If Christianity is one big conspiracy, we wouldn’t find so many mistakes and inconsistencies in the Gospels! Surely if the faith was one big lie, the Gospels would have some uniformity to them, united to deceive readers.

Well, that’s one side of the argument. Others might point to the Gospel contradictions as proof the entire thing is made up.

So, why are there contradictions in the Gospels? Does this undermine their credibility?

Meet our guests

Links

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A transcript of this episode is available here. Please note, that due to software not all exchanges between guests will be completely accurate.

Extras

Check out these helpful links below for more info on what was discussed in this episode.

If you want to get straight into the contradictions – and what our host and guest make of them – skip to around the 52-minute mark (but then circle back and listen to the entire pod – its well worth it!)

To Read

• Gospel historicity is a happy place for Undeceptions. Here’s a great read on why the little things we find in them can give us confidence in their reliability
• Here’s a long – but fascinating – read on the inerrancy of scripture, and why what we believe matters (courtesy of C.S. Lewis Institute)
• This cool article compares the genealogical accounts of Jesus found in Matthew and Luke, compares them, and unpacks why they are written in such ways

To Watch

• Ever debated a friend over how to pronounce “Newfoundland”? This TikTok should clear it up!
• Here’s a great video posted by our season sponsor Zondervan, going into a pretty major difference between Luke and Matthew!
• Mike Licona has a very in-depth YouTube account that’s well worth your time – check out this video on it, where he explains the historicity behind the Resurrection

To Listen

• Mike and Bart Ehrman have had several debates on today’s topic – here’s an epic three-hour one, that you can either listen to or watch!
• Last week’s Undeceptions episode with Simon Gathercole is a must-listen if you’re interested in today’s topic – here it is
• Bible Mistakes is another great Undeceptions listen that’s related to today’s topic
• … as is our episode Easter Myths!! 

… and finally

•  Here’s a copy of the ancient Diatessaron – or super Gospel – in full! You’ll never need to read the four Gospels again after this (… definitely keep reading the four Gospels)