Abstract

In the YouTube podcast “I Don’t Get The Bible,” the hosts discuss the reasons behind having four gospels and their similarities and differences. They explore the influence of Gnosticism on John’s gospel, which emphasizes the unity of Jesus as both fully God and fully human. The hosts express curiosity about Gnosticism and its relation to the Trinity, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of these theological concepts.

Long Description

In the YouTube podcast titled “I Don’t Get The Bible,” the hosts engage in a discussion about various aspects of the Bible and seek to understand its contents better. They specifically focus on the gospels and explore questions such as why there are four of them and why they seem to repeat certain information. The hosts seek answers from the perspective of their religious background and engage in a dialogue with their cult leader dad.

The hosts begin by mentioning the importance of having two or three witnesses, as established in the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible). They connect this concept to the gospels, stating that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John serve as separate witnesses of the events described. They emphasize that believers today have two witnesses, the written word (Bible) and the spirit, which confirms the truth of the scripture.

Regarding the four gospels, they explain that Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the synoptic gospels because their content is very similar. Scholars propose that these three gospels derive from a common source referred to as “Q.” Mark is considered the least original, while Matthew and Luke incorporate additional elements. John’s gospel, on the other hand, is described as almost entirely original, as it focuses on different aspects of Jesus’ life. It is believed that John wrote his gospel to counter the growing influence of Gnosticism, a belief system that emphasized secret knowledge and denied the full humanity of Jesus.

The hosts briefly touch upon Gnosticism, stating that it was a significant movement at the time, and its teachings can be found in various historical sources. They mention that John’s gospel and his first epistle address Gnostic beliefs directly, challenging their views and asserting the unity of Jesus as both fully God and fully human.

The conversation then turns to the Trinity, as they mention a figure named Cerinthus, who propagated the idea of Jesus being both 100% man and 100% God, similar to the Trinity concept. They highlight the potential problem with this perspective, as it suggests that God left Jesus on the cross, which contradicts the non-Trinitarian view they favor. They argue that Jesus was a man who had God’s Word in him, but that Word left him on the cross, causing him to utter the words, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” They suggest that Jesus’ death was for humanity’s sins, and after his resurrection, he was fully deified in his flesh.

The hosts express their curiosity to learn more about Gnosticism and related historical figures. They express a desire to delve deeper into these topics and gain a better understanding of the nuances involved.

Throughout the podcast, the hosts maintain an open-minded and inquisitive attitude, seeking to unravel the complexities of the Bible and its teachings. They acknowledge the presence of differing schools of thought within Christianity and express a genuine interest in exploring these ideas further.