The Origin of Paul's Religion

In this thoughtful collection of lectures, a seasoned New Testament scholar tackles one of Christianity’s most enduring questions: how did the movement actually begin? By zeroing in on the apostle Paul—whose letters are among the few texts historians agree are authentic—the discussion grounds itself in a concrete point of reference. The speaker argues that understanding the origins is not merely an academic exercise but a matter that still shapes personal faith and church identity.

The series walks listeners through the historical landscape of the first century, contrasting the popular view of Christianity as merely a way of life with the view that it rests on a specific message about its founder. It examines the strengths and limits of the sources that preserve Jesus’ teachings, and shows how Paul’s testimony becomes a key lens for probing early Christian belief. Listeners will come away with a clearer sense of why the debate over origins matters for both scholars and everyday believers.