'Once again Bart Ehrman has written lucidly and convincingly on a subject of central importance, the origins of altruism. Cutting through a tangle of technical biblical scholarship, yet without oversimplifying, he traces our belief that human beings should help each other, just because they are human, back to the teaching of Jesus. An exciting and inspiring book that should persuade readers who, like Ehrman, have no religious commitment how startlingly original Jesus' moral teaching was.' John Barton, author of A History of the Bible Bart Ehrman makes a scintillating case here that strong forms of altruism love for strangers, outcasts and others not like us are ultimately driven by a Christian ethic from Jesus himself. Learned and elegantly written, this is a book that all (including Christians!) should benefit from and enjoy reading. Simon Gathercole, author of The Gospel and the Gospels 'In this engaging and highly readable volume, Ehrman makes an original and compelling case for discovering the roots of modern altruism in the distinctive teaching of Jesus. Thought-provoking and insightful, the book is an excellent primer to philosophy and the pursuit of happiness both in the ancient world and today.' Helen Bond, author of The First Biography of Jesus 'An engaging but expert guide.' The Times on Heaven and Hell
