ApostateAbe

Like with many theories, there are many spectral variations of it, and they may blur into the opposing theories. I don't even regard it as a single theory, but it is more of a general position with many diverse theories. The general position is that there was no actual human being who fits the general profile and inspired the character of Jesus Christ per the Christian traditions. In short, Jesus-mythers believe that Jesus Christ started out as a human thought, not as a human being.

ApostateAbe

On the plus side, that means Bart Ehrman spoke truthfully to me and is making genuine progress. On the minus side, it means that the e-book is still a long way off.

Peter Kirby

If it does come to pass, and knowing Ehrman's prestige as an author, I wouldn't be surprised if it comes out as a paperback, despite the author's own reservations about that format.

jgoodguy

I hope to see a professional treatment of the issue rather than a battle of the blogs. OTOH, I am sure someone will be real unhappy.

ApostateAbe

He sells books with provocative anti-Biblicist titles that tick off the Christians and appeal to his anti-Biblicist audience. Those books sell like hot cakes. He has written other books written for an academic audience of students or colleagues. Those books sell like cold cakes. This book about proving the existence of Jesus is a topic of debate that most people have never heard of and they would take the conclusion as a no brainer and a waste of time. It would sell just like Earl Doherty's books sell, which is hardly at all.

Peter Kirby

There's an audience for more Ehrman, an audience for myther books, and an audience for historical-apologetic books. Put them together into a historian (better than a Divinity degree here) saying that there are a few definite things we know about Jesus and refuting "fringe oddball" ideas, and you've got a paperback. Not New York Times bestseller, but it could see bookshelves.

ApostateAbe

Well, that would be great. The publishing company was the one who refused the idea, and, after it comes out as an e-book, then it dilutes the market value of the same book being sold as paperback, maybe unless the e-book is a huge hit, but there would be a potential copyright obstacle, also.

Peter Kirby

Good point. About it being harder to sell the book after the e-book, that is.

Nothing prevents him from submitting his manuscript to a different publisher before going the e-book route... after all, he pitched a book idea, not a book. Never know I guess.

Chaucer

-- which means that the one here who first made the suggestion on this thread that you were not speaking truthfully owes you and this board an unequivocal apology. Failing that, he is in contempt and in violation of the rules of this board.

He has two choices: He can wait until one of us ascertains which poster it was and then calls him on it publicly, or he can step forward first and apologize now, saving himself a lot of trouble.

His move.

Chaucer

Toto

No one suggested that Abe was not being truthful. Abe did not say anything about anyone here accusing him of lying. Abe did say that this confirmed that Ehrman told him the truth.

I did speculate that Ehrman might have been joking (not lying.)

You see how these wild rumors and misconceptions start? Is there a lesson here?