he's he's not arrogant. He's not putting he's he's not arrogant. He's not putting people down. And you know, the way when people down. And you know, the way when people down. And you know, the way when he was on Justin Brierley's Unbelievable he was on Justin Brierley's Unbelievable he was on Justin Brierley's Unbelievable recently and he spoke about Richard recently and he spoke about Richard recently and he spoke about Richard Dawkins' belief in God, about the beauty Dawkins' belief in God, about the beauty Dawkins' belief in God, about the beauty of the impossibility of, you know, the of the impossibility of, you know, the of the impossibility of, you know, the poetry of reality as he calls it. And he poetry of reality as he calls it. And he poetry of reality as he calls it. And he speaks about how thinking there is a God speaks about how thinking there is a God speaks about how thinking there is a God does a disservice to the beauty because does a disservice to the beauty because does a disservice to the beauty because like there's so much wonder and awe

like there's so much wonder and awe like there's so much wonder and awe without God of the incredibleness of our without God of the incredibleness of our without God of the incredibleness of our world, why do you need to add God into world, why do you need to add God into world, why do you need to add God into it? And the way Rowan Williams described it? And the way Rowan Williams described it? And the way Rowan Williams described what Richard Dawkins thought, I thought what Richard Dawkins thought, I thought what Richard Dawkins thought, I thought was just was just was just I was I was just glowing in my heart cuz I was I was just glowing in my heart cuz I was I was just glowing in my heart cuz I was like, here he is like really I was like, here he is like really I was like, here he is like really presenting what Richard Dawkins thought presenting what Richard Dawkins thought presenting what Richard Dawkins thought in the most honest, loving way possible. in the most honest, loving way possible. in the most honest, loving way possible. And that that's the that's the And that that's the that's the And that that's the that's the Christianity I follow. It's not this one Christianity I follow. It's not this one Christianity I follow. It's not this one of like I'm right, you're wrong. of like I'm right, you're wrong. of like I'm right, you're wrong. Uh, Uh, Uh, you know, let me just live in blissful you know, let me just live in blissful you know, let me just live in blissful ignorance. Let me make up a few things ignorance. Let me make up a few things ignorance. Let me make up a few things that seem arguable. No, no, no. Bart that seem arguable. No, no, no. Bart that seem arguable. No, no, no. Bart Ehrman is a genius. I love him. I love I Ehrman is a genius. I love him. I love I Ehrman is a genius. I love him. I love I love everybody. All right? And there's love everybody. All right? And there's love everybody. All right? And there's people who have amazing arguments all people who have amazing arguments all people who have amazing arguments all across the board, and we must not treat across the board, and we must not treat across the board, and we must not treat them with contempt or them with contempt or them with contempt or you know, there's just so much ego, ego, you know, there's just so much ego, ego, you know, there's just so much ego, ego, pride. You know, Lewis speaks about pride. You know, Lewis speaks about pride. You know, Lewis speaks about pride. You know, it's it really is the pride. You know, it's it really is the pride. You know, it's it really is the downfall so much, I think, in our in our downfall so much, I think, in our in our downfall so much, I think, in our in our world. It's just pride. You know, the world. It's just pride. You know, the world. It's just pride. You know, the pride of I must be right. What I say is pride of I must be right. What I say is pride of I must be right. What I say is right. You're wrong. We must take the right. You're wrong. We must take the right. You're wrong. We must take the humility of like we don't know.

humility of like we don't know. humility of like we don't know. And we're we're dealing with concepts And we're we're dealing with concepts And we're we're dealing with concepts and structures and things to believe and structures and things to believe and structures and things to believe that are so bonkers that if we are going that are so bonkers that if we are going that are so bonkers that if we are going to for a second act like these are to for a second act like these are to for a second act like these are simplistic things that can just be, you simplistic things that can just be, you simplistic things that can just be, you know, condensed to a few words, we are know, condensed to a few words, we are know, condensed to a few words, we are we are lying to ourselves so often. we are lying to ourselves so often. we are lying to ourselves so often. Yeah. Make believers feel like they've Yeah. Make believers feel like they've Yeah. Make believers feel like they've really thought things through. But really thought things through. But really thought things through. But ironically, what happened is I went ironically, what happened is I went ironically, what happened is I went looking to apologetics after I started looking to apologetics after I started looking to apologetics after I started having this serious engagement with having this serious engagement with having this serious engagement with biblical studies, and I realized that biblical studies, and I realized that biblical studies, and I realized that apologists didn't really care very much apologists didn't really care very much apologists didn't really care very much about study. Apologists didn't act about study. Apologists didn't act about study. Apologists didn't act couldn't actually handle very deep couldn't actually handle very deep couldn't actually handle very deep questions. And I realized that like a questions. And I realized that like a questions. And I realized that like a lot of these people haven't even really lot of these people haven't even really lot of these people haven't even really done a lot of New Testament study. Their done a lot of New Testament study. Their done a lot of New Testament study. Their New Testament work is pretty light. New Testament work is pretty light. New Testament work is pretty light. There's some exceptions, but a lot of There's some exceptions, but a lot of There's some exceptions, but a lot of apologists pretending to be New apologists pretending to be New apologists pretending to be New Testament scholars don't even have any Testament scholars don't even have any Testament scholars don't even have any credentials. at somebody like Wes Huff, credentials. at somebody like Wes Huff, credentials. at somebody like Wes Huff, who is held up as this sort of New who is held up as this sort of New who is held up as this sort of New Testament expert, who as far as I can Testament expert, who as far as I can Testament expert, who as far as I can tell has never achieved a serious degree tell has never achieved a serious degree tell has never achieved a serious degree in New Testament studies, and yet to in New Testament studies, and yet to in New Testament studies, and yet to evangelicals, he's a hero. William Lane evangelicals, he's a hero. William Lane evangelicals, he's a hero. William Lane Craig, Craig, Craig, no interest in studying the New no interest in studying the New no interest in studying the New Testament. He's a theologian. To Testament. He's a theologian. To Testament. He's a theologian. To evangelicals, he's a hero, and he talks evangelicals, he's a hero, and he talks evangelicals, he's a hero, and he talks like he studies the New Testament, which like he studies the New Testament, which like he studies the New Testament, which he doesn't. In my own life, I look at he doesn't. In my own life, I look at he doesn't. In my own life, I look at Ravi Zacharias, who I thought was so Ravi Zacharias, who I thought was so Ravi Zacharias, who I thought was so brilliant and I thought was, you know, brilliant and I thought was, you know, brilliant and I thought was, you know, the person I really wanted to read a lot the person I really wanted to read a lot the person I really wanted to read a lot to defend the faith, and turned out he to defend the faith, and turned out he to defend the faith, and turned out he was up to some pretty horrible things, was up to some pretty horrible things, was up to some pretty horrible things, and turned out to be a sexual predator.

and turned out to be a sexual predator. and turned out to be a sexual predator. It turns out that the defense of the It turns out that the defense of the It turns out that the defense of the faith by these people is basically just faith by these people is basically just faith by these people is basically just theater and that Bart Ehrman was right theater and that Bart Ehrman was right theater and that Bart Ehrman was right all along. So, I had a chance to all along. So, I had a chance to all along. So, I had a chance to interview Bart a couple weeks ago and it interview Bart a couple weeks ago and it interview Bart a couple weeks ago and it was sort of surreal after coming full was sort of surreal after coming full was sort of surreal after coming full circle as somebody who thought Bart was circle as somebody who thought Bart was circle as somebody who thought Bart was the enemy to realizing that I agree with the enemy to realizing that I agree with the enemy to realizing that I agree with him on quite a lot of things. And it was him on quite a lot of things. And it was him on quite a lot of things. And it was it was just like it was really cool. It it was just like it was really cool. It it was just like it was really cool. It was it was a wonderful interview. I'll was it was a wonderful interview. I'll was it was a wonderful interview. I'll link to it below and you can check it link to it below and you can check it link to it below and you can check it out. But, the really wild thing is as I out. But, the really wild thing is as I out. But, the really wild thing is as I reflect on it and as I watched this reflect on it and as I watched this reflect on it and as I watched this Paulogia response too is something that Paulogia response too is something that Paulogia response too is something that Bart said in his last lecture. It was a Bart said in his last lecture. It was a Bart said in his last lecture. It was a little bit tongue-in-cheek, but check little bit tongue-in-cheek, but check little bit tongue-in-cheek, but check this out. Listen to what Bart says. And this out. Listen to what Bart says. And this out. Listen to what Bart says. And among the humanities, religious studies among the humanities, religious studies among the humanities, religious studies more than any other because in the South more than any other because in the South more than any other because in the South because of this thing drives people to because of this thing drives people to because of this thing drives people to think because the kinds of things I've think because the kinds of things I've think because the kinds of things I've been talking to you run contrary to what been talking to you run contrary to what been talking to you run contrary to what they've always thought, they're going to they've always thought, they're going to they've always thought, they're going to fight against it, and they're going to fight against it, and they're going to fight against it, and they're going to find evidence for their view, or they're find evidence for their view, or they're find evidence for their view, or they're going to finally succumb to what I am going to finally succumb to what I am going to finally succumb to what I am telling you is the truth. telling you is the truth. telling you is the truth. >> [laughter] >> For the broader pub- public, we need >> For the broader pub- public, we need this kind of scholarship.

this kind of scholarship. this kind of scholarship. We need it for the Bible because the We need it for the Bible because the We need it for the Bible because the Bible is so important, but we need it Bible is so important, but we need it Bible is so important, but we need it because it's the kind of thing we need because it's the kind of thing we need because it's the kind of thing we need to be doing with our brains, using them to be doing with our brains, using them to be doing with our brains, using them to think. That's the truth. That's what to think. That's the truth. That's what to think. That's the truth. That's what happened to me. It happens to millions happened to me. It happens to millions happened to me. It happens to millions of people. For all the efforts of the of people. For all the efforts of the of people. For all the efforts of the people who lied to me, I still came out people who lied to me, I still came out people who lied to me, I still came out agreeing with Bart Ehrman. And if you agreeing with Bart Ehrman. And if you agreeing with Bart Ehrman. And if you are a person in my comments or in Bart's are a person in my comments or in Bart's are a person in my comments or in Bart's comments yelling about skeptical comments yelling about skeptical comments yelling about skeptical scholars and trying your best to to scholars and trying your best to to scholars and trying your best to to defend the faith, do your best. Do it. defend the faith, do your best. Do it. defend the faith, do your best. Do it. Again, I encourage you. Learn as much as Again, I encourage you. Learn as much as Again, I encourage you. Learn as much as you can about the New Testament and you can about the New Testament and you can about the New Testament and where it came from and the manuscripts where it came from and the manuscripts where it came from and the manuscripts and the stories we tell about it. Learn and the stories we tell about it. Learn and the stories we tell about it. Learn as much as you can. And you might be as much as you can. And you might be as much as you can. And you might be surprised to find out that even though surprised to find out that even though surprised to find out that even though today you think that Bart or maybe even today you think that Bart or maybe even today you think that Bart or maybe even me is the enemy, you might be surprised me is the enemy, you might be surprised me is the enemy, you might be surprised to find out someday that you agree with to find out someday that you agree with to find out someday that you agree with us, too. Stranger things have happened. us, too. Stranger things have happened. us, too. Stranger things have happened. Thank you so much for taking the time to Thank you so much for taking the time to Thank you so much for taking the time to listen. I'll see you next time. listen. I'll see you next time. listen. I'll see you next time. Brilliant. So, his name is C.J. Corn- Brilliant. So, his name is C.J. Corn- Brilliant. So, his name is C.J. Corn- white white. I'm not sure. white white. I'm not sure. white white. I'm not sure. What a legend, beautiful man, so honest, What a legend, beautiful man, so honest, What a legend, beautiful man, so honest, fantastic podcast, fantastic show. Check fantastic podcast, fantastic show. Check fantastic podcast, fantastic show. Check it out. Um, but yeah. Guys, th- this it out. Um, but yeah. Guys, th- this it out. Um, but yeah. Guys, th- this this is why as Christians we need to be this is why as Christians we need to be this is why as Christians we need to be honest. I will I don't know how many honest. I will I don't know how many honest. I will I don't know how many times I need to say it. I'm going to be times I need to say it. I'm going to be times I need to say it. I'm going to be a scratch record if you're watching a scratch record if you're watching a scratch record if you're watching this.

this. this. Let's just be honest. Let's just tell Let's just be honest. Let's just tell Let's just be honest. Let's just tell the truth. Crazy, bonkers, you know, the truth. Crazy, bonkers, you know, the truth. Crazy, bonkers, you know, I'll say things that are inconvenient, I'll say things that are inconvenient, I'll say things that are inconvenient, say things that might, you know, say things that might, you know, say things that might, you know, And and also, can I just say, if And and also, can I just say, if And and also, can I just say, if somebody believes something about Jesus somebody believes something about Jesus somebody believes something about Jesus or God or Christianity, and you come or God or Christianity, and you come or God or Christianity, and you come along and you're like, "Well, no, this along and you're like, "Well, no, this along and you're like, "Well, no, this isn't true cuz this manuscript says isn't true cuz this manuscript says isn't true cuz this manuscript says this, or in Greek it's translated from this, or in Greek it's translated from this, or in Greek it's translated from this." this." this." If you're that person who says that, you If you're that person who says that, you If you're that person who says that, you are doing a service to them, right? And are doing a service to them, right? And are doing a service to them, right? And the notion that basically hiding the the notion that basically hiding the the notion that basically hiding the truth from them is good for them, and truth from them is good for them, and truth from them is good for them, and like you don't want to mess up their like you don't want to mess up their like you don't want to mess up their faith. The truth will set you free. Do faith. The truth will set you free. Do faith. The truth will set you free. Do not be afraid of what is true. Um, but not be afraid of what is true. Um, but not be afraid of what is true. Um, but yeah, I love you all. I hope you'd enjoy yeah, I love you all. I hope you'd enjoy yeah, I love you all. I hope you'd enjoy this. I know it's been a weird one. I'm this. I know it's been a weird one. I'm this. I know it's been a weird one. I'm sure there'll be loads of Christians who sure there'll be loads of Christians who sure there'll be loads of Christians who hate what I'm saying in this video, but hate what I'm saying in this video, but hate what I'm saying in this video, but so be it. Um, so be it. Um, so be it. Um, yeah, I love this video. I love uh CJ yeah, I love this video. I love uh CJ yeah, I love this video. I love uh CJ Cornwall. I'm loving his channel. But Cornwall. I'm loving his channel. But Cornwall. I'm loving his channel. But yeah, God bless all of you, and I'll see yeah, God bless all of you, and I'll see yeah, God bless all of you, and I'll see you all in the next one very soon. you all in the next one very soon. you all in the next one very soon. Peace.