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Was early Christianity just one of many competing versions of Jesus? In this episode, we follow the historical evidence—not later legends—to uncover the only four divergent groups from the first century. You’ll see how each one arose after the earliest Christian hymn declared Jesus both divine and crucified. As these groups struggled to make sense of that claim, they broke away, rewrote Scripture, and invented new gospels. If you're not a Christian, this episode offers a surprising look at how the earliest Christian beliefs weren’t slowly invented—but fiercely defended.
By Jason ConradWas early Christianity just one of many competing versions of Jesus? In this episode, we follow the historical evidence—not later legends—to uncover the only four divergent groups from the first century. You’ll see how each one arose after the earliest Christian hymn declared Jesus both divine and crucified. As these groups struggled to make sense of that claim, they broke away, rewrote Scripture, and invented new gospels. If you're not a Christian, this episode offers a surprising look at how the earliest Christian beliefs weren’t slowly invented—but fiercely defended.