{"product_id":"can-we-trust-the-text-of-the-new-testament","title":"Can We Trust The Text of the New Testament?","description":"Can We Trust The Text of the New Testament? DVD VIDEO DEBATE manuscript evidence \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp class=\"proAttr productType\"\u003e\u003clabel\u003eType: \u003c\/label\u003e Movie \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"proAttr productType\"\u003e\u003clabel\u003ePlatform: \u003c\/label\u003e DVD \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"proAttr productType\"\u003e\u003clabel\u003ePublisher: \u003c\/label\u003e CSNTM \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"proAttr productType\"\u003e\u003clabel\u003eReleased: \u003c\/label\u003e 2011 \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp class=\"proAttr productType\"\u003e\u003clabel\u003eMedia: \u003c\/label\u003e DVD \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cshortdescription\u003e\u003c\/shortdescription\u003eCAN WE TRUST THE TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDo we have enough evidence to reconstruct the New Testament text? \u003cbr\u003e— or — \u003cbr\u003eDid the early scribes corrupt it beyond repair?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn October 1, 2011, over fifteen hundred people filled the McFarlin Memorial Auditorium on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas to hear two world-renowned scholars debate the question: Can we trust the text of the New Testament?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe debate featured two 30-minute presentations from each debater followed by two rounds of cross-examination. Members of the audience were then given time to ask questions directly to the debaters.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter hearing the evidence for each side, you decide whether or not we can trust the text of the New Testament.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpanding on the topic:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe question of whether the New Testament text is trustworthy strikes at the heart of Christian history, theology, and biblical scholarship. The New Testament, composed of 27 books written in the first century AD, has been transmitted through thousands of handwritten manuscripts over nearly two millennia. Understanding the reliability of these texts involves several key areas:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eManuscript evidence: The New Testament boasts the largest number of ancient manuscripts compared to any other ancient document. There are over 5,800 Greek manuscripts, plus thousands more in Latin, Coptic, Syriac, and other languages. These manuscripts date from as early as the 2nd century to the Middle Ages, providing a rich textual tradition for comparison and verification.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTextual criticism: This is the scholarly discipline dedicated to reconstructing the most original text possible by comparing variant readings found among manuscripts. Through careful analysis of differences, scholars can often determine copying errors, deliberate alterations, and reconstruct the earliest attainable text.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarly translations and citations: Besides Greek manuscripts, the New Testament text is preserved in early translations and quotations by Church Fathers, which serve as independent attestations supporting or clarifying the text’s transmission.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCritics of textual reliability often highlight the existence of thousands of textual variants—differences among manuscripts—in the New Testament. However, the vast majority of these variations are minor, such as spelling differences or word order changes that do not affect doctrinal teachings or the overall message.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical context of scribal transmission:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn antiquity, texts were copied by hand, which inevitably led to errors, both accidental and sometimes intentional. Scribal errors could include:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOmissions of words or lines\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRepetitions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSubstitutions or additions\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHarmonizations to parallel passages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNevertheless, many scribes were careful and conscientious, and the sheer number of manuscripts allows scholars to identify and correct errors through comparison. Additionally, the early Christian community’s emphasis on preserving authoritative texts acted as a safeguard against deliberate corruption.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe significance of the 2011 debate:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe debate hosted at Southern Methodist University brought these complex issues into public awareness by engaging two prominent scholars representing opposing views. The format allowed each expert to present their arguments and question the other's claims, illustrating the depth and nuances involved in assessing the New Testament text’s reliability.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuch discussions are vital not only for academic understanding but also for individuals seeking assurance about the authenticity of the Scriptures on which much of Western culture, ethics, and religious belief are founded.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eConclusion:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile no ancient text survives without some degree of variation or transmission challenge, the New Testament’s wealth of manuscript evidence, combined with rigorous scholarly methods, provides a strong foundation for trusting that the text we have today closely reflects the original writings. Ultimately, engaging with this question encourages deeper study and reflection on the historical and spiritual legacy of the New Testament.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Debaters\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDaniel B. Wallace is the Director of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (CSNTM) and Professor of New Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the senior New Testament editor for the NET Bible and has traveled around the world preserving copies of the New Testament with CSNTM.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the author of over 20 books including the bestselling Misquoting Jesus: The Story behind Who Changed the Bible and Why. He has appeared on NPR, CNN, The Daily Show, \u0026amp; The Colbert Report.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor DVD Player (North American NTSC)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"CSNTM","offers":[{"title":"Used In Sleeve","offer_id":50212458070294,"sku":"118585","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0083\/0377\/1710\/files\/20257217595815scan.jpg?v=1751670010","url":"https:\/\/www.neverdiemedia.com\/products\/can-we-trust-the-text-of-the-new-testament","provider":"NeverDieMedia","version":"1.0","type":"link"}