What Moody Bible College Didn't Prepare Me For
Summary
Bart Ehrman reflects on his formative years at Moody Bible Institute, describing its strict fundamentalist environment and how it sparked his passion for biblical studies despite lacking secular academic training. He discusses his eventual disillusionment with inerrancy, the emotional difficulty of leaving that worldview, and how his background helps him engage with evangelical critics. The episode concludes with a Q&A addressing the unforgivable sin, the origins of miracle stories, and the theological implications of biblical errors.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Grow Therapy and summer blues
Dr. Ehrman's decision to attend Moody Bible Institute
Curriculum and strict behavioral rules at Moody
Student life, chapel, and radio counseling duties
Academic passion for the Bible and conference promo
The formation of the New Testament canon
Regrets about Moody and transition to Wheaton College
Fundamentalist mindset and internal consistency
Discovering biblical errors and backlash from peers
Wheaton's liberal arts education and changing views
Understanding the unpardonable sin in context
Origins of Jesus' miracle stories
Greek grammar analysis of John 1:1
Christianity without the Bible and inerrancy
Conclusion and preview of next episode on Satan
Listen ad-free on Castria