Earl Doherty's academic credentials?

[Barre]

Quoted from: http://tektonics.org/doherty/dohertyhub.html

Doherty:

My own research in this field goes back 14 years, when I first encountered a serious presentation of the theory in Professor Wells. Although my university training was not in New Testament studies, I have a degree in Ancient History and Classical Languages, giving me a working knowledge of Greek and Latin, which I have supplemented with some of the basics of Hebrew and Syriac. In addition to the New Testament (along with many parts of the Old), I have thoroughly investigated all the non-canonical Christian documents, the 2nd and 3rd century Apologists, all the relevant Jewish Pseudepigrapha of the era together with the Dead Sea scrolls, plus much of Christian and non-Christian Gnosticism. To this I have added a study of Philo of Alexandria, Middle Platonism and other philosophies, relevant ancient historians, Hellenistic mystery cults and the general religious thought of the era...


JPH:

In prior years, I had been disinclined to doubt these credentials, but since I first wrote this series on The Jesus Puzzle (TJP) in the late 1990s, I have come to decide that I was too generous with Doherty on this account, as these claims are notable for a certain lack in forthrightness. We are not told from what university Doherty obtained this degree in "Ancient History and Classical Languages." Indeed, Doherty does not clearly state what level of degree it is (Masters'? Bachelors'?). Nor are we told what position Doherty holds at present, and whether this professed degree is being used in any way.

[Justtristo]

It reeks of sheer desperation when somebody criticizes somebody elses work by attacking their credentials or lack therefore. To give an example, an Australian evangelical biblical scholar (Dr John Dickson) attacked GA Wells being a professor of German and not a 'proper' biblical scholar. In reality it does not matter at the least if the person presenting an argument is 'qualified' to present them. Look at Albert Einstein he came up with the theory of relativity when he was a patent office clerk.

[5thHorseman]

so instead of wasting his time doing a phd in a particular area of a subject that(as you only ever do a bit of a subject) he took those 3/4 years and looked at what he wanted to look at, and shock horror as he doesnt have a phd, he cant be trustworthy. BS.

[Happy UnBeliever]

You should start this thread here:

http://www.freeratio.org/index.php

He's a member of this forum and I am sure he will see it sooner or later. Of course you know that because you are a member there as well.

[Barre]

It reeks of sheer desperation when somebody criticizes somebody elses work by attacking their credentials or lack therefore. To give an example, an Australian evangelical biblical scholar (Dr John Dickson) attacked GA Wells being a professor of German and not a 'proper' biblical scholar. In reality it does not matter at the least if the person presenting an argument is 'qualified' to present them. Look at Albert Einstein he came up with the theory of relativity when he was a patent office clerk.

I think that I am probably not the only one who would like to know more about Mr. Doherty's educational and professional credentials. No, it's just a fair, common and entirely appropriate request. Any information anyone may have about this important and controversial author would be appreciated.

[Justtristo]

I think that I am probably not the only one who would like to know more about Mr. Doherty's educational and professional credentials. No, it's just a fair, common and entirely appropriate request. Any information anyone may have about this important and controversial author would be appreciated.

Earl Doherty has admitted he has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History and Classical Languages. Anyway I dont care if he is an amateur, because his argument for the Christ Myth hypothesis is pretty solid and well supported by his scholarship.

I just don't have much respect for academic credentials anymore. Because I have read some shocking stuff by those who have the "proper" academic credentials.

[Happy UnBeliever]

I think that I am probably not the only one who would like to know more about Mr. Doherty's educational and professional credentials. No, it's just a fair, common and entirely appropriate request. Any information anyone may have about this important and controversial author would be appreciated.

Earl Doherty has admitted he has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History and Classical Languages. Anyway I dont care if he is an amateur, because his argument for the Christ Myth hypothesis is pretty solid and well supported by his scholarship.

I just don't have much respect for academic credentials anymore. Because I have read some shocking stuff by those who have the "proper" academic credentials.

Totally agree!

[Barre]

so instead of wasting his time doing a phd in a particular area of a subject that(as you only ever do a bit of a subject) he took those 3/4 years and looked at what he wanted to look at, and shock horror as he doesnt have a phd, he cant be trustworthy. BS.

Are you really saying that pursuing a doctorate in a special field "is a waste of time?"

Here now is the fourth example here of atheistic, smug triumphalism.

[5thHorseman]

so instead of wasting his time doing a phd in a particular area of a subject that(as you only ever do a bit of a subject) he took those 3/4 years and looked at what he wanted to look at, and shock horror as he doesnt have a phd, he cant be trustworthy. BS.

Are you really saying that pursuing a doctorate in a special field "is a waste of time?"

Here now is the fourth example here of atheistic, smug triumphalism.

A particular area of a specific subject, then spend no more time on the subject, ever.

Atheistic smug triumphalism, please find any of that in my post then reread your pointless op and say it doesnt stink of your own lofty thoughts. A Phd is a fanstastic achievement, but it doesn't mean as much as some people believe it does, it isn't the holy grail, it doesn't make you any better at the overall subject, just the tiny tiny fraction you study, but then so does 3-4 years study of any subject, regardless of whether you get a piece of paper afterwards and some nice letters before your name.

For credentials, David Irving, the holocaust denying Nazi sypathiser is also one of the finest historians on Nazi Germany and Fascism. He does not have a degree at all. Some people are just good, you should checks his sources not his education.

Lastly why do you doubt his credentials? Are you really a Christian, not a pantheist? Because you stink of desperation.

[Minimalist]

There's a guy named Jim West who runs a blog. He is an interesting guy....a baptist preacher in fucking Tennessee who nonetheless hangs out with and agrees with some of the most notorious ( in fundie circles ) minimalist scholars like Niels Peter Lemche and Philip R. Davies. I don't know how he keeps his job in trailer trash land.

Anyway, while he is academically enlightened enough to apparently think outside of fundie circles he his own brand of myopia which he proudly displays for all to see. In his view, only people with a degree in fucking theology are fit to comment on the bible. Anyone else who does so is a "diletantte" in his most customary of words.

The irony here is, of course, that the original protestant troublemaker, Luther, demanded that each man read the bible himself and not listen to self-proclaimed popes or churches. People like West stand that idea on its head. He thinks that we need HIM to explain the bible. I wonder what Luther would think of that?

The problem with academics by and large is that they tend to write to each other. That's why a guy like Neil De Grasse Tyson is so valuable: He can cross the divide and explain ideas to the layman.